Lever handle faucets are usually easier for an elderly or disabled person to use.
If you have a disabled or elderly relative living in your home, it can be challenging for him to navigate the house given his limited mobility. The bathroom is usually the biggest problem since it features slick surfaces and other potential hazards. Fortunately, there are ways to renovate your bathroom and make it easier for your disabled or elderly relative to use. The changes necessary depend on your family member's condition, but you'll wind up creating a bathroom that's safer for the entire household.
Replace Shower/Tub
Taking a shower or bath is usually the biggest challenge that a disabled or elderly person faces in a bathroom. If you have a family member in a wheelchair, a traditional shower and tub combination doesn't work because there's no way to get into the tub with the a chair. An elderly relative may also have difficulty stepping over the edge of the tub to get inside. Instead, opt for a trackless shower enclosure that is free of barriers so that it's easy to get a wheelchair inside. You can pair it with a folding shower door that provides full access to the shower stall because it opens with an accordion style. If your relative prefers baths, a walk-in tub is another option. It is deeper than a traditional tub and features a door in the side so you can easily walk in and out of the tub. The tub also includes a raised seat to make it easier to sit down. Whether you choose a trackless shower or a walk-in tub, make sure to equip it with grab bars so your relative has something to hold onto as he gets in and out of the wet shower or tub.
Add Raised Toilet Seat
If your toilet is too low to the ground, an elderly or disabled relative may have difficulty getting on and off the seat. Replace your toilet seat with a new model that adds several inches to make the process easier. Depending on your needs, you can find seats that add anywhere from 2 to 6 inches in height to your toilet. If you have a family member in a wheelchair, opt for a wheelchair transfer seat, which adds height and features hand grips to make it easier to move from the wheelchair to the toilet seat. As with the shower area, install grab bars beside your toilet in case your relative needs extra help getting on or off the toilet seat.
Install Lever Handle Faucets
A disabled or elderly family member may not have the hand strength or agility to effectively turn a knob faucet on your bathroom sink or shower, which can be frustrating and lead to possible scalding if he turns the faucet incorrectly. To make it easier to use the sink, shower and bath, replace knob faucets with lever-handle controls that only need to be pulled in one direction. They are usually much easier to use, so there's less risk of accidental scalding.
Improve Traction
Slippery bathroom surfaces are a danger to your entire family, but members with limited mobility will find it especially difficult to navigate the bathroom floor and showers with poor traction. You can improve your bathroom's traction by adding nonslip strips to the shower or tub floor and nonskid mats to the floor outside the shower or tub. If you have decorative mats or rugs in the bathroom, make sure that they have rubber backs so they'll stay in place. Use double-side rug tape for any rugs without a rubber back in place.
Tags: family member, make easier, your toilet, disabled elderly, elderly relative, , your relative