With age, even routine daily tasks can become more difficult. This is especially true for personal hygiene, as the bathroom is a place where there is a high risk of falls due to slippery floors, high bathtub sides, or poorly positioned plumbing fixtures. Proper bathroom design for the elderly will help avoid injuries and make self-care comfortable and safe.
In this article, we will tell you how to adapt the space, what details to pay attention to, and which special devices and products for elderly care, such as a toilet seat, bath seat, shower stool, or bath grab bar, will help make the bathroom as comfortable as possible.
1. Safe flooring - the first step to comfort
Start with the simplest but most important thing - the floor surface. Slippery tiles can cause serious injuries, so it is worth replacing them with anti-slip coatings or adding special rubber mats. This is especially important near the shower, bathtub and toilet. It will also be useful to provide good lighting so that an elderly person can move safely at any time of the day.
2. Comfortable toilet height
A regular toilet is often too low, which makes it difficult for elderly people to sit down and get up. A simple and effective solution is a toilet seat. It raises the seat by a few centimeters and reduces the load on the knees and back.
Such products can have different heights, shapes and even handles on the sides for additional support. If you are planning to equip a bathroom for an elderly person, we recommend buying a toilet seat, as it is an inexpensive but extremely useful accessory that significantly increases safety and convenience in daily use.
3. Comfortable seat while bathing
Taking a shower or bath while standing can be difficult for the elderly, especially if they have problems with the musculoskeletal system or balance. In this case, a bath seat will help. This is a special chair or bench that is installed directly in the bath, allowing a person to sit while bathing.
There are separate models for the shower cabin - a shower stool. It is made of waterproof materials, has non-slip legs and is often height-adjustable. Such stools provide stability and comfort, reducing the risk of falling. If there is not enough space in the bathroom for a large seat, you can choose a compact folding model that is easy to store after use.
4. Reliable bathroom grab bars for better support
Another essential element of a safe bathroom is a bathroom grab bar. It helps maintain balance when entering and exiting the bathroom or moving on a wet floor. The grab bar can be installed on the wall near the bathtub, in the shower or near the toilet.
The most convenient option is a wall-mounted grab bar. It can be placed anywhere where support is needed. Some models have a folding design, which is especially convenient in small bathrooms. Installing grab bars significantly reduces the risk of falls and gives a person confidence in their own movements.
5. Additional tips for designing a safe bathroom
In addition to the basic fixtures, there are a few other important points to consider:
-
Temperature control. Install faucets with temperature limits to avoid burns.
-
Convenient arrangement of things. All hygiene products should be within easy reach - it is better to avoid shelves that require tilting or lifting.
-
Contrasting colors. For better orientation of people with poor vision, it is worth choosing contrasting shades of the floor, walls and plumbing.
-
Soft lighting. Night lighting will help avoid disorientation in the dark.
Where to buy bathroom equipment
If you are planning to modernize a bathroom for an elderly person or a person with limited mobility, you should pay attention to special products that will make life much easier. In the MED1 online rehabilitation store, you can buy a toilet seat, choose a bath seat, shower stool, bath grab bar or wall grab bar, and other certified and reliable models adapted to the needs of elderly users.
Thanks to the right selection of equipment and accessories, even an ordinary bathroom can become a safe and comfortable space where a person feels confident and independent.