'In an increasingly old and increasingly urban Italy, we need to rethink cities and new housing models' was the theme addressed in Rome last January at the national seminar of the Abitare e Anziani newspaper , a meeting that emphasised how Italian politics 'lacks an awareness of the problem and a programmatic idea'.
The 'light residency' and comfort favour the well-being of the elderly.
Cities are not very friendly to the elderly and life for them is rather complicated and tiring: houses are old and often without lifts, there are few beds in the RSAs, health and care facilities are often out of the way and poorly connected, shops in the neighbourhood are closing, public transport is inadequate, services such as public toilets, benches, etc. are lacking, pavements and road crossings are unsafe and unworkable, streets are poorly lit; there is a lack of information, assistance and meeting points.
In Italy, there are almost 10 million elderly people living in their own homes and they are not new homes.
In order to respond to the growing demand for home ownership , it is necessary to think of new housing models: a sort of 'light residency' that would allow the elderly to continue living independently, helped and followed by assistance and a range of services that would support them in managing their daily lives.
The elderly are exposed to the risk of accidents in the home every day. Therefore, in order to try to prevent accidents as much as possible, it is necessary to adapt the homes where elderly people reside to their specific individual needs so that they can live peacefully in their homes for as long as possible.
Here's how the bathroom can become safe and 'elderly-friendly
Idral, particularly sensitive to this topic, has developed a series of sanitary fittings and accessories that integrate into the home environment, providing the elderly person with support for their autonomy and greater safety.
Here's how the bathroom, an important place in the home, can become safe and 'elderly-friendly' with a few simple measures:
- install a shower tray that is flush with the floor and has a non-slip bottom;
- simplify the use of sanitary fittings by using a toilet and bidet that are higher than the traditional ones and a washbasin with two handles on either side;
- choose timed or photocell-operated taps so that they can be easily used even by people with reduced dexterity or memory deficits, prevent scalding, forgetting to close or difficulty in opening/closing handles;
- place safety handles to move around the bathroom area while finding support;
- avoid grab bars, towel rails or seats that do not hold up in the event of a fall or have low load-bearing capacities; fit suitable and certified accessories instead;
- install sanitary fixtures at comfortable distances for wheelchair or walker access.
All these simple precautions can be solved by choosing products that Idral offers in its catalogue.
In case of need, you can contact our toll-free number 800 912 524 and you will be provided with support and assistance on the purchase but also on the design and realisation of a bathroom with the requirements you need.