To help provide resources for safety during “Senior’s Safety Week” we want to discuss the most dangerous room in the home: the bathroom. For those with limited mobility, or seniors, it is important to consider the fall risks that exist in the bathroom to ensure that people are safely able to go about daily routines. In this episode we will review bathroom hazards and will discuss the many suggestions an Occupational Therapist may make after a home assessment. These might include mats, bars, lifts, benches or even home modifications – of course the solutions will depend on your condition, age, and the layout of your home.
We hope you enjoy this video from our Occupational Therapy Video (OT-V) series and can use some of our tips to stay safe at home!
Julie,
Thank you for the video. It was very helpful to me. I am designing a bathroom for my mom after stroke. My question is about the shower doors. The shower is only 32’X60″ would you put the glass doors or the shower curtain?
Thanks for your comment. I am glad you found the video helpful. With respect to your question, it really depends on her mobility and caregiving needs. A shower curtain will provide more room for the transfer and will give a caregiver more room to assist. A glass door will be better at keeping water contained, and can become something to hold when transferring, but limits space for getting in / out if there is a mobility issue (wheelchair use) and will make it more difficult for someone to provide help if needed. I hope that helps!
What most people don’t realize is that there are many different types of speciality shower doors that are much more functional than the traditional sliding glass doors. In my own homes I have utilized glass doors in a universal design/accessible shower. One set was designed almost as an accordion whereas the doors slide into themselves but also swung fully open. The other one pivots and swings fully out both directions. The doors were pricey but well worth it.
Great point. There are multiple options for all aspects of a bathroom reno and consulting with a vendor and / or OT who understands accessibility needs (short and long term) goes a long way to make sure money is spent wisely.
JULIE
I love the idea of these short presentations. People should also consider heat lamps, heated flooring and the lighting in the bathroom if they are looking for a complete future-proof plan. I love the way the video was presented.
Thanks Jim! There are many things to consider…your suggestions are right on. Things like flooring texture and glare, lighting, even wall color can also have an impact – especially when moving beyond physical disability and into visual and sensory problems. We appreciate your feedback!
Great video with many things for the home owner to consider. OT is so vital to making a bathroom and a home work with any sort of impairment I hope that helps people in making decisions when it is time to make a house work for a disability.
We agree! We always appreciate when people see the value of an OT opinion when making decisions about how to function at home!
Very well done. I enjoyed it a lot and was happy with all of the topics you covered with such clarity.
We are glad you found it helpful! Thanks for the comment.