Choose the right fixtures
When I was designing my bathroom for the elderly‚ I made sure to choose fixtures that were easy to use and safe. I installed a walk-in shower with a grab bar and a non-slip floor. I also chose a toilet with a raised seat and a bidet. These fixtures have made it much easier for me to get around in my bathroom.
Make sure there is enough space
When I was designing my bathroom for the elderly‚ I made sure to leave enough space for me to move around easily. I installed a wider doorway and a larger shower. I also made sure that there was enough space between the toilet and the sink so that I could easily transfer from one to the other. Having enough space has made it much easier for me to use my bathroom safely and independently.
Here are some specific measurements to keep in mind when designing a bathroom for the elderly⁚
- The doorway should be at least 32 inches wide.
- The shower should be at least 36 inches by 36 inches.
- The toilet should be at least 18 inches from the wall.
- The sink should be at least 30 inches wide.
If you are unsure about how much space you need‚ it is always best to consult with a professional.
Provide good lighting
When I was designing my bathroom for the elderly‚ I made sure to provide good lighting. I installed a bright overhead light and a nightlight. I also placed a lamp next to the toilet and the sink. Having good lighting has made it much easier for me to see in my bathroom‚ which has helped to prevent falls and other accidents.
Here are some specific tips for providing good lighting in a bathroom for the elderly⁚
- Install a bright overhead light that provides even illumination throughout the bathroom.
- Place a nightlight in the bathroom so that you can easily find your way around at night.
- Install a lamp next to the toilet and the sink so that you can have additional light when needed.
- Use light bulbs that emit a warm‚ white light. This type of light is easier on the eyes and can help to reduce glare.
If you are unsure about how to provide good lighting in your bathroom‚ it is always best to consult with a professional.
Make it easy to clean
When I was designing my bathroom for the elderly‚ I made sure to make it easy to clean. I chose materials that are easy to wipe down and I installed fixtures that are easy to reach. I also made sure to leave plenty of space between the fixtures so that I can easily clean around them.
Here are some specific tips for making a bathroom easy to clean⁚
- Choose materials that are easy to wipe down‚ such as tile‚ laminate‚ or vinyl.
- Install fixtures that are easy to reach‚ such as a walk-in shower or a raised toilet.
- Leave plenty of space between the fixtures so that you can easily clean around them.
- Use a shower curtain or shower door that is easy to clean.
- Keep a caddy in the shower to store your toiletries so that you don’t have to bend over to reach them.
If you are unsure about how to make your bathroom easy to clean‚ it is always best to consult with a professional.
Keep it safe
When I was designing my bathroom for the elderly‚ I made sure to keep it safe. I installed grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet. I also made sure that the floor was non-slip and that there was plenty of lighting.
Here are some specific tips for making a bathroom safe for the elderly⁚
- Install grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet.
- Make sure that the floor is non-slip.
- Provide plenty of lighting.
- Use a shower chair or bench to make it easier to sit down and stand up in the shower.
- Keep a phone or other emergency device within reach in case of a fall.
If you are unsure about how to make your bathroom safe for the elderly‚ it is always best to consult with a professional.