Modifications to ensure safety in the bathroom for elderly, disabled

Read article : Modifications to ensure safety in the bathroom for elderly, disabled

Dear Keith,

I noticed my elderly wheelchair-bound aunt grabs onto just about anything for support and uses fixtures in the bathroom to help her move around better. I know this very unsafe, how can I keep her home that she loves so much, safe?

-Emily, Northville

It is can be dangerous that your aunt uses fixtures to get around her bathroom. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.8 million people 65 and older were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries from falls.

Today there are many modification services and products that can allow adults of all ages and abilities to age in place and be independent in the comfort of their own home. Modifications can be anything from small projects such as grab bars to major home remodeling. Whatever the modification, the goal is to keep the resident safe.

Modifications should give residents mobility, safety and comfort.

Robert Gurinowitsch the founder and president at Life Access, a full service company providing home modification solutions for independent living, has dedicated his life to helping elderly and disabled stay in their own home. “I wanted to change the way home care was done, by not selling things to help for a short period of time but to look into the future to make changes as people change,” says Gurinowitsch.

Figure 1 by Flickr user Nancy Hugo

The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous rooms with slick tiles and water on the floor that can possibly create hazards. “Modifications in a bathroom will allow homeowners to bathe safely, a lot of people have fears of bathing and they (modifications) allow them to feel safe,” explained Gurinowitsch. Modifying the bathroom will allow your aunt to feel comfortable and secure in her own home again.

Fixtures in a bathroom are not designed to support weight, let alone heaviness of an adult. To keep your aunt safe, especially in a room where there are slip hazards, it is important to install grab bars. Grab bars are installed into studs to allow support when using the bathtub, shower, or toilet. Grab bars not only help the homeowner but can be used by caretakers for extra support. There are five basic types of grab bars: wall mounted, seat mounted, floor or ceiling mounted, folding and portable.

RM3 Superior from Life Access Online

A more accessible bathtub can be installed to help your aunt with support, like the RM3 Superior with a side access, so you can walk in rather then stepping over the side of the bathtub.

It doesn’t matter the age of the home, it can be modified and updated according to the changing family lifestyle, with safety in the forefront. Most homes are designed for young adults and families. As adults age, modifications can be made in the home to accommodate different needs and safety requirements.

Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as President and founding member of Nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11:00am on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com