Bathroom Remodeling:  Protecting Aging Relatives

Have you thought about caring for an elderly parent or family member in your

home? Are your parents well enough to live at home alone, even though you

worry at times about their safety? Take a few moments to learn how you might

be able to prevent hip fractures by adding safety features that may save a

fall - or a life!



Many people are not aware that hip fractures are the most common injury in

elderly persons. Furthermore, more than half of all elderly persons die

within one year of suffering a hip fracture. These statistics emphasize the

incomparable safety and peace of mind you can offer older persons, as well

as yourself, by making renovations that incorporate a few crucial safety

features.



First, using throw rugs on bathroom floors can be attractive, but are

actually very dangerous to older people. These rugs become wet with moisture

from the tub or shower and then are much more likely to slip when people

step on them. Eliminate these altogether if possible. If you find it

completely necessary to use floor coverings, use adhesive materials, such as

double-backed carpet tape, to prevent them from sliding around.



Installing non-slip treads or shower mats in the tub can be very helpful.

These items offer traction and increase safety during showering, or while

entering or exiting the tub. Furthermore, installation is very simple; just

remove the protective covering and place them on the tub floor!



Another simple but very effective measure is the installation of safety bars

in the shower or bathtub. These allow a person something sturdy and

stationary to hold on to while climbing into and out of the tub. Placing

similar guardrails next to the commode also assist an elderly or handicapped

person to sit or stand more easily and with more security than a sink or

cupboard does.



Ideally, bathroom doors should open outward. If a person falls in the

bathroom, he or she may fall against the door. If the home contains bathroom

doors that open inward, renovating them to open outward may prevent the

person you love from being trapped, injured and alone, in the bathroom.



High-rise commode seats are also very helpful to elderly and handicapped

persons. Available in most home-medical supply companies, these convenient

accessories are often covered by medical insurance or Medicare. Often,

people who have hip or joint surgeries require these aids for several months

after surgery.



These products also help to prevent falls. Many older people have difficulty

sitting on or standing up from low chairs or commodes, and often lose their

balance while struggling to rise to a standing position. Falling and

fracturing a hip in the bathroom is a frightening prospect, especially for

elderly persons who live alone.



These measures are very simple. In addition, most of these steps are

economical and easily accomplished. These tips are priceless, however, in

their ability to protect your family member or loved one from unnecessary

injuries in the bathroom. Take a few minutes and protect someone important

to you!



This articles provided by Jim Slate an artist and designer who develops rustic home furnishings and stone products for

PebbleArt Inc.

Jim Slate