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A Typical American Home
(page 2)

The Bathroom

The bathroom has the greatest needs for modification due to the potential for falling. Preparing this room to handle the bodily changes is of utmost importance to the health and well-being of every senior citizen.

Installing grab bars can offer peace of mind in the shower, tub, and toilet areas. First, consider installing a 18"-24" grab bar horizontally or at an upward angle on the side of the tub or shower opposite of the shower curtain or door. Another 12"grab bar can be installed vertically beside the controls. You can get colors that match your decor: white, almond, chrome, or brass finish. Professional installation is a must. If the grab bar is not properly installed, serious injury could result from a false sense of security. But properly installed, a grab bar can provide peace of mind.

Installing a grab bar beside and behind the commode can give balance assurance as well. As we age, our bones and joints tend to take longer to get warmed up. Getting up out of a chair can be tough for a senior, the same holds true for getting on and off the commode. Therefore, having some assistance via a grab bar or two can be very beneficial. Installation location and proper installation can best be provided by a professional. Again, we can not stress this enough.

Life@Home, Inc. installers spend several hours learning all the proper tools, fasteners and techniques needed to ensure that each job is done right. Each technician is well aware of the importance we place on our installations.

Another area of concern is the bottom of showers and tubs. Mats can often have mildew growth that collects on the bottom of the suction cups. That is why we only recommend and install safety treads that adhere directly to the surface, thus eliminating the chance of mildew and bacteria growth. The treads that we have are clear and therefore complement the decor of any color floor.

Proper lighting can be as simple as changing a light bulb to a higher wattage, or maybe additional lighting is needed. We feel that having a night light is the easiest and best way to guard against falling in the bath late at night. We offer a nightlight that is cool to the touch (great for little grandchildren's hands) and costs a mere 2 cents a year to run.

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