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Home Safety Tips for Seniors: Bathroom Renovations [VIDEO]

By Jill Poser June 29, 2012 | 10:00 AM
Posted in: Senior Safety, Home, Family

I was in Home Depot this past week buying a few supplies for a fall prevention project I was finishing up when I came upon an older couple looking at the assortment of bath accessories located directly next to home safety, which, of course, includes decorative grab bars. The couple is likely in their late seventies, and I happened to overhear them discussing their bathroom renovation project. They seemed very interested with the outcome of their bathroom renovation, coordinating the accessories with the fixtures they select making certain the contractor will have what he needs. At first, I think, this is great! They are exactly the profile we as professionals hope for. They recognize the importance of fall risk prevention and home safety for seniors.

As a few minutes passed, I came to realize something very different. They did not once look at any of the accessories in home safety! They were the most concerned that the towel bars matched the faucet that matched the shower fixtures and so on. Who was guiding them? Did their contractor take the time to educate them on the critical issues around safety in the bathroom? Have we as professionals, so concerned with fall risk prevention, done a good enough job educating the consumer? Do manufacturers of bathroom products really pay attention to the importance of home safety? Do we all just think we will never be the one to fall?

I could not, with good conscience, stand by and say nothing! I quietly introduced myself, explained what I do, and pointed out the decorative grab bars as an option to towel bars, and why that may be very helpful. They really did not seem to know much about medical alert devices, bathroom safety or something as simple as that decorative grab bars could be used as an option to towel bars. Our exchange was very short, so I cannot really share the outcome. I can only hope that if I helped one couple become more aware of what they can do to be safer at home that I have done a good thing.

If you are planning a bathroom renovation or are concerned about fall risk prevention, here are some simple home safety tips that will help…

• Apply skid resistant solution to the bathroom floor, shower floor and tub.

• Install decorative grab bars or security pole near the toilet and tub.

• Have shower and tub chairs easily accessible.

• Install a ‘Comfort Height’ toilet.

• Install a lever style faucet.

• Set water heater at 120 degrees or less to avoid scalding.

*Content expressed in Home Security Source does not represent the thoughts and opinions of ADT unless explicitly indicated. Bloggers featured on HomeSecuritySource.com are professionals compensated by ADT. Please visit our Community Guidelines page for additional details.

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