Living independently is essential for older adults and people with disabilities. One of the most critical aspects of independent living is being able to use the bathroom safely and confidently. Unfortunately, the bathroom can be a challenging and dangerous place. In fact, the CDC indicates that almost 80% of home accidents occur in the bathroom, with the majority affecting the elderly.
But how can you prevent these accidents and ensure you or your loved one can use the bathroom independently? The answer is simple: by investing in bathroom aids for elderly.
Here are the top 8 bath assist devices you can use in your bathroom:
Raised Toilet Seats
Raised toilet seats raise the height of the toilet bowl, making it easier to sit down and stand up from the toilet. Typically, these toilet aids come in heights ranging from 2 to 6 inches. These different options allow you to choose the right height that suits your needs.
Even better, some toilet chair for the elderly have adjustable heights, providing even more flexibility and customization.
Why should you opt for raised toilet seats?
Here are some reasons why you might want to opt for a raised toilet seat:
- Easier on joints: Raising toilet seats can help reduce strain on the knees and hips by reducing the need to crouch or bend excessively. This comes in handy if you have arthritis or joint pain.
- More comfortable and stable seating: Raised toilet seats provide a more stable and comfortable seating surface. Hence, they’re perfect for people experiencing difficulty with balance or stability.
- Easy to install: Most raised toilet seats are relatively easy to install, with some models requiring no tools or extra hardware.
Shower Chairs and Benches
Shower chairs and benches are essential bathing aids that provide a safe and comfortable place to sit while showering.
Primarily, these shower aids for elderly are ideal if you have difficulty standing for long periods or have balance issues.
There are various types of shower chairs and benches, including the following:
- Standard shower chair with or without a back: A standard shower chair is a basic, no-frills chair that provides a stable surface for sitting. Some models come with a backrest, while others don’t. Chairs with a backrest provide additional support and comfort, making them ideal if you need extra lumbar support.
- Transfer bench: A transfer bench is a shower chair extending outside the bathtub or shower stall. It allows individuals to sit outside the shower area and then slide into the shower without stepping over the tub or shower curb. These bathroom aids for seniors come with adjustable legs, allowing you to customize the height to your needs.
- Fold-down shower chair: A fold-down shower chair folds when not in use. It’s ideal for those with limited space in their bathroom or shower area. Typically, these chairs come with a backrest and can support weights of up to 300 pounds.
Grab Bars
Grab bars provide a secure handhold to prevent slips and falls. This makes it easy for you to enter and exit the shower or bathtub, as well as to use the toilet. Ideally, the best grab bars are made of durable materials like stainless steel or brass.
Installing grab bars in your bathroom is straightforward, but you must ensure they’re installed correctly. Ideally, you should mount them to a sturdy surface, like a wall stud, at a comfortable height.
Types of grab bars
These bathroom aids for the elderly are of different types, including the following:
- Straight bars: These are the most basic grab bars that provide a firm handhold. Straight bars are available in various lengths; you can install them horizontally or vertically.
- Angled bars: Angled bars provide leverage when standing up or sitting down. You can install them near the toilet or bathtub at a 45-degree angle to the wall. This design gives you additional support when transitioning from a sitting to a standing position.
- Curved bars: Curved bars are comfortable and perfect for arthritis or other hand conditions. Basically, they’re contoured to fit the shape of your hand.
- Floor-to-ceiling bars: Floor-to-ceiling bars are ideal for individuals who need extra support when getting in and out of the bathtub or shower. These bars are installed from floor to ceiling, providing a secure handhold at any height.
Handheld Showerheads
Handheld showerheads provide more flexibility when showering, making cleaning hard-to-reach areas easier and ensuring thorough hygiene. They come with a long hose and a bracket for mounting on the wall, allowing you to use it as a traditional showerhead or detach it for a more convenient shower experience.
Additionally, these showerheads have adjustable spray patterns, from a gentle mist to a powerful massage spray. This adjustability makes it easier to personalize your shower experience.
Bath Mats
Bath mats are simple yet essential bathroom aids for the elderly that can significantly enhance safety and prevent slips and falls. Ideally, these mats provide traction and stability on wet surfaces, ensuring a secure footing when stepping in and out of the shower or bathtub.
When selecting a bath mat, there are a few key factors to consider. For instance, go for a mat with non-slip material, such as rubber or silicone. These materials provide excellent grip even when wet. Additionally, ensure it has suction cups on the bottom for securing it on your bathroom floor.
Size is another important consideration. Choose a bath mat that covers a significant portion of your shower or tub floor to provide ample surface area for your feet to land on. This will enhance stability and minimize the risk of slipping.
Lastly, get a mat that is easy to clean and maintain to prevent mold, mildew, or bacteria buildup. In this case, bamboo bath mats are the best option.
Commodes
A commode serves as a portable toilet, providing a practical solution for those experiencing difficulty reaching the standard bathroom facilities. They are lightweight and easy to move around, making them ideal for use in different areas of the house.
These bathroom aids for the elderly are available in various designs and styles. Some resemble standard toilets, complete with a seat, lid, and armrests, while others are more compact and streamlined. The best commodes should be adjustable, allowing easy height and position customization for maximum comfort.
Bath Lifts
Bath assistance for elderly may be necessary with age. In such a case, you may need bath lifts to lower you or your loved one into the tub and raise them back up effortlessly. The goal is to promote independence and preserve dignity.
What are the features of bath lifts?
Bath lifts for elderly come with a range of features that enhance safety, comfort, and convenience. Here are some of the top ones to consider before purchasing:
- Weight capacity: Typically, bath lifts for seniors have weight limits. Selecting a bath lift with a weight capacity that accommodates your loved one’s weight for stability during use is essential.
- Seat design: The best bath lift chair has a contoured, ergonomic seat that prevents slipping and sliding. Some models may have a reclining backrest for added relaxation.
- Controls: Most bath lifts have waterproof hand controls that allow users to operate the lift while in the bath. Ideally, choose the lift with large, easy-to-use buttons. Emergency stop buttons are also important safety features to consider.
- Power source: Bath lifts have rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need for electrical connections near water. Check the battery life to ensure it meets your needs, and consider models with indicators that display battery levels to avoid unexpected power loss.
You can treat bath lifts like “wheelchairs for the shower.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, bathroom aids for the elderly are crucial in promoting independent living and safety for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Investing in the right bath aids for elderly can transform your bathroom into a safe and accessible space. From raised toilet seats to bath lifts and handheld showerheads, various options are available to meet your specific needs.
