The bathroom has come to be viewed as a retreat – a place for relaxation, solitude and renewal in the home. However, for the elderly and infirm in Brooklyn Heights and elsewhere, it can present formidable barriers to use and may compromise safety when physical abilities begin to fail. However, designing or updating a bathroom to be handicap accessible and able to accommodate the changing needs of an individual can incorporate tranquility into a once again functional space.
Handicap Accessible Bathroom
For an able-bodied person, a standard tub or shower poses no challenge. However, consider changes in mobility and it becomes a different story. Raising the height of fixtures like the sink and toilet, in addition to allowing for increased clearance for walkers or wheelchairs, are simple ways to increase accessibility in this room. On the other hand, the bath and shower are the trickiest for ensuring safety and accessibility.
Tips for Renovation
When renovating or designing a bathroom to accommodate the elderly or handicapped, many will choose to add shower or bath options that are both user-friendly and beautiful. Increasingly, bathroom remodels incorporate barrier-free showers taking into account possible future needs. Furthermore, the market has responded with some very aesthetically pleasing options.
If a remodel is your choice, a zero-entry or curbless shower offers complete accessibility with no threshold to step over. They are designed to occupy any amount of space desired – from that of a standard shower to much larger. Installing a hand-held showerhead on a slide bar is a great way to increase usability, allowing the user to shower while seated. Of course, a shower bar is an easy to install and a popular standard for safety. Walk-in bathtubs are also an option. They can occupy the same footprint as an existing standard-sized tub.
Elderproofing is Our Specialty
A handicap accessible bathroom is critical for creating an accessible home as loved ones age. David York Agency is well aware of possible safety hazards. More important, their home health aides know how to navigate their clients in the bathroom safely. They have done a lot of research about elder proofing homes and have compiled a concise, handy chart for caregivers to use which is available on the caregiver resources page.
David York Agency Home Healthcare Can Help Seniors in Brooklyn Heights
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly and are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and down. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Brooklyn Heights that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
For more helpful tips and information, check out our blog or contact us today.
