As we get older, it can be much more difficult to complete simple tasks including things like showering, getting up the stairs and using the toilet. Not only are these tasks more difficult, but older people are also more prone to falls. This is especially true in the bathroom where surfaces can become slippery. Luckily, there are a number of things that can be done to help make homes safer, more convenient, and more comfortable for the elderly.

In this article, we interior design expert, Zoe Warren at PriceYourJob.co.uk goes over the main things that you can do to make your senior citizens feel safer and more comfortable at home. Zoe will also provide some additional tips on things that will maximise the safety of elderly residents at home. The following list of tips could help to prevent unnecessary harm to elderly residents and will help them to maintain their independence.

Add Toilet Safety Rails

Toilet safety rails are put in place to provide support to a person when they’re using the toilet. These are some of the most important things that you can add to a bathroom to make it more suitable for seniors. Toilet rails tend to come in a variety of different styles.

Below is some information on the main styles of toilet rails:

• Legless Toilet Rails – Legless toilet rails rest completely on top of your toilet bowl. These tend to be easy to install and usually consist of one or two rails to help support the person as they use the toilet.
• Toilet Rails Attached to Toilet – These types of toilet rails extend out from the toilet and down to the floor. They tend to be quite stable as the weight is extended down to the floor. It is usually attached between the bolts that hold your toilet seat in place. Models can differ as some will extend to around the centre of the toilet bowl and down to the floor and others may extend further than the toilet bowl and then down to the floor.
• Toilet Riser with Handles – This type of toilet rail enhances the height of the seat, which makes it easier for elderly people to stand up from the toilet. The added handles provide some leverage, which can be used to push up from the toilet bowl and into a standing position. Some models are designed to be placed underneath the toilet seat, and others are designed to be used as a toilet seat itself.  
• Freestanding Toilet Rails – Freestanding toilet rail frames rest around the toilet and don’t require any installation. Some models can be easily folded up for storage. These aren’t the best models for smaller bathrooms as they can affect a person’s ability to move freely around the bathroom as the rail can get in the way. This is especially problematic for those who use walkers or a wheelchair.
• Flip Grab Bars – Flip-up grab bars are great as they can be flipped up out of the way when they’re not in use, providing more room in the bathroom. They are simple and easy to flip down when you need them. If there is not a side wall close enough to the toilet for a side wall rail, these flip rails make a great alternative. They are also helpful for those who use wheelchairs, as they can be flipped out of the way easily.
• Pivoting Toilet Rails – Pivoting rail bars tend to be mounted to the wall and swing out to provide versatile rail support. These rails provide many different handholds at different heights to suit your needs. Most models include stationary vertical and horizontal grab bars, plus an additional curved bar that can be swung around and locked in place at various positions.
• Wall to Floor Grab Bars – This type of rail attaches to the floor and the wall. It is an L-shaped rail that bends at a 90-degree angle and extends to the floor below. They are set at a fixed height, so it’s important to ensure that the height meets the individual’s requirements before this type of rail is installed.

Install a Walk-In Tub

Walk-in tubs are a safe option for seniors who may be prone to slipping or falling when stepping into a traditional bathtub. This type of bathtub has a door or multiple doors which you can open and close when entering or exiting the tub.

The doors on a walk-in bathtub prevent the need for having to lift your legs over the edge of the tub when you get in and out of the bath. This, therefore, reduces any risks of falling when entering or exiting the bathtub.

A safety door is not the only benefit that comes with a walk-in bathtub. Many models are installed with seating inside the tub, handrails, and adjustable bubble jets. These bathtubs can be quite expensive but have been proven to be a lot safer than traditional bathtubs for older citizens.

The seat within a walk-in bathtub can be very beneficial as this usually provides a secure place for the individual to sit while bathing. It allows them to sit easily in an upright position and prevents them from accidentally slipping below the surface of the water.

Install a Good Quality Shower Bench

Many elderly citizens find it hard to stay standing or remain balanced for long periods of time. This is why shower benches are extremely beneficial when it comes to supporting seniors. A good-quality shower bench will allow you to sit and rest easily and comfortably while you shower.

Most shower bench manufacturers install the shower bench with stability and ease in mind. Some models will come with suction cups, height adjustment options, and handrails to make them even more sturdy and user-friendly.

Some things you will need to consider when choosing a shower bench include the following:

• Check the weight capacity of the bench to ensure it can accommodate the individual
• Check the size of the shower bench to make sure it will fit in the shower area and that the shower will reach the bench easily
• Check the size of the shower bench to make sure it’s not too big for the bathroom that you’re installing it in

Install a Stairlift

Stair lifts can be a game-changer for elderly people. If your elderly loved one lives in a multi-storey home, a stair lift can improve their safety significantly. Elderly people can find it difficult to walk up and down the stairs and may be more prone to losing their footing and experiencing falls.

Stairlifts offer a safe and reliable way to navigate the stairs, reducing the risk of falls, which can be a major concern for elderly residents.

Once a stair lift has been installed, this renewed access to all floors of the house can help boost the independence of the elderly person. This can boost the well-being of seniors.

Keep Storage Within Reach

In a senior home, all storage should be within reach. It’s difficult for seniors to stretch, bend, and manoeuvre around things, so this should be kept in mind when thinking about storing items of need.

Shower caddies are great for the bathroom. These are best mounted on the wall at an appropriate height so that everything is within easy reach of the individual in question.

Another great idea is to install dispensers for various things such as soaps, shampoos, washing liquids and toothpaste to make it easier for the individual to reach and use the products they need. This also prevents issues such as the bottles or packaging slipping out of the individual’s hand while they’re using it.

When it comes to storage around the home, you want to ensure that all storage solutions are well within reach. The elderly person shouldn’t have to stretch or bend down to reach things. Try to keep all essential storage at mid-height.

Add Non-Slip Mats in The Bathroom

The most common bathroom accidents for seniors are slips and falls. These mostly occur when the individual is getting in and out of the tub or shower as this area tends to be quite slippery. This is where a non-slip mat comes in great as this can prevent slips and falls.

The best places for non-slip mats are at the entrance of the bathroom, around the toilet, and next to the bathtub and shower. The most important places for non-slip mats are in front of the entrance and exit points of the shower and bathtub. Waterproof, non-slip mats can also be placed inside the shower area or bath to prevent slips and falls when washing.

If you are completely remodelling the bathroom, you may also want to consider installing non-slip tiles. These can be installed just in the shower area or can even be installed in the entire bathroom. They tend to feature a non-slip coating that guarantees safety when stepped on.

Alternatively, you could opt for non-slip adhesives that can be stuck onto the tiles. These most commonly tend to be added to the basin, bath and shower edges to prevent hands and feet from slipping.

Consider Lighting and Colours

Many homeowners consider overhead lighting to be the best option for lighting. However, this type of lighting can cause problems for elderly citizens. Overhead lighting can cause shadows, which results in some areas being illuminated and some areas failing to be illuminated.

When it comes to senior homes, you want to try to avoid overhead lighting where possible. It is a much better idea to add multiple lights around each room to ensure all of the different areas of the room achieve good lighting.

Additionally, it’s important to think about appropriate colours when decorating each room to accommodate seniors. You should opt for matte colours and avoid high-gloss finishes, as these can cause light glare, which may be confusing for the elderly. You may also want to think about choosing different colours to highlight different areas of the room so that it’s easier for the individual to distinguish between each different part.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many reasons why it’s imperative to make a senior home safer. Not only will these updates prevent slips and falls, but they will also make it much more satisfying and comfortable for the individual to have the freedom to enjoy their home without supervision.