The choice of a particular type of toilet depends on the physical condition of the patient and his financial situation. To equip a bathroom for the elderly following requirements need to be fulfilled:
Sink
It is very important for elderly or sick people moving in wheelchairs that the location of the sink provides free access to it, and they can wash comfortably. Adjust the position of the sink, focusing on a specific person.
Toilet
There are certain standards recommended for fixing a toilet bowl. It is usually mounted at a height of about 50 cm from the floor. In front of the toilet, it is necessary to leave a space of at least 60 by 90 centimeters for mobile patients, 150 by 150 centimeters for non-walking elderly people. This is necessary in order not to impede the movements of the patient.
Shower
What is the best device for washing the body of an elderly person? Do not doubt, of course, the shower.
So that the elderly patient does not lose balance and does not fall, there should not be a threshold in the soul. This will allow him to move freely.
Bath
The bathtub is not as comfortable for older people to use as the shower. But the reality is that most apartments are equipped with bathtubs. Due to their design features, additional problems arise in use. For an elderly person with a low level of physical abilities, it is rather difficult to get out of even a not very deep bath.
If you do not plan to put a shower in the apartment, then you can improve the old bathtub with separate functional devices.
Functional devices in the form of handrails, seats, chairs, benches and steps
Install shower grab rail height australian standards bar in the bathroom, in the shower room, and on the sides of the toilet.
- Bath seat
While in the bathroom, an elderly person risks slipping on a wet floor, falling and getting seriously injured. There is a special category of goods specifically designed for people with disabilities. One of them is a bath seat.
- Chair
If the shower is not equipped with walls and a tray, a plastic chair or stool is installed in it. It can be stationary or folding. These products are small and always at hand.
- Step or stairs to the bathroom
Hygiene room equipment often includes this item, which has a different configuration. The step is designed to facilitate the entry and exit of the elderly from the toilet. Depending on the physical condition of the sick person and the height of the sides of the bath itself, one or another model of the ladder is chosen. The simplest option is one step.
- Mirror
This item does not have to be very large. It is better to fix it not too high. For sick people in a wheelchair, it will be convenient if you can change the angle of the mirror. As an option, install an additional mirror on a movable arm to make it easier to carry out hygienic face care procedures.
- Floor covering
If you make repairs in the toilet for the sick and the elderly with your own hands and change the floor tiles, then choose it with a class of at least R9. The coating must have anti-slip properties.
It is good to use special anti-slip floor mats in the shower or bathroom. At the same time, one should not forget that such items can become an obstacle for sick elderly people moving in a wheelchair, or on crutches or walkers.