Image © Stéphane ChalmeauĮven when all these precautions are taken, it is always important to predict the worst possible scenario, such as an accident. Save this picture! Guardería + Residencia Tercera Edad / a/LTA. Of course, they should also be tightly attached to the floor or wall. They should end up being about 46 cm high. Thus, it is recommended that toilets are a little higher than the conventional height, which can be done by "wedging" the existing toilet. Ideally, they should be rubberized where they touch the floor so that they have sufficient friction with the surface and never slip.īecause of the reduction of muscle tone in the elderly, a higher toilet can ease the movement of sitting and especially getting up. Rugs, if not suitable, can also be a major cause of accidents. Some experts suggest that bathrooms have contrasting colors, for example if the walls or the floor contrast with the sanitary ware, to avoid confusion for elderly people with reduced vision. All kinds of floors have non-slip options such as ceramics, cementitious boards, epoxy, and rubberized floors that can work well for bathrooms. It is therefore imperative that the floor is made of a non-slip material. Image © Alfredo Prados Covarrubiasĭue to water, soap, and other toiletries, it is common for floors to become slippery in bathrooms. Save this picture! Residencia para Mayores en Mota del Cuervo (Cuenca) / GEED Arquitectos. A well-designed and spacious wheelchair-accessible bathroom also improves circulation, preventing falls and injuries from bumping into something. Even if the elderly still have the ability to walk, it is important to consider wheelchair use and the possibility of a caregiver when sizing spaces. Here are some things to keep in mind when designing toilets for older people:Īffordable toilets that comply with universal design standards generally serve the demands of the elderly, who are considered a group of people with reduced mobility. Making toilets safer is critical to reducing the risk of accidents and decreasing response time in the event of a fall. To provide more comfortable living conditions as users grow older, the environment must adapt to the new physical capabilities of its occupants. Although no one is immune to a slip after bathing, it is the elderly who suffer most from falls, and can often suffer serious injuries, sequelae, and functional limitations. Due to the natural reduction of reflexes and muscle mass, the higher the age group, the more prone to falls we become. There exist frequent reports of toilet accidents, as they are often located in tight and slippery places.
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