Plumbing Features to Keep Senior Citizens Safe at Home

Take advantage of innovative plumbing features for bathrooms and kitchens to keep yourself or your loved ones safe, healthy, and comfortable at home.

Touchless faucets in the kitchen and bathroom are a wise investment for several reasons. Not only do they allow for easy access, they can also cut down on the spread of germs and bacteria. Look for touchless faucets that utilize a pressure sensor, which will ensure the faucet does not sense every motion, such as when you walk past it.

Innovative touchless faucets may also contain combined water flow functions to control the pressure of the water you desire. Look for faucets with specialized settings that allow you to control water temperature and flow control, as well as a pause function. Touchless soap dispensers are another great option for ease of use and bacteria control.

Smart toilets are available with a wide range of features for ease of use, safety, and cleanliness. Look for toilets that sit higher than standard toilets, as these are easier to access and may lessen the risk of falls. Some toilets are equipped with nightlights to make those late-night trips to the bathroom safer.

Bidet features are a nice option for seniors who may find personal hygiene difficult due to limited mobility. Features such as water heating, pressure control, and a heated drying unit will allow for proper cleaning after using the toilet. Motion sensors allow toilet seats to open and close without touch and can also activate no-touch flushing.

Traditional showers and bathtubs can create a fall risk for those with health problems and limited mobility. A walk-in bathtub is a wise investment to make the bathing experience worry-free for seniors. Walk-in bathtubs provide a spa-like bathing experience, allow for a deep soak, and may also contain jets for soothing arthritic joints and sore muscles.

Walk-in tubs have low thresholds and are equipped with wide doors for easy access. Outward opening doors allow for more room when entering and exiting the tub. Walk-in tubs have grab bars installed inside, built-in seats, and floors with a slip-resistant surface to promote extra safety.

As mentioned above, grab bars are a great safety feature. If you want to have grab bars without the walk-in tub, that is possible as well. Grab bars are installable anywhere, especially near the toilet and tub. They allow those who have mobility challenges to have a firm surface to grab and hold onto as they step out of the tub or get up from the toilet.

A good water filtration system will help eliminate natural contaminants and provide you or your loved one with a healthier home and safer drinking water. Point-of-entry water filtration systems treat the water as it enters the home and provide healthy water throughout your home. Point-of-entry systems also include water softeners.

Another option for safe water is point-of-use style water filtration systems. These systems take advantage of water filters installed in kitchen and bathroom faucets to improve the taste and quality of tap water. Refrigerator water filtration systems make it easy to have safe and chilled drinking water available at the touch of a button or with the use of a sensor. 

Investing in a safe and healthy home, for yourself or a loved one, is more important than ever during the senior years of life. With all the innovative plumbing features available today, you will have one less thing to worry about when it comes to your safety or the safety of your loved ones in the home. Contact Shamrock Plumbing to set up an appointment to discuss options for improving you or your loved one's home to make it as safe and healthy as possible.