Making Your Bathroom Senior-Friendly: A Guide to Quick and Affordable Modifications

Aging gracefully is the goal of many, yet as we or our loved ones age, daily activities can become challenging. One of the most critical spaces in your home, the bathroom, is also a space that houses most of these day-to-day activities.

Making a few strategic modifications can enhance safety, functionality, and independence for seniors in the bathroom.

Introduction to Bathroom Modifications

In the wake of her dad’s hospitalization, Lizette undertook a project to modify her parents' primary bathroom to be more senior-friendly, ensuring it facilitated easier mobility for her parents, especially her dad. She shares these modifications in her detailed video tutorial, providing tips and insights that can help others looking to do the same.

The Importance of Adequate Grab Bars

1. Wall-Mounted Grab Bars

Grab bars are a fantastic tool in aiding seniors to move around the bathroom safely. Lizette chose to install a wall-mounted grab bar near the toilet, providing a sturdy support system for her dad to use both for standing up from the toilet and for getting in and out of the tub. This two-in-one solution not only aids in stability but ensures safety in two crucial areas of the bathroom.

2. Suction Cup Grab Bars

Another fantastic option for extra support is suction cup grab bars. These bars are easy to install and remove, making them a versatile option. However, it is essential to ensure the entire head of the suction cup is on the tile to maintain its hold, avoiding grout lines. Regular checks are necessary to ensure its stability.

Toilet Modifications for Increased Comfort

1. High-Rise Toilet

Installing a high-rise toilet can make it easier for seniors to use the toilet independently. The additional height can significantly aid in standing up and sitting down with less strain.

2. Toilet Rails

To further enhance the usability of the toilet, Lizette added toilet rails, giving her dad a secure hold when using the toilet, reducing the risk of falls and strains.

Taking Tub Safety to the Next Level

1. Carex Tub Seat

Lizette recommends the Carex tub seat, a plastic seat that supports up to 300 pounds. She advises against metal elements, as they do not hold up well in wet conditions. The seat makes showering a safer and more comfortable experience for seniors.

2. Tub Rail

A tub rail secured to the side of the tub can offer additional support when stepping into the tub, enhancing safety and independence during bath time.

3. Handheld Shower

Introducing a handheld shower can make bathing not just easier but also more enjoyable. It allows for more control and stability, especially for those with mobility issues.

Ensuring Functionality for Individuals with Dementia

1. Contrasting Colors

For individuals with dementia, a bathroom with contrasting colors can be beneficial. Using colored duct tape to outline various surfaces can help in defining edges, aiding those with impaired depth perception.

2. Strategic Color Choices

Experimenting with colors like red, yellow, and blue can sometimes be necessary to find the perfect contrast that works. The goal is to find a color that will stand out well against a white background, facilitating better visibility and safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with thoughtful and well-placed modifications, a bathroom can transform into a safe haven facilitating independence and functionality for seniors.

From strategic grab bar placements to the introduction of a high-rise toilet and contrasting colors for individuals with dementia, every change works towards creating a more inclusive space. Lizette has showcased that with a few affordable and quick installations, available readily on Amazon, one can greatly enhance the quality of life for seniors at home.

Remember, every small step counts in ensuring a safe and comfortable living environment for our loved ones as they age. Let us take inspiration from Lizette and embark on this journey of creating a home that truly caters to everyone's needs, offering not just safety but also a warm embrace of comfort and ease.

Let me know in the comments below if you have questions about dementia that you need answered.

If you would like more information on how to help a parent living with dementia, join our next free workshop here.

Read More:

Coping with Mom’s Dementia When She Accuses You of Stealing

Debunking the Myth: Is Home-Based Dementia Care Really Possible?

Disclaimer: These blogs, videos and any work done by Lizette Cloete OT, as a Member of Think Different Dementia, LLC, is given only as educational content and consulting work. This does not create an Occupational Therapist-Patient Relationship. The educational content and consulting work performed should not be considered medical treatment as an Occupational Therapist. The consulting work does not take the place of medical work normally performed by a licensed Occupational Therapist. Please consult a licensed Occupational Therapist for medical advice.

“Think Different” Dementia’s owner, Lizette Cloete, OTR/L graduated as an Occupational Therapist from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1992. She and her husband emigrated to the USA in 1993, and currently reside in South Carolina. They have 2 daughters and one son-in-love, 4 cats, one dog and 16 chickens.

Lizette has almost 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of settings, the latest being in the home health environment. Among her many accomplishments, she served on the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association’s Board of Directors from 2008-2014. She enjoys teaching on the topic of dementia, most recently presenting at a national conference on the topic “Dementia Made Simple”