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 elderproof safe and handicap accessible that is able to accommodate the changing needs of an individual can once again incorporate tranquility into this functional space.
Safety & Health Issues
Of the falls that occur within the home, approximately one-half of these occur in the bathroom. This makes sense when considering that the environment is, by necessity, comprised of hard surfaces which are often wet or damp. With the elderly, factor in less-than-perfect balance or failing eyesight, and a misstep in this room can spell disaster. We must address the critical issue of preventing falls and bathroom safety head on.
Handicap Accessible Bathroom
There are many bathroom safety products. Some ease transfer in and out your shower or tub. Other designs include raised toilet seats, toilet safety frames, and non-slip suction mats or rubber silicone appliqués in the tub can help prevent falls.
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 space to be an elderproof safe bathroom that are handicap accessible, 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.
Elderproof Safe Bathrooms Are 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.
Home Health Aide Assistance
In addition to bathroom safety products, a home health aide can assist with bathroom safety. A home health aide can assist an elderly person or someone recovering from surgery or illness with access to and from the bathroom. A personal care aide can help with bathing, drying off, dressing, and grooming. It can be very handy to have another person to help. They can help with balance and wipe dry a wet surface. A wet floor is particularly dangerous when it comes to bathroom safety.
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.
