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The Four Major Things That Make a Bathroom Dangerous For Seniors

Posted on 19-10-2009 | By: admin

Category : Elder Care

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1)The Wrong Flooring

Most bathrooms have hardwood floors or tile, both of which tend to be slippery when wet. Anti-slip mats aren't the best solution because they offer a tripping hazard as well as only providing partial coverage to the floor.

Carpet isn't a good choice either. While it offers better traction, mildew is a major concern. Your best choice is a sheet vinyl with a non-slip finish or a texturized ceramic tile. Both offer water resistance as well as safe traction.

2)The Storage Situation

Clutter is a major issue in many bathrooms. Imagine losing your balance and grabbing a stack of towels-not much support there! The storage around the bathtub can be an issue. Razors balance on the edge of the tub can get knocked off. The pain of stepping on this object then causes a reflex action to jump back. Balance is lost, and you've just had a bathroom accident.

If you don't have adequate storage, make sure that things aren't stacked around the floor where they have to be maneuvered around. Trip and fall accidents are deadly for seniors.

3)The Bathtub

More accidents occur getting into and out of the tub than any other bathroom related accident. Installing a transfer bench is a good budget saving option, but investing in a walk in tub is a wise long-term investment.

Walk-in bathtubs offer several advantages to seniors. Instead of having to climb over a 20-inch high bathtub side, crouch down to sit in the bathtub, and then to try to get back up and out of the tub after the bath, the bather can sit comfortably on the built-in bench while the bath fills with soothing hot water. When the bath is over, a specially designed drain accelerates water draining from the tub. The bather then just opens the door and leaves the walk in bath safely.

4)The Lack of Support Aids

Towel bars offer minimal stability. If someone is really falling, the towel bar will give way. The same goes for someone who is trying to pull up their full body weight.

Install proper grab bars in places like the tub and shower, and within reach of the toilet. They don't have to be the stainless steel institutional models. There are now many manufacturers producing stylish handrails that don't ruin the beauty of your bathroom. Just be sure that you are purchasing grab bars not towel bars, and be sure to install them correctly.

T. E. Holewinski is an experienced writer sharing experience on senior living, aging parent care and installing walk in bathtubs.


The Benefits Of Home Improvement Loans

Posted on 11-10-2009 | By: admin

Category : Home And Family

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A home is more than an investment, it is an asset. The equity that builds up in a home is something that can prove to be very useful. Additionally, home improvements can really help to build equity.

Most people seek out a home improvement loan to make improvements to their home to make it look better or improve upon it so they gain more equity. The most common source for these loans is a home equity loan.

Home improvement loans are looked upon very favorably by lenders. They like that a home owner is building equity in their home and they are often very willing to extend them credit. Home improvements are going to add value to the property, which is an asset for the lender as well. So, it is a win-win situation for both parties.

Getting a home improvement loan is a matter of having the equity on your home. To determine the equity you should get an appraisal. The equity will be the difference between what you owe on the mortgage and the amount the house was appraised for. You can borrow from that amount what you need for improvements.

When you go to get a home improvement loan it is helpful to have the information handy about what improvements you are going to do. Being able to completely explain what you will do with the money can be very helpful in getting the loan approved for the amount you want.

As with any loan, you will need to watch the interest rates and ensure you are not being charged too much. Remember this loan is in addition to the loan you are already paying for your home. With this loan, like with your mortgage, should you default your home is at risk.

Your home improvement loan can be gotten from your current lender or you can shop around for better rates. It is probably best to start with your current lender since you already have a relationship with them and they are most likely to give you a quick approval. It is wise though to at least look at competitors to make sure you get the lowest interest rate possible.

You should also try and speak to a number of decent brokers that have a wide range of lenders on their panel. This way they can go into the market and find you the most suitable loan product and best rate.

Also if you have a bad credit history or are self employed they will be able to go to specialist lenders that are not directly available to the general public.

Home improvement loans can be used to make almost any improvement to your home. If you need the money to fix up your home or if you are just wanting to make some additions, a home improvement loan can be the answer.

Besides helping to build more equity in your home, home improvement can also help to lower your insurance rates, and improve your living conditions. In the long run a home improvement loan can be very beneficial and is a great debt to take on.



By: James Copper

About the Author:

James Copper writes on all areas of finance and investment. He works for Any Loans who source home improvement loans and homeowner loans for people with a poor credit history.