Bathroom for Elderly People - Key Tips

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A home with elderly people requires adaptation, which is inevitable. And one of the most concerning rooms is undoubtedly the bathroom. The wet, small and slippery space of a bathroom is one of the places where domestic injuries most often occur in elderly people.

In some cases, a fall leads only to burns, but in others it can be fatal, even causing fractures and injuries. To avoid this risk, the best solution is a bathroom adapted for elderly people. But do you know what an adapted bathroom should contain? How much does it cost? We will answer these and other questions below, so come take a look.

Why is the bathroom important for elderly people?

With age, the human body begins to undergo natural "wear and tear," which in most cases deprives elderly people of the ability to perform their actions independently. This includes, for example, loss of muscle mass affecting balance.

These typical inconveniences of aging are added to some illnesses usually affecting this age group, such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes and others. These health conditions require close ones to take certain measures ensuring elderly people not only safety but also independence, comfort, well-being and self-respect. Key precautions are related to accessibility, especially in rooms where the risk of accidents is higher, such as bathrooms.

A properly adapted bathroom for elderly people eliminates the risk of falls and, consequently, fractures and other consequences that can quickly deteriorate a person's physical condition.

What should an elderly-friendly bathroom contain?

Handles and Support Bars

Handles and support bars are among the most important items needed in an elderly person's bathroom. They are essential for preventing falls and helping elderly people get up and sit down, whether on a toilet or in a bathroom stool. However, bars must meet technical standards to ensure safety.

It is recommended they can withstand 150 kg weight, have a diameter between 30 and 45 cm, and be installed with a 4 cm gap from the wall. Bars should also be mounted at heights of 1.10 m and 1.30 m from the floor. The main installation points for bars are in the shower area and around the toilet. In larger bathrooms, it's recommended to install bars along walls for easier movement.

Simplified Faucets

Just like door handles, faucets should also be easy to operate. Therefore, partial-turn faucets are preferred over full rotation ones.

Nonslip Flooring

Luckily, there are now many types of nonslip flooring finishes including ceramic, epoxy and rubber materials. In contrast, avoid polished or matte-finished floors as they are smooth and slippery.

Bathroom Stool

Every bathroom for elderly people should be equipped with a stool. Even those who don't use wheelchairs can benefit from this support. First, because the stool provides more comfort; secondly, because it prevents elderly people from standing up and thus falling.

However, avoid regular bathroom stools. It's better to have special stools for this purpose with nonslip soles and materials that are easy to clean and maintain.

Contrast Colors

It is highly recommended that an elderly person's bathroom have contrasting colors between the floor and walls. This helps with orientation for elderly people, especially if they have vision problems.

For example, use a blue floor and white wall.

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