How Can I Make My Bathroom Shower Safer for Seniors in Ann Arbor?

As more and more senior residents opt to age in place instead of moving to an assisted living facility, we’ve noticed an increase in bathroom safety remodels. In fact, one of the questions we hear most from our customers is, “How can I make my bathroom shower safer for seniors in Ann Arbor?” As your local bathroom remodeling expert, we can help guide you to make safe updates to your shower for extra peace of mind. 

Are you ready to start planning your shower updates as soon as possible? Our knowledgeable consultants are here to help guide you through the process. You can call us at 734-259-4374 or contact us online to request a free estimate today.

How Can I Make My Bathroom Shower Safer for Seniors in Ann Arbor?

With many bathroom dangers, it’s no wonder we have a National Bath Safety Month. There are several high-impact updates you can make to your shower to instantly make them safer. Let’s take a closer look at the most important changes to make below. 

Replace Your Old Shower With a Walk-In Option

Many seniors start to experience mobility issues in their retirement years. When that happens, it becomes harder to step into a tub and shower combo because of the high wall. To help prevent the risk of tripping when you bathe, the best thing you can do is install a walk-in shower in your bathroom. 

We are proud to install high-quality Jacuzzi® walk-in showers, which have low-threshold and barrier-free options for a safer bathing experience. 

Add Stability Features to Your Shower

Once inside the shower, many seniors struggle with the slippery, wet floor. With the help of our bathroom remodeling experts, you can add a few stability features to your new or existing shower. One option is to install grab bars on the walls of your shower. Designed to hold your body weight, you can grab these bars when climbing in and out of the shower to reduce the risk of falling. 

You can also add a shower seat to your bathing area. There are moveable options, which you can place in the shower as needed. Alternatively, we can add a built-in seat when installing your new shower for a seamless, well-designed look. 

Reduce Clutter in the Shower

Depending on the type of shower you have, you might have some of your favorite bathing products on the floor. Whether it’s shampoo bottles, body wash, or anything else, they can pose a tripping hazard for older adults. 

To help make your shower safer, consider adding built-in shelving and storage options in your new shower. This will help keep products off the floor and make your space look more organized as well!

Opt for a Handheld Shower Head

If you do want to use a shower chair while you bathe, it will be much easier to do so with a handheld shower head. It will also be helpful for seniors with limited mobility to maintain their independence. 

We offer a variety of shower heads with different settings so you can choose the right option for your needs. 

Choose Slip-Resistant Flooring

Another way to prevent slips and falls in the shower is by adding slip-resistant flooring in your new shower. Textured flooring can make your shower less slippery, so you can stay safe while you bathe.

You can also put non-slip mats outside of your shower to prevent water from getting on the floor, which also poses a safety risk. 

Update the Lighting 

Do you have adequate lighting in your bathroom? As we get older and our eyesight changes, poor lighting can increase the risk of falls, particularly in the shower. Updating your lighting to be brighter, will make it easier for you to see the floor and potential hazards climbing in and out of the shower. 

There are also waterproof light fixtures you can add to the surface of your shower to provide extra light without the risk of electrical hazards. We recommend using warm lighting to provide better visibility without being too harsh. 

Let Atlas Home Improvement Create a Safer Shower for You

The simple answer to the question, “How can I make my bathroom shower safer in Ann Arbor?” is to hire Atlas Home Improvement as your remodeling contractor. We specialize in creating safer bathrooms for seniors so you can feel confident aging in place in your home. If you’d like to learn more about our bathroom remodeling services or request a free quote for your project, please call us at 734-259-4374 or contact us online.