Thinking about aging in place from the comfort of your own home? You’re not alone. More and more Americans are choosing to stay in their homes longer.
But there are certain steps you should consider to keep your home a safe and comfortable place to live while you age. Every year three million seniors are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries but a few simple changes can help reduce the risk.
Kristin Glavin, Manager of BathFitter NW in Mountlake Terrace, shares five tips for creating a safer bathroom environment.
- Install grab bars: Handrails are one of the easiest ways to create a safer bathroom, mitigating fall risk by helping seniors maintain their balance. Install them near the toilet, shower and bathtub, ensuring they’ve been properly installed directly onto wall studs. You may want to consider hiring a professional installation service for this important task.
- Tub-to-shower conversion: Stepping over the edge of a high-sided bathtub can be challenging as we age. Converting a tub to a walk-in shower is a practical and affordable solution that can be completed in just one day with zero demolition required. Bath Fitter NW offers grab bars, built-in seating, adjustable shower heads and more with their tub-to-shower conversions, further improving overall safety for seniors.
- Install non-slip flooring: Along with grab bars, non-stick flooring is an easy way to create a safer space. Add rubber mats or non-slip adhesive strips to tubs and showers, and replace slippery vinyl or tile with textured vinyl.
- Adjust your shower and toilet height:As we age, mobility can become an issue for many individuals, and lowering yourself onto a toilet or bathtub can create a fall risk. Installing a raised toilet seat and a walk-in shower can make these day-to-day activities safer and more comfortable.
- Install better lighting: Poor lighting makes it difficult to navigate spaces safely, especially for those with limited vision. Install better lighting, including motion-activated lights and nightlights, to illuminate the bathroom and reduce the risk of accidents, especially at night.
Enjoy a fresh look and safer bathroom this spring, book a consultation online, by phone: 877-639-2284 or visit Bath Fitter NW at their locations in Mountlake Terrace, 6900 220th St SW, or Kent, 7649 S 180th St. Follow BathFitter on Facebook or Instagram for the latest promotions and design inspiration.
READ MORE from Bath Fitter NW:
Update your bathroom this spring – minus the mess, time and cost of a full renovation
Meet the BathFitter NW team! Left to right: Manager, Trey Provident, President, Cam Bedry, Manager, Kristin Glavin.
