HEWI MAG / sanitary
How to avoid falls in the bathroom
According to statistics from the Statista platform, the risk of falling increases with age. Many older people are afraid of falling - especially in the bathroom. To help them feel safe and comfortable again, you as a planner or architect can do your part to make the bathroom safer. In this article, you will learn how to reduce the risk of falling and which products play a decisive role in this.
In the bathroom, falls occur again and again in old age - and often involve health consequences. Especially people who suffer from a chronic illness or limited mobility do not feel very safe in the bathroom. It is therefore important to adapt the sanitary area to the needs and age of the residents in good time and to initiate refurbishment measures according to needs. With different products in the bathroom for showers, washbasins and WCs, you can reduce the risk of falls for your customers.
Reduce the risk of falling: Make the shower slip-resistant and safe
In an age-appropriate bathroom, it makes sense to install a shower instead of a bathtub. Getting into showers is much easier, which already significantly reduces the risk of falling. If the shower is also designed to be barrier-free and at ground level, safety in the bathroom for senior citizens is further enhanced. In addition, a bathroom with a shower offers more space. But not only older people benefit from showers: Especially when people use a walking frame or someone is assisted by a caregiver with everyday personal hygiene, sufficient space is necessary.
Installing seating in the shower is another important aspect to minimise the risk of falls. Shower seats prevent slipping on wet floors. Ideally, seats in the shower are fixed to the wall. A non-slip surface of the shower seats contributes to safety in the bathroom for senior citizens. Seats in the shower make it easier for older people to carry out the physical routine that becomes more burdensome with age and therefore help them to be more independent.
Angled handles in the shower, which also function as shower holders, also offer protection against falls. The handles allow two levels of grip: They allow vertical and horizontal supporting and holding. Especially in dangerous situations, it is important to be able to hold on. In this way, many falls can be avoided. Angled handles in the shower give a feeling of safety in the bathroom for the elderly and additionally reduce the risk of falling.
With a modular washbasin system, important adaptations can be added quickly and easily at any time. If the support is no longer needed, the washbasin can be easily dismantled. Washbasins that have integrated recessed grips also offer safety in the bathroom for senior citizens. Users quickly hold on to the handles if they lack strength in their legs or feel unwell. In this way, the washbasins reduce the risk of falls and contribute to a more self-determined everyday life.
Other useful products in the bathroom for the elderly
In addition to products in the WC, shower and washbasin areas, there are also solutions that provide more safety in the bathroom for senior citizens. Mobile seating can be used flexibly wherever users need it. Whether getting dressed or brushing teeth at the washbasin - mobile stools are ideal additions to age-appropriate bathroom equipment.
A particularly important solution that reduces the risk of falls are holding rails. They can also be flexibly installed in the place where the help is needed. In the shower as well as at the toilet and washbasin, however, they are obligatory to ensure safety in the bathroom for the elderly - because holding rails provide the last rescue from a fall in a dicey situation.
Generally, you should choose slip-resistant tiles when equipping a bathroom suitable for senior citizens. These noticeably reduce the risk of falls and contribute to a feeling of safety.
The installation of an emergency button is also recommended in the bathroom of your elderly clients. If a fall does occur, the emergency button makes it possible for the person to call for help. Especially when an impaired person is alone in a flat, house or care room, emergency buttons are important for quick help.
SUPPORT IN PLANNING SAFE BATHROOMS
Do you need help when it comes to safe bathroom planning? Our free planning service is aimed at architects and planners. We are happy to support you in refurbishing or planning a new, age-appropriate bathroom. Contact us.
