Textured strips applied to bathroom floors and to the bottoms of tubs and showers can help prevent falls. Many elders find grab bars on the wall adjacent to the toilet and in the tub or shower helpful. Tub seats are good for people in wheelchairs or those with loss of strength who have difficulty lowering themselves to the floor of the tub. To avoid burns, anti-scald temperature controls can be installed to prevent the water temperature from rising above an established limit. Settings can also be lowered on hot water heaters.
Narrow doorways can pose a problem for senior citizens who use walkers or wheelchairs.
Removal of a door can often provide the needed clearance. Lever latches instead of standard doorknobs alleviate the problem arthritics have with gripping or twisting. Likewise, slide bolts are easier to operate than deadbolts and provide nearly the same security. As people age, they generally find that background noises interfere with their ability to hear and participate in conversations. Carpeted floors and curtained windows can reduce noise levels and distracting echoes.