If you ask a senior where they’d like to live during the rest of their life, you’ll discover that most will say “In my own home”. The reason many seniors can’t stay in their home the way they want to is because they are not able to care for their health and hygiene – in other words, they can’t use the toilet or shower safely and independently. This is a problem that can sometimes be addressed by making sensible upgrades to the bathroom.
We asked the best plumber in Manhattan for recommendations, and here’s what they had to say:
Get the right height toilet.
The standard toilet is often much too low for someone with back or hip pain and limited flexibility. Comfort height toilets are up to six inches taller, which makes it much easier for seniors to use. Additionally, grab bars installed near the toilet allow for independent use.
Effortless access to bath or shower
People hurt themselves climbing in and out of bathtubs and showers. This is the primary reason people fall in the bath. Fall prevention begins with making accessing the bath or shower effortless. For many seniors, a barrier free shower or walk in tub is the way to go. There’s no need to step up or over anything. Also, you can easily have a shower chair or walker in a barrier free shower with you. No need to give up any stability in order to get clean.
No Slip Flooring & Better Lighting
This may sound weird coming from a Manhattan plumber, but one of our recommendations for the senior bathroom is to choose no-slip flooring. Bathrooms get wet even when everything goes perfectly, and some floor surfaces are extremely slippery when wet. You don’t want your parents to fall. Invest in no slip flooring. Additionally, better lighting makes it easier for seniors to see things properly – important if they’re taking medications, for example.
