Frameless Shower Doors Ideal for Elderly Homeowners

project : Giulia Torregrossa

It’s an unfortunate fact of life that as we get older, we become frailer. Older adults need to be careful even when performing everyday tasks, such as getting in and out of the shower.

One little mistake can result in a slip or fall, which can easily result in broken bones, such as arms, legs or hips. It takes elderly people longer to recover from such injuries than it does when they are younger.

Plus, the longer they are off their feet, the higher the risk of an infection — such as pneumonia — which can lead to more serious health issues.

Benefits of Frameless Shower Doors

Frameless glass shower doors make it easier for older homeowners to get in and out of the shower. Unlike a traditional shower — with a standard tub and shower curtain — there is no tub lip to step over. And the solid glass walls of the frameless shower door offer more support for climbing in than plastic or latex shower curtains.

Lighting is better in a shower equipped with frameless shower doors as well. As the elderly person cleans themselves, the are better able to see what they are doing, where products like soap and shampoo are located, and where safety features such as grab bars are located.

Transparency = Safety

Then there’s the safety of having a clear glass shower. Because they are transparent, other people — such as relatives or caretakers — can easily see inside in case of an emergency. That reduces the risk of an elderly person slipping or falling in the shower and not being discovered until much later.

Plus, if an elderly person becomes incapacitated or weakened, having a shower with frameless shower doors makes it significantly easier for other people to assist them while showering. The shower can be equipped with a shower chair for simple transfer and washing of the older adult.