If you’re a parent, I guarantee you’ve thought about bathroom safety – even if it’s just in the form of nightmares! (Toddlers falling in the loo, anyone?) However, until it becomes a serious issue, we don’t tend to think about bathroom safety for grandparents. But as people age, they become less mobile. We currently have my parents staying with us and although they’re mobile, they’re not as mobile as they used to be and need a little help. Bathing Solutions commissioned me to give my thoughts on how grandparents can use your bathroom safely. Based on my experience, here are my top tips.
Walk-in showers are your friend
In fact, walk-in showers are everyone’s friend. They can be adapted for wheelchair users, there’s no high bathtub for little ones to trip and fall on, and they’re pleasant to use. Add a shower seat for extra comfort, and to reduce the risk of slips and falls. They’re also super quick to clean and actually look great in a bathroom if you want something aesthetically pleasing. It’s a winner all round! If you can’t do without a good soak, you can also get walk-in baths – so you don’t have to miss out.
Install handrails
Many people start to need walking aids as they get older – but it can be tricky to manoeuvre a stick when you’re going to the bathroom. Keep everyone steady on their feet by adding strategic handrails in places such as besides the toilet, by the sink, and by the shower. Bonus: when there are no grandparents in the house, this means you have extra places to hang towels.
Add non-slip mats
This isn’t just a tip for grandparents – accidents in the shower are surprisingly common, and almost always revolve around slippages. At a minimum, you should have a non-slip mat at the bottom of your shower, and a non-slip bath mat to dry off wet feet as you get out. Go the extra mile by installing anti-slip flooring like vinyl or non-glossy tiles.
Cut down on clutter
Have you ever been into a bathroom which felt like it was booby-trapped? Make sure that isn’t your bathroom by putting all your bits and pieces safely away. Piles of things are rarely conducive to a relaxing bathroom experience – for you or for grandparents. Little hanging nets are great for kids toys and storage boxes can come in all colours and designs now to match your bathroom.
Store things within easy reach
As people get older, it’s harder to bend down low, or stretch high (one of the reasons you don’t want clutter – if things fall, grandparents might not be able to pick them up again). Waist to chest height is the optimum for storing things. It’s a simple thing but makes a huge difference!
