Monday, October 6, 2025

Just Like a Care Home

We had the bathrooms downstairs remodeled for my mom last year. The tub just wasn't safe for her anymore. So we bit the bullet and started the remodel. And we were glad we did. But mom is almost 96 now and needed more assistance. 

Having the shower stall instead of a tub was now just not good enough. Getting up from the toilet was sometimes difficult because she's so tiny.


We added the bench and plastic mat for safety in the shower stall. We had a stool before but it just wasn't sturdy enough. The bench was a lot more stable.  

We then got this KMINA Toilet Safety Rail. It was rather pricey at $149.99 + tax. There were a TON of toilet support choices with some being foldable so you could tuck it away. But we wanted something super sturdy. We had to do a lot of measuring and figuring out what would work with the TOTO bidet in that small space. But yes, we're satisfied.

My brother and I took mom to her geriatric doctor at Kaiser the other day and were told that she is doing very well health wise for her age. Mom told the doctor she is always happy.

And that made us happy.

29 comments:

  1. I am taking notes here Kay, thank you for sharing this. Your Mom is such a sweet lady.

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  2. I hope my children will look after me in a similar fashion if I live that long.

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  3. Making life as comfortable as you can for her is the best thing you can do for your mother and she is happy.

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  4. What a wonderful daughter you are!

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  5. You're all amazing for how much you love and care for her. I am glad she can say she is always happy.

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    1. Thank you for your visit, jj. I know we're lucky that she remains cheerful each day. I've heard some sad stories from other people whose parents fall into dementia or Alzheimers.

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  6. Your mom is lucky to have you guys.

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  7. The bath is a good addition to your home. You may even need it one day. Happy is the way to be!
    Galla Creek

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    1. I think you're right. In a few years, we could be going down and using her bathroom.

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  8. Whenever I see photos of your mom, she's beaming. That's such a testament to the great life she leads with both of you.

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  9. What excellent choices! That's a perfect toilet addition: has room for feet without stepping on support bars; the contraption sits on the floor instead of precariously perched onto the toilet or its hinges. Wonderful choice! The wimpy ones are $75 or more usually, so that's a good deal for a sturdy, adjustable version. Glad she's happy. (I didn't know our Wizard of Oz Toto made bidets; what a name. Just had to say that.) Linda in Kansas

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    1. Thank you, Linda. I always love your input, of course since you are an expert in elder care.
      Hmmm... I wonder why the Japanese company named it the Toto.
      Aha! You can find anything online. This is what AI says. "The company's name, TOTO, is an abbreviation of its original name, Tōyō Tōki, which translates to "Oriental Ceramics".
      Ceramics?

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    2. What a hoot. Toilets are made of ceramics. Glad the Kansas Toto didn't fall in. Linda in Kansas

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    3. Kay of Musings: 😂

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  10. Of course your mom is happy! You and your family take such good care of her - with feelings of appreciation for her. Many people that I know don't have kids that feel that sense of appreciation, and they need to figure out their own future needs or are miserable not knowing if they will be treated as a burden by their kids or family. She is a wonderful person, and surrounded by a wonderful family.

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  11. Love that your mom is happy!

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  12. Such good and caring people you are. Glad Mom is doing well.

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    1. Hi Celia, It's so nice to hear from you. I hope everything is going well on your end.

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  13. It's lovely that your mom is happy.

    All the best Jan

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  14. I love that she told her doctor that she is happy. That is what it is all about.
    We are remodeling our bathroom for us! Although in our late 60's, we watched our parents experience unexpected health challenges when they were our age or a little older. In the past few years we replaced all our door frames and doors with wider units to accomodate a wheelchair. Our last step is our bathroom and I am hoping it will be finished by Christmas.

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  15. Your mother is blessed indeed to have such children. And after getting a shower bench for my mom I discovered that I love sitting in the hot shower, never would have thought of it.

    Cheers,
    Ceci

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    1. A friend of mine saw mom's bench and said she was going to get one too. I hope it keeps you safe too.

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  16. Good for you to make adjustments in your home to make it safe for your mother.

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  17. She continues to amaze me with her stamina. She's so lucky to have you and Art.

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  18. You're doing a great job of adapting your home.

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  19. You guys are always so thoughtful. Sending love to you both and your dear Mom! I really love her!

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  20. She is happy and cared for and in her own familiar surroundings. I am sure she is happy. It makes me happy to read about her!

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