Necessary Smart Bathroom Modifications for the Elderly and the Disabled

Traditional bathrooms with smooth tiles, slippery floors, narrow spaces, and tight corners always run the risk of someone slipping. Chances of accidental injuries from falling over or hitting into an object is higher if you’re disabled. For the elderly, the scenario worsens by the fact that eyesight and mobility declines with age. Reaching for a towel to wipe after bath or using the toilet could feel like a herculean task. Wet bathroom surfaces, poor lighting, too high bathtubs, etc. can make it even harder.

So, what could you do to ensure their safety and comfort? The answer— transforming the whole bathroom with more senior and disabled-friendly modifications. From fall-safe floors to smart bathroom appliances, here we’ve listed some of the most efficient bathroom upgrades for the elderly and disabled.

1. Handrails and Support Bars

Install some handrails and support bars near toilets, bathtubs and showers to grab or lean onto. This significantly reduces the risk of falling, even if someone trips. Strong metal bars covered with rubber provide the best grip.

2. Non-Slip Floors and Bathroom Rugs

Change your old slippery tiles for new textured ones. You could also get non-slipping rugs or vinyl-rubber mats for the bathroom floor to provide some more friction. Coarse wood and stone floors can be good choices if you don’t like rugs or mats.

3. Walk-in Bathtubs and Showers

Disabled or old people may find it difficult to get into high-walled bathtubs. Walk-in bathtubs are slightly lower than traditional ones, with a side door for easier access. Walk-in showers are much more spacious with shower seats for comfort and sliding screens instead of curtains. Even wheelchair users can get in easily without too much effort.

4. Smart Toilets and Bidets

With the advent of smart toilets and bidets, maintaining bathroom hygiene has become much easier. Heated toilet seats offer comfort and warmth in winter, while their adjustable height ensures easy reach. For old and disabled people, reaching back to wipe and flush can be a challenge. Toilet bidets use a gentle stream of water to wash down the back, better than any toilet paper could. Some electric bidet seats also have UV sanitation, self-rinse and auto-flush, so you can skip the frequent manual cleaning. 

5. Anti-Scald Water Mixers

To avoid accidentally burning the skin or dousing it in cold water, you can get anti-scald thermostat mixers for controlling the temperature. It also reduces water wastage by always providing a consistent temperature. They’re often automated, so you don’t have to worry about setting the temperature.

6. Lever and Sensor Taps

Commonly used taps with a thread or cork mechanism are hard to grip and turn with old, aching joints or deformed fingers. Sensor or lever taps, on the other hand, are very easy to operate for hands-free hygiene.

7. Smart Body Dryers

Limited mobility also means that twisting the body or bending down gets difficult. Drying the back or intimate regions gets nearly impossible. Utilizing sensor-activation and toe-touch controls, a smart body dryer can be used without reaching out with hands. They are easy to install, heat up quickly, and can dry your whole body comfortably within minutes.

8. Automated Lights and Other Techs

You could get automatic motion-activated lights, fall-alert devices, voice assistants, and plenty other similar technology for more accessibility. Heated floors and dehumidifiers can help keep the bathroom dry, warm and mold-free during cold or wet weather.

All these modifications are great for safety and comfort, while also ideal for altering the looks of your bathroom. Smart upgrades make it safer for seniors and differently-abled while also allowing them the independence of taking care of their own hygiene.

Being safe doesn’t mean it has to be dull. Now you can spruce up your bathroom with sleek designs and feature-rich accessories. Check out BioGiene’s range of amazing bathroom products for more smart hygiene solutions that are both elderly and disabled-friendly.