Q: I want to stay in my home as I age, but I worry about falling. Where do I start to make my home friendly to my plan?
A: Safety is an overriding concern for people as they age. Falling is a risk and bathroom falls are the place where there are the most injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 million Americans end up in the emergency room from a fall each year. We recommend starting in the bathroom to make your home age-friendly.
Q: What can I do to make my bathroom easier and safer to navigate?
A: Here are some changes to consider making for a safer and more accessible bathroom that allows for dignity:
Tubs: Negotiating the step into the tub is difficult for some. Those who do not want to forgo bathing can consider walk-in tubs. A sealable door on the side allows a small step into the tub. The tub is deeper than a standard tub, so one can sit on a bench and avoid getting up and down. Hand holds help a person maneuver safely to a sitting position.
Showers: A typical step of approximately 4 inches may not seem like a huge impediment unless you are in a wheelchair or use a walker. This is where a zero-entry shower is a great help. Zero entry means there is no raised threshold to the shower area. Sloping the shower floor to direct water into a drain is necessary. Once in the shower, a fold-down seat is commonly used to accommodate folks who can’t stand. Hand-held and adjustable shower heads are used to make self-bathing more convenient.
Toilets: A higher toilet helps those who have difficulty lowering and rising. A standard toilet height is between 14 to 15 inches measured from the floor. A more accessible height is 17 to 19 inches. There are special seats that can make the toilet even higher if needed. Add a washlet to increase independence with dignity.
Grab bars: No accessible bathroom should be missing grab bars. Grab bars have many finishes to choose from and are no longer hospital-like in appearance. There are several ideal locations for placement of grab bars depending on individual needs. One bar at the toilet area is a must and it is helpful to have two grab bars to allow an individual to transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet seat. The entry into a shower, and in the shower itself, will have as many as three bars, both vertical and horizontal, to help folks maintain stability and prevent falls. The configuration of the grab bars depends on individual needs.
Sinks: Wheelchair access for a sink requires a clear area below the sink. A freestanding sink works well to accommodate folks in a wheelchair. Faucets with paddle-shaped handles are used for people who cannot use grab or twist-style handles. In addition, the plumbing configuration moves the typical P trap closer to the wall, and all piping is insulated to avoid the possibility of scalding.
Flooring: Wet floors, slipping and falling are common accidents in most bathrooms. Three-fourths of all falls occur inside by slipping or tripping. When someone has a disability, that concern is heightened. Replacing the floor with non-slip flooring like luxury vinyl is a good idea. There are tiles that are designed to be slip-resistant, and there are some rubberized products that work well. However, many clients want the design statement that comes with ceramic tiles. Ceramic tile with a rough finish, matte finishes and vinyl flooring are possible choices when looking for a slip-proof floor.
Q: I have seen these ideas put in place for someone with disabilities. Would there be other things to consider?
A: If the person requires a wheelchair, there are a few things to consider. Wheelchairs require ramps to enter the home. Key doorways and even hallways may need to be widened. For the bathroom, a zero-entry shower and a wheelchair-accessible sink will make life much simpler.
Tip: There is a veteran’s program available to help with the cost of adapting a home for disabilities. The Veterans Administration offers a program designed to help disabled vets get up to $6,800 to adapt existing homes, including bathrooms, for the vet. The program is called Home Improvements and Structural Alterations, or HISA for short. A vet wanting to take advantage of this program begins by contacting his or her primary care physician at the VA. If qualified by the doctor, there is an application process that can take up to six months. Learn more at tucne.ws/hisa.
For more resources about aging in place, visit tucne.ws/rosieaip.
Zero entry showers have no raised threshold to the shower area. Sloping the shower floor to direct water into a drain is necessary.
