As we age, our needs change—including how we use or need the plumbing fixtures in our homes. So you must consider several factors to ensure such fixtures remain safe and comfortable for seniors. Whether you’re thinking about your senior loved one’s house or the senior living facility you’re running, here are some things you should think of carefully when planning or maintaining plumbing for seniors’ homes.
Safety is the top priority.
Seniors may have mobility issues that make it difficult to navigate their homes, so it’s vital to ensure the pipes are free of leaks and the fixtures in their homes are as safe as possible. Check for trip hazards around the plumbing fixtures, such as loose tiles or uneven flooring. Also, consider installing grab bars in the bathroom, particularly around the toilet and shower area, to provide extra stability and support.
More tips? Pick a handheld showerhead. It can make it easier for seniors to wash and rinse themselves, particularly if they have limited mobility. You can mount it on a slide bar, which allows the height to be adjusted to the user’s preference.
Think of accessibility.
In addition to safety, accessibility is another top consideration. Seniors may have difficulty reaching or using plumbing fixtures that are too high or too low. So check if these fixtures are installed at the right height. You may also have to add accessories or extensions to existing fixtures to make them more accessible for the elderly.
In the kitchen, seniors may benefit from a sink with a sprayer attachment, which makes it easier to rinse dishes and clean up. Also, ensure the dishwasher is at a height that is easy to load & unload and that the refrigerator and pantry are easily accessible.
Does your senior parent or the residents in your senior living facility love gardening? Regularly inspect garden plumbing for leaks, rust, or damage. Replace damaged or worn parts as necessary, and make sure garden hoses are coiled neatly and stored in a safe location to keep them from being trip hazards.
Consider ease of use.
Most seniors have arthritis or other conditions that make it challenging to turn knobs or handles, so it’s best if you install easy-to-operate plumbing fixtures. These include picking lever handles instead of knobs or choosing touchless faucets that can be turned on and off with a wave of the hand.
In the bathroom, there are several additional considerations to keep in mind. For example, seniors may require a larger shower area that can accommodate a shower seat or a walk-in bathtub with a low threshold for easy entry and exit. Also, ensure the bathroom has adequate lighting, ventilation & non-slip flooring.
Don’t forget about the water quality & temperature.
As we age, our bodies become more sensitive to contaminants in the water, so it’s vital to ensure that the plumbing system is free of lead, copper & other harmful materials. See if you need to replace old pipes and fixtures or install a new whole-house water filtration system.
Also, don’t forget about the water temperature. Check with professionals if the hot water system in your senior loved one’s assisted living facility needs to be upgraded. Hot water is essential for everyday comfort and ensuring diseases won’t easily spread.
Contact Mathiou Services today.
We hope our tips will help you when you install, repair or maintain plumbing fixtures in your senior loved one’s home or your commercial senior living facility. Still unsure about how to make your commercial plumbing system more senior-friendly? Contact us today.
Our team offers commercial plumbing and home maintenance services that can help seniors live more comfortably and conveniently. With our professional plumbing knowledge & skills, we can ensure that your parent or grandparent’s home or senior living community is a safe and comfortable place to live as residents age.
