As people get older, the likelihood of an unexpected fall increases, and the bathroom is a place where this may easily happen. That's why it is very important to prepare the bathroom and make it senior-friendly. Non-slip mats, comfort height toilets, grab bars, and other specialized products serve this purpose.

Bathroom Grab Bars For Elderly

A comfortable and high-quality grab bar is an essential item for easy mobility. Their use reduces the strain on your legs, helping with everyday activities. A good grab bar for the elderly should have:

• Quality material: use stainless steel or aluminum. These are strong and durable materials. Try to avoid plastic, especially low-quality plastic.
• Diameter: the grab bar must be comfortable for a person with limited grip strength. The ADA recommends that grab bars must have a diameter between 1.25 inches and 1.5 inches.
• Installation: make sure that the grab bar is firmly attached to the wall to support the weight of the user. Suction cup grab bars are not recommended.

A good grab bar adds confidence and helps with stability. There are special models for people with disabilities, it is a great solution to use them. If this is not possible, choose a regular metal grab bar, and try to consult a professional to install it properly.

Grohe Allure New 12" Grab Bar

Toilets For Seniors

With the onset of old age, using a regular toilet can be difficult, specifically the processes of standing up or sitting down. Therefore, a good option is to choose a higher toilet. This will reduce the strain on the knees and hips. There are also special toilets with retractable side arms, or options with wider seats, but in general a comfort height toilet will be a good option. Always consult your doctor before purchasing to ensure the correct choice.

• Regular toilets - 15 inches
• Comfort height (ADA-compliant) - 17-19 inches
• Extra-tall toilets: 21 inches and higher

Toto Eco Ultramax® One-Piece Toilet – Ada Compliant

Non-Slip Flooring and Mats

Bathroom surfaces are usually a source of danger. We recommend considering non-slip flooring options such as slip-resistant vinyl, natural stone, rubber flooring and more. In addition, look for a non-slip mat. Regular rugs are not stable enough, so look for rubberized mats that do not slip and stay firmly in place.

MAAX Olympia Shower Base (Textured bottom for slip-resistance)

Additional Recommendations

• The lighting should be bright enough but without glares. In addition, consider motion-activated sensors so that the light will automatically turn on when a person visits the bathroom at night.
• Place things at a level between waist and chest to avoid bending and stretching.
• Avoid clutter, as extra stuff on the floor can be an unnecessary trip hazard.

In general, preparing a bathroom for use by an older person is not that difficult. You need to think through the process of bathroom use, and try to avoid problems at each stage. In addition, consult a doctor to take into account the specifics of a particular individual, and we wish you good luck in creating your senior-friendly bathroom.