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Making a Bathroom Accessible for an Elderly Person

Updated: Apr 13, 2023

Here are Eight Things you Need to Keep in Mind


A few things are of utmost importance when remodeling your bathroom to accommodate an older person. Since there is much to cover, we'll be breaking this into two parts. One more thing to keep in mind before we start, whenever you make a bathroom remodel, you need to consider special things your person needs.


1. Low Threshold Showers


Well, before we talk about low thresholds, you need to understand the difference between showers and bathtubs. In general, showers are the better option, as with a low threshold, they are easier to get into for people, and you can start showering immediately instead of waiting for the tub to fill. If you install the other safety measures, it will be much safer.


For your shower, you need a low-threshold shower, this can take some work, and you want a contractor and designer who understands the ins and outs. A low threshold shower will eliminate the 3-4" step most showers have. This dramatically reduces falls in the shower.


2. Grab Bars & Safety Rails


You need grab bars for not only the shower but you should have them for the toilets

as well. While we'll also talk about grips mats, you need something to hold onto to help reduce slipping in the shower and something to help you get up from the toilet. When installing these bars, make sure you take measurements with the person who will use them, so they are easy to reach. Next, for the shower, you want them so they can have help getting in the shower, as well as balance while inside. For toilets, you want bars on either side of the toilet.


3. Add a Shower Chair


This will help people stay safe in the shower as they do not have to stand for the entirety of the shower. Again, you want the height perfect for your person, so it's good to have them there to take measurements. There are averages you can generally go off, but if someone is much shorter or taller, you will need to make adjustments.


4. Grip Mats


Showers can be dangerous because of slipping. Adding grip mats is a simple and effective way to reduce slipping. Just be sure to use the correct materials though, as it will be getting wet constantly, and you don't want something that will mold. You can also add grip mats to the other parts of your bathroom that are made of tiles. Water will splash out inevitably, and when it does, you don't want people to slip! That does it for the first four; we'll cover the next 4 in the following article.


If you're thinking about a renovation in Wilmington, NC, and want a team that can help you design your dreams and take the job all the way, call the team at Avocet Design Build today to turn your dreams into reality!



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