Preparing a Bathroom for an Elderly Family Member

More and more Americans are having to face family members needing to move in due to health concerns. I first faced this when my Dad had to move my grandparents in fifteen years ago. It was hard for me to accept them leaving their lake house they had worked for and give up some independence. This was not the first time it happened and I am sure it won't be the last. The experience can be good as I was able to enjoy having my grandparents closer in their final years.

With my grandparents, other family members and friends I have learned a few things that make things easier on everyone. Even if the family member is not having severe problems it can be good to be proactive in things around the house. The bathroom is the first place to start.

In apartments I have built handicapped facilities are required for a ADA requirements, these can be good in private homes as well. The first and one of the easiest things to install is grab bars, which could help prevent further injury as well as make things easier. The last set of commercial grade stainless steel grab bars ran a little over a hundred dollars and are easy to find. Installing grab bars in the shower and around the toilet can make everyday tasks much easier. Grab bars can be installed by the do it yourselfer or by the local handyman, but they must be secure. Each end of a grab bar usually has three holes for screws and all of them must be used. A home will not usually have blocking for the screws to catch so you will need to consult with your local hardware store to find out which anchor is right for the application.

Also in the bathroom area a shower head on a hose and shower chair will be needed. This is because bathing could become more difficult and this is a safer option. The shower head and chair are two things that can generally be done yourself. A shower chair can be very inexpensive and only requires simple assembly. Mounting the shower head low enough to be reached sitting is very important. Last year I built a home a elderly couple and we kept the high shower head for the husband. Where the tub spigot would usually be we installed a low shower head on a hose for his wife. Since we built the home for them we did a tile floor that drained toward the shower. Not having a lip or tub wall can be easier to negotiate and safe. The sink needs to not have a cabinet under it as the cabinet prevents a wheelchair from traveling under it. If you have a hard time picturing these things model the bathroom after a hospital room bathroom. The ADA also provides requirements for apartments that give the spaces and measurements for bathrooms.

These bathroom adjustments can make things easier for everyone in the house. The elderly family member will find independence and pride in taking care of them self. The other family members will have a few extra minutes in what can be a stressful day. Even if the family needs to help it will be much easier to do so. These small things can make a big difference.