I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
Bathroom Remodels For Seniors: How To Make Your Bathroom Safe And Comfortable
Vickie Armstrong
Bathroom remodels to accommodate elderly loved ones can offer a great way to keep your relative safe and secure while helping them to maintain a sense of independence. If you have an elderly loved one living at home, or if you want to retrofit his or her home for added safety, here are a few changes you can make to keep the bathroom safe.
Walk-In Tubs
Climbing in and out of the bathtub can be a challenge for older relatives with limited mobility, and stand-up showers bring with them the potential for slips and falls. Walk-in tubs combine the convenience of walking into a shower with the therapeutic benefits of soaking in a warm bath. These tubs come with enhanced drain systems, so water drains away quickly. This means your loved one can leave the walk-in tub within minutes of finishing a bath. Some tubs come with water jets that offer massage therapy for tired muscles and sore joints. Consider replacing the bath/shower combo in one bathroom in the home with one of these convenient walk-in tubs.
Chair-Height Toilets
Chair-height toilets provide an easier way for loved ones to take care of their daily needs. The higher seat level makes it easier to stand up and sit down with each use, and some toilets come with seat cushions for added comfort. Be sure to add grab bars on the walls to help your loved one maintain stability while using the toilet.
Emergency Call Buttons
It is estimated that 1 in 3 seniors over the age of 65 fall in the home, and 80 percent of these falls occur in the bathroom. If you are concerned about your loved one's risks of falling, adding an emergency call button may be the right option for you. These buttons can be linked to your home security system, and when pressed, they can alert first responders to your loved one's bathroom. This option is ideal if your relative spends a lot of time alone in your home or if your loved one has his or her own home.
Additional Safety Equipment
Some changes to your bathroom don't require a complete bath remodel. If you are on a budget, consider some temporary changes that can help to make the room more safe. Some options might include nonslip mats on the floor or a toilet safety frame with grab bars that fits around your toilet. You can even replace your existing towel holders with models that feature built-in grab bars for added safety.
Talk to your contractor about different remodeling options to create a senior-friendly bathroom, and be sure to discuss any specific needs or limitations with your loved one's doctor so you can create the optimum bathroom environment for safety and comfort.
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