The bathroom is our one-stop shop for everything, from toothbrushes to toilet paper. It’s also where we spend a majority of our time, so it makes sense that we’d want to make it as easy as possible to access and use. But what if you’re caring for someone with mobility issues? Or have a large family that needs a little extra elbow room in the bathroom? You might be surprised at how a few simple changes can transform your space into one that meets everyone’s needs—and makes life safer and easier for all involved.
Add an extra rail
If you’re not familiar with the term “rail grab bar,” it’s a type of grab bar (a metal or plastic handrail) that can be installed in your bathroom for added safety. You might have seen these in public bathrooms, as they are common additions and help people who have difficulty walking maintain their balance.
A rail grab bar will allow your loved one to hold onto something while moving around inside or outside the shower or tub. This can be especially helpful if they have poor balance or limited mobility from arthritis or other conditions that affect mobility and stability.
You can either purchase pre-made rails online or create them yourself by attaching hooks to walls at appropriate heights. You can then attach chains between those hooks and another anchor point on an adjacent wall (such as above a toilet tank) or directly into studs/joists if possible. Keep in mind the latter option will require drilling holes.
Make the bathroom safer with a nonslip tub mat
One of the best ways to make your bathroom safer is with a nonslip tub mat. It’s a simple addition that can help prevent falls, slips, and other accidents.
This type of flooring is also great for people who have trouble getting in and out of the bathtub or shower because it provides extra traction on slippery surfaces like tile or marble floors.
Choose a sturdy toilet seat
When you’re shopping for a toilet seat, look for one that’s wide, sturdy and has a lid. The best seats are easy to clean (with quick-drying material) and have slow-close hinges so they don’t slam shut on your fingers.
If you have a large family, consider investing in two toilets: one upstairs where there are fewer people who need access and another downstairs where everyone congregates. This will help keep them from getting backed up with use over time, while still providing enough options for everyone in the house at once!
Add door stops for tight spaces
Door stops are a great addition to any bathroom. They can be used to keep doors open and closed, and they’re inexpensive and easy to install. They’re also helpful in homes with small children and large families–if you need your kids or parents to stay out of certain parts of the house, this is an easy way to do so without having them lock themselves out!
Doorstops come in many different shapes and sizes, so there’s one that will fit any type of space. If you have a particularly small door frame or opening into another room (like an entryway), then look for something small enough that won’t get stuck on either side when pressed against it.
Create separate spaces
If you have more than one person using the bathroom at once, it may be helpful to designate certain areas for each person. For example, if there is only one sink, then you might want to create two areas: one for washing hands and one for brushing teeth or shaving. This will help everyone stay out of each other’s way and keep the bathroom clean for everyone’s use.
Keep it clean
The most important thing is keeping your bathroom clean and clutter-free. Remove all clutter from around the toilet and sink area. You don’t want anything getting in the way of someone using the facilities.
Make sure there are no cords or wires hanging from lamps or other electrical items that could pose a threat to anyone walking by them. If there are any cords hanging, make sure they’re tucked up under the baseboard so nobody trips over them as they walk by or sit down on the toilet, for example.
Add smart toilet seats
The best smart toilet seats eliminate the need for lifting, lowering and adjusting the lid. If you have a senior in the family who needs assistance with toileting, this is an excellent option. The seat comes with its own remote control so seniors can operate it themselves while sitting on the toilet. It also includes an infrared sensor that detects when someone has sat down and automatically flushes after they stand up again (there’s no need to touch anything).
Handheld showerhead
A handheld showerhead makes it easier for seniors who have limited mobility or strength issues because they can hold onto it while they wash themselves without having to bend over too much or reach far away from their bodies. You can also choose a handheld showerhead with a longer hose so that there’s less bending involved in using it as well.
Improve the lighting
You want to make sure that there’s plenty of light in the bathroom. If you have a lot of windows, then that’s great. If not, you may need to install additional lighting.
Make the sink area safe
Sinks can be dangerous for seniors if they’re too high or too low. Make sure that your bathroom sink is at a comfortable height for everyone in your family so that no one has to bend down or stretch up to wash their hands after using the toilet.
Use baskets instead of drawers
Drawers can be difficult for older people to use — especially if they have arthritis or other mobility issues — so use baskets instead. Baskets are easy to open and close with one hand, and they allow you to see what’s inside without having to open them all up at once.
A senior-friendly bathroom can help your loved one stay safe, active and independent. It’s important to remember that there are many different ways to make a bathroom more accessible–and the more you explore them, the better off everyone will be!