How Can I Make My Bathroom Safe for Seniors in Ann Arbor, MI?

As we get older, it becomes harder to move around our homes safely. This is particularly true in the bathroom. Whether you’re nearing your golden years or you’re preparing to move an elderly family member into your home, it’s natural to wonder, “How can I make my bathroom safe for seniors?” As one of Michigan’s leading bathroom remodeling companies, we are your local experts in creating safe bathrooms. 

Continue reading this post to learn more about the greatest safety risks in the bathroom and the best updates to make to protect your loved ones. When you’re ready to remodel your own space, feel free to call us at 734-259-4374 or contact us online. 

The Biggest Safety Risks for Seniors in the Bathroom

Before you start updating your bathroom, it helps to identify the biggest risks that are present in the bathroom. 

Tripping

Traditional bathtubs and showers have a lipped threshold to step over when you bathe. For older adults who are experiencing mobility issues, it’s easy to get caught on the threshold and trip when stepping in or out of the tub. 

Additionally, some bath mats are a tripping hazard, which can cause a dangerous fall, leading to serious injuries. What may be a minor fall for a younger person can be devastating for a senior. Read these tips to learn how to reduce the risk of falling in and out of the bathroom. 

Slipping

Similarly, the wet areas in the bathroom pose a slipping hazard, particularly for seniors. Whether slipping while in the shower/bathtub or on the floor outside of the bathing area, it can be difficult for seniors to remain stable and upright when the ground is wet. 

Scalding Water

In some cases, very hot water can scald the skin. If the handles in your bathtub or shower are too hard for seniors to turn on and off, they run the risk of burning themselves when the water is too hot. Adding an anti-scald valve to the bathing area can help prevent this. 

How Can I Make My Bathroom Safe for Seniors? 3 Updates to Make to Your Space

To help prevent those safety risks we discussed above, consider scheduling a safe bathroom remodeling project. Here’s a closer look at the three most important updates you can do to make your bathroom safer for seniors. 

Walk-In Showers

Here at Atlas Home Improvement, we install safe showers for seniors that have barrier-free entries. These walk-in showers can have an entry that is flush with the ground, helping to eliminate the risk of tripping and falling. Depending on the model you choose, you can even opt for a walk-in shower that is compatible with a wheelchair or walker for added accessibility. 

Our beautiful walk-in showers are available in a variety of styles and colors and are made from high-quality acrylic, which is easy to keep clean with very little maintenance required. 

Walk-In Tubs

Another option is to add a walk-in tub to your bathroom. Designed with both luxury and safety in mind, these deep-soaking bathtubs have a leak-proof locking door, which allows easy entry without the risk of tripping. 

For added safety, our walk-in tubs also have non-slip flooring, a comfortable seat, ADA-compliant grab bars, and an easy-to-use drain handle to help seniors maintain their independence while they bathe. 

They also come equipped with hydrotherapy massage jets to help soothe sore muscles and promote healthy circulation. If a walk-in tub seems right up your alley, check out our walk-in safety tub special.

Safety Accessories

Finally, our team specializes in installing additional safety accessories to help you move around your bathroom with ease. We can install grab bars in your bathtub or shower area, near your sink, or by your toilet to give you added stability throughout the bathroom. In most cases, these grab bars can support up to 500 pounds. 

We can also install a built-in seat in your shower to give you a safe place to rest while you bathe. Our non-slip flooring options are another feature to consider, to help prevent slipping and falling. 

Make Your Bathroom a Safer Place With the Help of the Atlas Home Improvement Team

Now that you know more about how to answer the question, “How can I make my bathroom safer for seniors?” it’s time to think about scheduling your remodeling project. Our team is here to answer any questions you have and help you determine which features will work best for your needs. 

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, please 734-259-4374 or contact us online.