Safety features in your bathroom aren’t just for older generations anymore. Bathrooms are the most…
Walk-In Tub and Other Safety Features
No matter how much we might wish it isn’t true, getting older is hard. It’s hard on our bodies, hard on our minds, and all around difficult in a number of ways. As our bodies start to age, it gets difficult to get around and do the things we used to be able to do without thinking twice about them.
This difficulty can make it hard to remain independent and stay in your own home. As you age, though, you want to be as comfortable as possible and moving away from your home definitely doesn’t help that.
Luckily, there are some things you can do and features you can install that will make it easier to stay in your home and remain independent longer. Installing a walk-in tub, safety bars, and other safety items around your house can go a long way in helping you remain independent and in the comfort of your own home.
Walk-in Bathtubs - Walk-in bathtubs don’t require you to step up over a ledge and then lower yourself into a sitting/lying position to take a bath and then get yourself back up and out of the tub. With a door, you can walk through and a seat to use during your bath, walk-in bathtubs are much easier to use. In addition to that, they are convenient and quite luxurious but surprisingly affordable.
Safety Bars - Safety bars might not blend in perfectly with your choice of decor, but if the time comes that you need them you’ll be glad that they were there. It’s extremely important to install safety bars in the bathroom. In the shower/tub, near the toilet, near the door… safety bars should be placed near any area of the bathroom that you will be using frequently.
They’re not just for bathrooms, though. Safety bars or railings should be installed throughout the entire home. In the kitchen, along hallways, and anywhere else that you will be walking or standing for extended periods of time.
Anti-Slip Rugs and Mats - Hardwood and tile flooring is beautiful and very popular, but it comes with hazards, especially if you’re having a diff, cult time keeping your balance. Because of the smooth, hard surfaces, it’s easy to slip and fall and break a bone - especially if you’re wearing socks or slippers without a grip on the bottom.
Placing anti-slip rugs and mats in hallways, in the kitchen, living room, bathroom, garage, and anywhere else with hard smooth surfaces will help you avoid any major slips and falls. Even carpet can be slippery so you may want to consider placing some mats in carpeted areas as well.
In addition to anti-slip rugs and mats, invest in some socks, slippers, and shoes that all have gripping features on the bottom. This will go one step further in helping you avoid dangerous slips and falls.
Upgrades - If you’ve been wanting to get new appliances or upgrade your heating and cooling systems, now is a great time and you can do it in the name of safety. Older appliances can be more of a fire hazard than today’s energy-efficient options, making them dangerous for anyone, but especially for you if you’re having a difficult time moving as quickly as you used to.
Upgrading will not only allow you to choose what you actually want but it can help you stay safer in the long run and enjoy peace of mind.
Other Ideas - Take it slow. Don’t rush to answer the phone or move around without the help of your cane or walker (if you need one for assistance). Although they may be an inconvenience sometimes, they may just be what keeps you from falling and suffering serious injuries.
Getting older is difficult in a lot of different ways and the last thing you want to do is move out of the comfort of your own home. By installing safety features like anti-slip rugs and mats, safety bars, and a walk-in bathtub, and upgrading appliances to avoid fire hazard as well as being conscientious about the steps you take, you can stay in your own home and remain independent for longer.
We think that getting older shouldn’t mean your life should have to change dramatically. You shouldn’t have to move to stay safe. Contact us for an estimate.