Bathroom
In General | Add Color | Shower & Tub | Lighting & Electrical

All Bathroom Tips

In General

A house that once was convenient can cause problems as abilities change. The good news is that simple alterations can make a home safer and increase the chances of your elder remaining independent at home and in the community.

Use a checklist like this to identify problem areas in every part of the house. Note any ideas you have for improvement. For example:

Add Color

Bathrooms that are all white can be scary and make it seem like you are walking into a void when you have vision problems or dementia.

• Use towels that contrast against the color of the walls.
• Add colorful non-skid decals to the tub and shower floors.
• Change the color of the toilet seat so it contrasts with the rest of the room.

Shower & Tub

Walk-in shower with grab bars.

Portable or adjustable shower seat .

Hand-held adjustable shower head.

Temperature controlled faucets.

Tempered safety glass in shower doors.

Non-skid surface for bathtub and shower floor.

Water temperature at 120 degrees or lower.

Lighting & Electrical

Light switch located near the entrance to the bathroom.

Consider replacing the existing switch with a "glow switch" that can be seen in the dark.

Is there adequate lighting in the right place(s) for your bathroom activities (shaving, make-up application, reading)?

Are all the electrical outlets protected with Ground Fault Circuit lnterrupters to prevent electric shock?