For the elderly, normal mobility can become challenging and therefore, it’s beneficial adding elements of accessibility into their homes. What tends to be overlooked, is placing specialist adaptions into your home to help maintain normal daily routines. Even the most regular aspects of life can become difficult to carry out, with hygiene and bathing being one of the most common difficulties faced by an ageing population. Future proofing your home with features such as a bath adaptation will allow yourself, or those close to you to remain independent in later life.
It’s not just physical struggles that are affected with reduced mobility, but emotions can also be impacted for those effected as areas of homes become a struggle to navigate. It can be extremely frustrating for elderly people when they feel like a typical part of their day becomes a strenuous activity, or that they may even require assistance to carry these tasks out. The stresses which arise because of this are also felt by close relatives, or anyone who provides care for the person affected. In these situations, elderly people may begin to feel restricted in their own home, and a solution to increase accessibility is required.
When adaptions are fitted in existing bathrooms, specific mobility requirements need to be considered. Options such as walk-in/ shallow baths are both excellent for making the bathroom a functional and safe space. These additions can be tailored to the customers specifications, so measurements and the placing of grips can be decided to suit an individual. Bath adaptations can restore practicality to the bathroom and make bathing a less time-consuming part of the day, whilst also making the user feel comfortable and confident in the home. Safety is also re-enforced when an adaptation is installed, as balance in the elderly becomes notably inhibited on bathroom surfaces. For example, a bath seat can decrease the likelihood of falls by providing a point of stability.
It’s essential to start to consider investing in adaptions, whether it’s for you or a relative, as it would be worthwhile creating a more accessible home for years to come. Your own aesthetic preferences can also be considered, and if the bathroom is shared with other residents then this can be catered for with advice from specialists. A bathroom adaptation acts as a preventative method in terms of accidents, as it increases accessibility where mobility may be lessened or limited.
The average bathroom become a magnet for unsuspecting hazards, especially when mobility is limited. There are multiple options when it comes to selecting a bath adaptation for your home, and financial assistance may be available from your local authority. Therefore, choosing to fit a bath adaptation does not have to be a daunting task; seeking advice from a local Occupational Therapist is also a route to consider when It comes to making the decision. Adapting areas in your home increases both accessibility and comfort, increasing the quality of life in years to come.
Source: living-independently.com