Did you know that each year roughly 235,000 individuals require emergency room visits due to bathroom-related injuries? Statistics show that nearly 14 percent of those visits require at least an overnight stay in the hospital. These types of injuries can happen while you take a bath or a shower, but they can also happen while you are on the toilet.

As we age, our mobility, strength and agility all decrease. Therefore, it makes sense that there will be an increased risk of injury. Due to the fact that the bathroom is a cramped space and that there are wet surfaces, older adults are at increased risk of injury in the bathroom.

Because of the increased risk, if you plan to try to maintain as much of your independence as possible as an aging adult, you need to make your bathroom as safe as possible. In order to do this, you need to consider upgrading the space. Below are some changes that can help you live at home as an aging yet independent adult.

Upgrade #1: Grab Bars

Grab bars are an essential bathroom upgrade for any individual that is getting older and intends to live on their own. These should be installed next to the toilet, next to the bathtub, and in the shower to help you remain steady on your feet. If you feel like you are getting off balance or need help getting up, you can grab hold of the bar and pull yourself up.

You can even purchase grab bars that function as the grab bar as well as serve as other fixtures, such as towel racks, toilet paper holders and shelves. You may want to consider dual-purpose options to minimize the clutter in your space.

Upgrade #2: Chair-Height Toilet

As people get older, they may find it a true chore to sit and stand. And, the older individuals get, the more often they may need to go relieve themselves. For those who have stiff joints, it helps to have a toilet that is taller so that they don't have to feel as if they are falling to the ground.

A chair-height, or comfort-height, toilet will allow seniors to raise and lower their body without putting a lot of effort into the movement and will keep you from dreading going to the bathroom from here on out. Alternatively, instead of replacing the toilet, you can purchase a plastic toilet seat that is several inches thick and thus raises the height of the toilet. However, a thick toilet could move around and make you feel unsafe.

Upgrade #3: Walk-in Tub or Curbless Shower

While you may not want to admit it, your mobility probably isn't what it used to be. Therefore, you need to consider upgrading your bathing options. You do have a couple of things to consider, though. If you prefer taking baths, you may want to opt for a walk-in tub. These are taller than regular tubs, and you will simply sit down, swing your legs inside, close the door and fill the tub up with water. You will have to drain the water completely before you get out, though.

Now, if you prefer showers, you will want to consider a curbless shower. With this type of shower, there is no step for you to lift your legs over — no type of barrier at all. Instead, you simply open the door and walk right into the shower. You should make sure that the door is wide enough that you can get inside the shower with your walker or wheelchair in the event that you need to use one at some point.

Since you may not be able to stand the entire time while in the shower, don't forget to think about purchasing a shower chair or having a bench installed inside the shower so you can sit down and rest when your legs get tired.

If you are interested in upgrading your bathroom so that it is easier and safer to use as you age, contact Moody Plumbing, Inc. We are happy to discuss with you what your bathroom needs and install the necessary plumbing features so that you can age in place.