Tailoring an Ideal Bathroom for the Elderly with Correct Tapware Placement

We all use the bathroom every day. It’s the place where we all go to first thing in the morning. However, it’s also one of the most dangerous places to go to, especially for seniors.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

Over 235,000 people over age 15 suffer from bathroom-related injuries, with the elderly demographic taking a big chunk of that statistic.

One of the most common problems that might result in bathroom-related injuries is the incorrect or uncomfortable positioning of bathroom tapware.

Join Hera Bathware in tackling the correct placement of your bathroom tapware to reduce the risk of accidents and create an ideal bathroom that is safe, comfortable, and liberating to use for you or your old folks at home.

 

How correctly placing your tapware is important

Incorrectly placed bathroom tapware can lead to discomfort, inconvenience, and even potential safety hazards. Conversely, well-placed tapware ensures that it is accessible, functional, and comfortable for all ages.

For people struggling with mobility (like the elderly), the importance of correct tapware placement is further amplified. Not only does well-placed tapware look and feel functional, but it also feels good for the user since they can maintain their independence and carry out their tasks normally.

For example, placing a shower set too low can force the user to awkwardly bend down when having a quick rinse. This might not be an issue for a healthy young adult, but might be detrimental for an elderly individual with a bad back. 

Additionally, repeated uncomfortable user experiences can also strain your back which can lead to long-term physical discomfort.

 

Determining the ideal height of your bathroom tapware

When it comes to designing your bathroom, the impact of incorrectly placed tapware is arguably the last thing you’ll ever think of. However, putting this on the back burner for too long can lead to long-term chronic pain and discomfort, especially for elderly individuals.

While we highly recommend consulting with your bathroom designer or a therapist to get an ideal height tailored to you or your elderly folks, these are general ideas for correct tapware placement:

Bath specifications

Try placing your tapware somewhere between the average bath height (510mm) and the average height of the people present in your household. The tapware should be placed at a height that prevents the user from excessively stooping or standing on their tiptoes. 

Additionally, your bath type can influence your ideal height. For example, while bath heights can vary depending on the model and design, freestanding baths are designed to be taller than built-in baths– which can appear to be lower in height due to their integration into the bathroom's layout.

 

Basin specifications

For your basin, consider positioning the mixer in a way that puts the user in any unnecessary stooping by putting it around 800-850mm from the ground.

Additionally, consider Nero Tapware’s Claudia Sensor Basin Mixer since sensor tapwares are generally easier to use, especially if they have limited dexterity or mobility with their hands like seniors. Users only need to place their hands in front of the sensor (usually under the faucet) to activate the tapware.

 

Shower specifications

For your shower, we recommend placing the mixer in a position where both adults and children can easily and comfortably access it. We also recommend setting your shower head 80 inches and up from the floor and installing grab bars for elderly and mobility-impaired individuals in your household.

Better yet, you can install a tailored shower such as our Caroma Care Support Accessible Shower. This shower model features a built-in inverted T-rail grab bar specifically designed to support them.

Create an elderly-friendly bathroom with Hera Bathware

Correctly placing bathroom tapware at just the right spots will not only mitigate long-term discomfort and prevent any slip-and-fall accidents but will also contribute to a more functionally aesthetic bathroom.

Luckily, we have specific bathroom tapware models for the elderly and mobility-impaired. As one of the premier bathware retailers operating all over Melbourne, we offer a diverse range of stylish and high-quality bathroom tapware you can choose from.

If you’re unable to visit one of our showrooms, reach out to us for assistance and let us help you craft a safer bathroom with the models in our collection.