Aging in Place: Bathroom Renovations to Improve Safety

Aging in place can be a great way to stay in the comfort your own Asheville home as you get older and enjoy the things you’ve always known. But it is important to keep in mind your changing needs and make modifications around the home to accommodate them. The bathroom is one room that can pose many safety risks for seniors. However, with a variety of renovations, you can make it a safer, more accessible space.

• Add grab bars: This can be a simple way to add increased stability options. Placing grab bars near the shower and toilet will give your senior something to hold on to as they change positions and reduce risk of falling.
• Raise the toilet height: There are two ways that you can accomplish this. One would be to install a new toilet that sits higher so that your senior does not have to bend down as far to sit. Another option would be to add a seat extender that sits on top of the existing seat to provide a raised surface. You may also want to consider adjusting the location of the toilet paper holder for easier access.
• Replace the bathtub: Stepping over the edge of the bathtub can become difficult with aging and result in loss of balance or slipping and falling. Getting a tub with shorter curb or one that allows for easier access can reduce risk. A shower seat or bench can also be beneficial to give your senior somewhere to sit while in the shower.
• Change the showerhead: An adjustable or handheld showerhead can improve accessibility and convenience. It will reduce the need for stretching or reaching and can be used at a comfortable height.
• Use slip-resistant flooring: Water from the shower as well as steam can make floors slippery. Install slip-resistant flooring to improve traction and consider a mat for on the bottom of the bathtub or shower as well.
• Increase accessibility: Make sure that supplies are kept in a convenient place that is easy to reach. Shower caddies, shelves, baskets, towel bars, and other accessories can all be valuable bathroom additions. You may need to do some rearranging to make things more convenient.

Planning ahead can allow you to make changes slowly before they are necessary. When replacing fixtures, think about the future and what would be most beneficial. Safety and accessibility are two things to consider when deciding to age in place and making necessary renovations. Elder care services through Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville can also provide a qualified caregiver to assist with basic personal care needs. Through in-home care, your senior can maintain their independence while receiving the appropriate level of support to ensure safety and wellbeing. To schedule a free consultation, call (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com for more information.

Aging in Place: Keeping Your Senior's Home Safe

Aging in place is a common choice for elderly individuals who either own their homes or live with family members. This particular decision provides a long list of benefits, as eldercare providers note that seniors are often more comfortable and feel more fulfilled if they are living in their home; however, it is important to remember that elderly individuals need a safe living environment and that, in many cases, their homes need a few updates to create a more secure living space.

When it comes to home care, Asheville-Hendersonville's Always Best Care is a wonderful resource. The senior care professionals at this organization are ready and willing to help you in providing for the needs of your elderly loved one. To assist you in determining the necessary home improvements for your senior's house, here are a few tips to get you started.

• Since falling is a very dangerous issue—one that can lead to injuries ranging from mild to fatal—it is crucial that you minimize the things over which your loved one might trip. Start with the flooring. Are there any cracked tiles, warped hardwoods, or loose carpets? Make sure that you repair anything that might cause your senior to step uneasily. Also look out for rugs that are curling up or that slip when stepped on by either applying a non-stick backing or replacing them with rugs that are in better condition.
• Walk through your senior's home and make sure that your loved one is able to easily move from one room to the next. Any cluttered walkways should be cleared and any awkward furniture arrangements should be addressed. If your senior has a lot of stuff in their home, think about constructing shelving to help with storage. 
• Update your loved one's bathroom to create a safer space. One of the most common places in which falls happen is the restroom, as seniors often slip on the tile floor or in the tub. Install hand rails by the toilet and in the shower to ensure that your loved one has something sturdy to hang onto as they are moving about the room. 

Maintaining a safe living environment is key for seniors who are aging in place. With these tips, you can start making the home improvements necessary to keep your loved one safe.