It is common in most Indian households to live in one big joint family, with parents and grandparents. It is in fact tradition too which may be dwindling in recent times with the advent of nuclear families. However, in circumstances where we live with the elderly, it is our responsibility to create a safe living environment for them, as aged people need special care. Be it the food they eat, the chair they use to sit or bed they use to sleep, it has to be customised according to their age, needs and ailments. A key element here to keeping them safe is to foolproof the bathroom they use every day. Here are 7 useful tips to improve bathroom safety for elderly and prevent any untoward incidents.
Non slip strips
This is a no-brainer as the name itself is self-explanatory. A common thread in most bathroom accidents is a slippery floor. In today’s hasty times we rarely scrub our bathroom floors clean and mop them up dry. In fact, in India, since we use water in our toilets unlike the western culture where toilet paper is used, chances for a slippery bathroom floor increases by 50%. This is where the no-slip strips come in handy. The tiny pore like structures on these mats/tapes provide strong adhesive power and give a good grip preventing falls and slips.
Motion detector lights
When it comes to bathroom safety for elderly, motion detector lighting is key. Motion detector lighting essentially works with the help of a motion sensor which detects heat waves from movement and turns on the light automatically. This is godsent for old people as they might have to use the bathroom frequently at night due to bladder control issues. Instead of fumbling for the switch each time in the dark, the motion detector lights illuminate the bathroom as soon as they walk in. Apart from safety purposes, a motion detector light is a huge hit in all toilet design ideas as the elderly do not even have to remember to turn off the lights as it switches off automatically in the absence of any movement, thereby saving power.
Grab bars
A grab bar is a small railing fitted near the toilet or shower enclosure for older people to grab on to. It is for people who have balance issues to hold on to while sitting down on a toilet, to grasp for balance while showering or climbing in and out of a bathtub. These grab bars, like the range of affordable Jaquar grab bars, come in handy not only for old people but even in case of any differently-abled people in the house, to hold on to while vomiting or using the bathroom when fatigued and dizzy. Its main function is to prevent slip and fall as the person maneuvering their weight, has something to hold on to incase of loss of balance.
Sensor taps
Sensor taps and wash basins might sound too fancy and you are probably thinking it is meant only for commercial purposes and wondering what it is doing in a guide for bathroom safety for elderly. But it is slowly taking over residential toilet design ideas due to its aesthetic appearance and moreover due to the current COVID-19 pandemic situation. The role of a sensor tap comes into major play under the current context as the need for contactless sanitaryware has risen to maintain hygiene. When family members who have come in contact with outsiders return home, touch the handles and use the same taps to wash their hands, it becomes a risk for the elderly who might touch the same tap again. This is a risk as we rarely remember to clean the outer surface of the taps. A sensor tap requires no physical contact and can reduce the chances of contracting infection for the elderly. Jaquar’s range of sensor faucets are affordable and of the highest quality in the market.
Wester toilets over Indian toilets
Apart from a grab bar, another essential in all Indian households with aged individuals is the switch from Indian toilet to western toilet. The Indian toilet system though said to be one of the best, is rather difficult when it comes to the elderly using them. Indian toilets require squatting fully, straining the knees and back a lot which can be painful for older people especially if they have joint pains or arthritis. Western toilets like the BidSpa range from Jaquar, are easier as they are more like sitting on a chair. However, even then the height of the western toilet seat might cause a strain in their knees. This is why another novel product called the ‘toilet seat riser’ is used which is attached on top of the toilet seat to increase the sitting height.
Keep toiletries within easy reach
This should essentially be considered top priority when it comes to bathroom safety for elderly as they should never lean, bend too much or walk on a slippery floor while taking a shower. Make sure that all their toiletries are placed within an arm’s length from the shower area and the toilet. Things like toothbrush, toothpaste and other dental products should be kept right above the wash basin; soaps, shampoos, loofahs etc should be kept near the shower area in a shelf. Furthermore, things like toilet paper or the toilet faucet should be within hand’s reach from the toilet. This prevents them from walking unnecessarily on slippery surfaces, cutting down chances of slipping.
Declutter bathroom/pathway
Last but not the least, declutter your bathroom or the pathway leading to the bathroom. We don’t need old people fumbling their way to the bathroom, stumbling upon a stool you left near the bathroom, or tripping on mats or clothes fallen down. As most old people use a walker, it is always better to clear out the space between their bed and bathroom, so that they don’t hit anything by mistake and trip. The less clutter in your bathroom the better! Leave only the products that are necessary for them on the shelf. You don’t want them confusing your facewash to be toothpaste and brushing with it.
Keeping the above listicle in mind, in order to have safety as a high priority in bathroom settings, it is always best to use high-quality fittings and sanitaryware in your bathroom. Safe for elders, children and for you!