Here are Eight Things you Need to Keep in Mind
There are a few things that are of utmost importance when remodeling your bathroom to accommodate an older person. Since there is a lot to cover, we’ll be breaking this into two parts. One more thing to keep in mind before we start, whenever you make a bathroom remodel, you need to consider special things your person needs.
5. Raise the Toilet
While last time we talked about adding grab bars to help people get up and down from the toilet; having a raised toilet is just as essential. The average US toilet is relatively low to the ground and can create some serious problems. When finding which toilet to use, use an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) approved toilet. Here are some of the features to look for:
A raised toilet seat
Tool-free removable arms
Added height: about 17-18 inches higher than a standard toilet
Wider toilet seat
6. A Help Button
While most seniors might wear a help necklace, you should also have a few installed in the
bathroom. Medical alert necklaces can be purchased as part of either in-home or on-the-go medical alert systems. In this case, we’re talking about home systems. This generally plugs into a wall at a central location and then uses your cell phone to call for help. You can put these buttons in places in the bathroom where people might get into trouble. You can also have a voice-activated version, meaning you don’t have to press the button; just call for help—just something to keep in mind, as the bathroom can be dangerous.
7. Use Good Lighting
When you’re remodeling your space, don’t forget about lighting. At first, it might not seem like a huge issue, but if the bathroom is at all dark or casts odd shadows, you probably want to look into updating it. Bright lighting will help people stay safe by seeing more of what’s happening, but you need to be careful not to go too bright because this can cause a dizzying effect.
8. Keep Items Within Reach & a Handheld Shower Head
Last but certainly not least, you must ensure everything is accessible! This can be as simple as adding shower cubbies or adding a custom built-in, but either way, you need to keep things like soap, shampoo, and cleaning supplies within reach. You also need to think about toilet paper holders, and you can also install a duvet instead, which is much easier for elderly people.
Now, you also need to install a hand-held shower head; this way, they can reach more areas of their body without having to move as much in the shower.
If you're thinking about a renovation in Wilmington, NC, and want a team that can help you design your dreams and take the job all the way, call the team at Avocet Design Build today to turn your dreams into reality!
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