Bathroom Facilities for Elderly Relatives Can Make Life Easier for Everyone
One of the challenges of ageing is to retain as much dignity and independence as possible whilst accepting that a little help is necessary.
If you are over 30, chances are that you have an elderly relative or you know someone with an elderly relative to whom the reasonably simple task of bathing is as dangerous as an extreme sport, despite decades of practice! Of all the tasks around the home, bathing seems to be the most difficult to accommodate.
Let's face it, as your 40th birthday approaches, you know that you're heavier than you were ten years ago and getting in and out of a slippery bath in a confined space is kept to a minimum, with most of us preferring to use walk-in showers.
Think ahead another 25 or 30 years...
As bodies become older and less supple, how easy is it to wash your feet in a shower? And, if you're not in a hurry, how lovely would it be to relax in a warm bath for 20 minutes? Now consider that elderly relative.
He or she probably doesn't complain but if they are still using the same bathroom that was installed when they were younger, there is a way that life could become easier for the price of a bathroom make-over.
Remember that it is easy to slip on a wet surface and older people are more likely to suffer longer term damage - not only physical but an erosion of self-confidence.
If the money is available to go to a specialist supplier and installer of 'disabled' or 'mobility' bathrooms, choose a company with a good track record and ask to see evidence of satisfied customers.
The company will be able to advise the most suitable style for the household - not all elderly people live alone, they may be using a family bathroom, therefore it needs to suit everybody's needs.
There are some stylish baths that have a water-tight side opening door, giving the option of sitting in while it fills up and drains or using it as a standard bath.
There are large walk-in showers with seats or easy access wheel-in showers.
And, of course, there is the modern wet room.
Strategically placed grab-rails can also be stylish as well as essential.
It is also worth remembering that if your elderly relative feels safer and happier, then you will also have less to worry about.
Peace of mind all-round! In addition to supplying the bathroom suite, the company you choose should be able to give advice regarding non-slip flooring.
They may even provide a full design and installation service.
If you are over 30, chances are that you have an elderly relative or you know someone with an elderly relative to whom the reasonably simple task of bathing is as dangerous as an extreme sport, despite decades of practice! Of all the tasks around the home, bathing seems to be the most difficult to accommodate.
Let's face it, as your 40th birthday approaches, you know that you're heavier than you were ten years ago and getting in and out of a slippery bath in a confined space is kept to a minimum, with most of us preferring to use walk-in showers.
Think ahead another 25 or 30 years...
As bodies become older and less supple, how easy is it to wash your feet in a shower? And, if you're not in a hurry, how lovely would it be to relax in a warm bath for 20 minutes? Now consider that elderly relative.
He or she probably doesn't complain but if they are still using the same bathroom that was installed when they were younger, there is a way that life could become easier for the price of a bathroom make-over.
Remember that it is easy to slip on a wet surface and older people are more likely to suffer longer term damage - not only physical but an erosion of self-confidence.
If the money is available to go to a specialist supplier and installer of 'disabled' or 'mobility' bathrooms, choose a company with a good track record and ask to see evidence of satisfied customers.
The company will be able to advise the most suitable style for the household - not all elderly people live alone, they may be using a family bathroom, therefore it needs to suit everybody's needs.
There are some stylish baths that have a water-tight side opening door, giving the option of sitting in while it fills up and drains or using it as a standard bath.
There are large walk-in showers with seats or easy access wheel-in showers.
And, of course, there is the modern wet room.
Strategically placed grab-rails can also be stylish as well as essential.
It is also worth remembering that if your elderly relative feels safer and happier, then you will also have less to worry about.
Peace of mind all-round! In addition to supplying the bathroom suite, the company you choose should be able to give advice regarding non-slip flooring.
They may even provide a full design and installation service.
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