Toilet Safety for Seniors

The toilet should not be a dangerous place for a senior citizen. Toilet safety should be a concern to anyone living with or helping improve the home of an older person.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets make it safer and more convenient for seniors. Install a seat that is 3 to 5 inches higher than a standard toilet seat. The accessible seat should stand between 17 to 19 inches above the floor.

Room to Move

Wheelchair-bound seniors must be able to get through the door and have an unobstructed path to the toilet. Opening up the room could also potentially prevent falling injuries. Wall-mounted sinks and vanities may provide the extra room needed.

Wall-Mounted Grabs

Wall-mounted safety grabs make using the toilet safer for anyone using the facilities, according to Accessible-Bathrooms.com. One-and-a-half-inch diameter grabs should be placed horizontally behind the toilet a few inches higher than the top of the tank for stability and convenient access to the tank itself, and on the closest wall to the toilet to allow the senior to push himself up into a standing position.

Non-Slip Flooring

Bathroom floors are often slippery, especially when wet. Using non-slip flooring will prevent slipping. Ceramic tiles should be installed close together without uneven grout lines to improve safety.

Toilet Clearance

Public restrooms must provide necessary space for a person to safely move from a wheelchair to the toilet. The minimal size for a bathroom stall to meet standards is 4 feet feet wide by 4 feet 8 inches deep.

References

• Accessible Bathrooms
• Accessibility Pro: Bathroom Safety for Seniors