Navigating the bathroom safely can be a challenge for some seniors, which means that home improvement projects may be required to maximize safety. Learn more about the enhancements you can make to ensure the bathroom is a senior-friendly space.

4 Ways to Make the Bathroom Safe for Seniors

1. Walk-In Shower or Tub

If the bathroom is equipped with a bathtub-shower combination, it’s time for an upgrade. Stepping in and out of the tub can be difficult for seniors who may lose their balance.

A new walk-in shower or walk-in tub will make bathing, entering, and exiting simpler for seniors. Install non-slip flooring and grab bars to help avoid falls.

2. Upgrade the Toilet

Accessing the toilet can also be more difficult for seniors; a low seat, in particular, can be a fall hazard. Replace this toilet with one that sits higher up to make sitting and standing easier for seniors. You can also place grab bars around the toilet for added support.

3. Install Low Shelving

Seniors may struggle to reach a medicine cabinet that’s too high or a cabinet under the sink that’s too low. To make essentials more accessible, place shelves or cabinets around eye level. Open shelving can be easier to reach than cabinets or drawers.

4. Update Lighting

A bathroom must be well lit so you can see what you’re doing. Replace dim light fixtures with brighter ones, especially those located near the shower, bath, or toilet.

Add nightlights that turn on automatically, so night trips to the bathroom are safely illuminated. Consider smart or touch light switches that seniors can tap, which is an easier maneuver for arthritic hands than flipping a switch.

If you need a home improvement contractor to redesign a bathroom for maximum safety, contact Henry’s Services. Serving the Anchorage, AK, area since 1962, they’ll help with a variety of bathroom renovations, whether you need a complete remodel or small improvements. To schedule an appointment to discuss your bathroom renovation, call (907) 344-4200, or visit the website to learn more about available services.