How to Make Aging in Place Safer and Easier for Seniors

Aging in place is a popular choice for many seniors who want to maintain their independence and stay in the comfort of their own home as they grow older. The good news is that with a few home changes and the right planning, aging in place can be both safer and more cost-effective than moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. However, it’s important to address the unique challenges of living independently, especially when it comes to safety in key areas like the bathroom. 

What is Aging in Place and What are the Benefits?

Aging in place refers to the ability of an older adult to live in their own home for as long as possible, rather than transitioning to a nursing home or assisted living facility. This option allows seniors to continue living in a familiar environment, surrounded by their personal belongings, community, and cherished memories. 

The primary benefits of aging in place include: 

• Independence: seniors retain control over their daily routines, making their own decisions about how they want to live. 
• Emotional Comfort: being at home helps reduce the stress and anxiety that can accompany a move to a new environment. 
• Community Connections: staying in their neighborhood allows older adults to maintain social connections and routines, which contributes to better mental health. 
• Cost Efficiency: aging in place is generally more affordable than paying for long-term care in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. 

Why Aging in Place is Better and Cheaper than a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility

One of the major reasons seniors and their families opt for aging in place is the cost savings compared to institutional care. The average cost of a nursing home can range from $6,000 to $8,000 per month, while assisted living facilities average around $4,000 per month. In contrast, even when factoring in the cost of home modifications and in-home care services, aging in place can still be significantly cheaper in the long run. 

Aging in place also allows seniors to customize their environment to meet their specific needs. Whether it’s adding grab bars in the bathroom, installing stair lifts, or converting a bathroom into a safer space, these changes are a one-time investment that can yield long-term benefits. 

What About the Most Dangerous Area in the Home: The Bathroom?

While aging in place is desirable for many, safety must be the top priority—especially in the bathroom. Statistically, the bathroom is one of the most dangerous areas in the home for older adults. According to the CDC, nearly 80% of falls that happen at home occur in the bathroom. Wet surfaces, slippery tiles, and awkward movements like getting in and out of the tub are major contributors to bathroom injuries. 

For seniors, even a minor fall can lead to serious injuries like broken bones, hip fractures, or head trauma, resulting in long hospital stays and lengthy recovery times. Without proper precautions, the bathroom poses many risks for seniors who want to age in place. 

How to Make Aging in Place Safer with Better Bathroom Design

Making the bathroom safer for older adults involves addressing several potential hazards. Here are a few tips that can help reduce the risk of slips and falls: 

1. Install Grab Bars and Handrails: place grab bars near the toilet, in the shower, and by the bathtub to provide extra support. These bars should be secured into the wall studs to ensure stability and safety. 
2. Use Non-Slip Mats and Flooring: non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower, as well as slip-resistant flooring, can reduce the risk of falls. Choose materials that provide better traction, even when wet. 
3. Improve Lighting: install bright, non-glare lighting in the bathroom and consider using night lights to make the space safer during nighttime use. 
4. Elevated Toilet Seats: an elevated toilet seat makes it easier for seniors to sit down and stand up without straining their knees and hips. 
5. Walk-In Tubs and Showers: a walk-in tub or step-in shower eliminates the need to climb over a high tub edge, which is a common cause of bathroom falls. 
6. Handheld Showerheads: a handheld showerhead can make bathing easier, allowing seniors to sit comfortably while they bathe, reducing the risk of slipping. 

The Walk-in Bathtub is the Most Important Safety Tool!

One of the most effective ways to enhance bathroom safety for aging in place is by installing a walk-in tub. Here’s why walk-in tubs are considered the gold standard for senior safety: 

1. Low-Threshold Entry: traditional tubs require seniors to step over a high edge, which can be a fall risk. Walk-in tubs have a low step-in height, allowing for safer and easier access. 
2. Built-In Safety Features: many walk-in tubs come with built-in grab bars, anti-slip flooring, and ADA-compliant seating, ensuring that seniors have the support they need while bathing. 
3. Comfort and Therapeutic Benefits: walk-in tubs are designed for comfort and relaxation, featuring options like hydrotherapy jets, heated seating, and lumbar support. These features not only provide a spa-like experience but also promote better circulation, relieve joint pain, and soothe sore muscles. 
4. Quick-Drain and Filling Options: some walk-in tubs, like the ones offered by Independent Home, are equipped with fast-filling and quick-draining systems, meaning seniors spend less time waiting for the tub to fill or empty. This reduces the risk of getting chilled and ensures a more pleasant bathing experience. 
5. Customizable to Fit Any Bathroom: unlike bulky traditional bathtubs, walk-in tubs come in various sizes and can be customized to fit small or uniquely shaped bathrooms. This means that even if you have a compact bathroom, Independent Home can provide a tub that fits perfectly without requiring a major renovation. 
6. Full-Service Installation: companies like Independent Home handle the entire installation process, from initial measurements to completing any necessary plumbing, electrical, or structural modifications. This comprehensive service ensures that the tub is installed safely and efficiently, minimizing disruption and maximizing safety. 

A Walk-In Tub for Safe and Comfortable Aging in Place

Aging in place can be a wonderful choice for seniors who want to maintain their independence and live in the comfort of their own home. However, safety must be a top priority, especially in high-risk areas like the bathroom. By investing in safety features like grab bars, non-slip mats, and improved lighting, you can create a much safer environment for your loved one. But the best way to ensure safety, comfort, and independence is by installing a walk-in tub. 

At Independent Home, we specialize in helping families create safe and comfortable bathing spaces that support aging in place. Our walk-in tubs are not only equipped with all the necessary safety features but are also customizable to fit any bathroom, making aging in place safer and easier for everyone.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact Independent Home today!