Aids To Ensure Bathroom Safety You Must Know

With increasing cases of falls in bathrooms, bathroom safety is becoming a serious concern for those who have to care for the elderly and individuals with limited mobility. While for us bathing is a relaxing experience but for senior adults, it is difficult task. Most falls that occur in the bathroom are a result of a lack of balance or slippery surfaces that cause tripping. Injuries that occur due to such falls range from mild injury to broken bones or serious injury.

You can avoid these types of accidents by implementing safety precautions and using bathroom aids like bath boards, bath steps, bath stools, bathroom grab rails, etc. In this way, you significantly can reduce the chances of injury. Secondly, security will ensure peace of mind. Realizing that the bath provides safety will increase the confidence of older adults or those with mobility issues. So, if you have an elderly person or someone with a chronic condition, investing in bathroom aids is a good decision.

Keep on reading to learn about two popular bathroom aids:

The Disabled Shower Seat

For most of us, showering is a normal activity that we carry out without any hindrance. But it is not so straightforward for people who are dealing with long-term physical impairment. In such cases, installing a shower seat provides a great deal of relief.

A shower seat is a well-known mobility aid to make the bathroom more accessible for people with limited mobility. It aids those who can not stand on their feet for a long time. This aid enhances safety by decreasing the chance of you falling in a slippery shower. It can be also helpful for those who are in a wheelchair. Lastly, it instils a sense of independence thus making lives normal.

To ensure safety, the following are some points you should consider before choosing a shower seat:

• Before buying ensure that the seat is robust in its construction and has a dependable weight capacity.

• Check if the seat you are purchasing consists of materials that are sturdy. For instance, plastic is lightweight but it lacks the required strength. While aluminium and steel are strong and corrosion-resistant.

Bath Seats for the Elderly

Sickness and ageing results in restrictions of bodily movements. Luckily, there are tools available that promote better living, independence, and safety.

A bath seat sits inside the bath and lets you to sit on a raised surface to bath without getting down to the very bottom of the tub. Reasons, why elderly people need such bathroom aids, are:

• Pain or weakness in your legs
• Back pain
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Pain or weakness in shoulders and upper body
• Recently had a hip or knee replacement

It is important to note that you do not use any other stool like a kitchen stool or a child's stool as a seat. These do not guarantee a non-slip foot and therefore are not safe. Consider these points before purchasing one:

• If you will be using it for a tub then remember that the width of the chair matters. It should be narrower than the tub.
• To be on a safe side, choose a chair that is strong enough to take the weight of the person.

• It has a seat swivel round which, when released, lets you lift your legs over the side of the bath. This reduces the risk of losing balance.

• It is easy to fit and has an adjustable width.

Final Remarks

For those individuals who cannot safely bathe themselves, because of lack of strength or limited mobility, equipment like shower chairs and bath seats can make life better. However, before choosing a bathroom aid, consult a medical practitioner. He will offer the best solution based on your ailment and also recommend some exercises to reduce pain.