Suppose you or a loved one at home is living with a physical disability, age-related mobility decline, long-term injury recovery, chronic health conditions, or neurological health conditions. In that case, the bathroom can be an extremely dangerous place.
There are tons of risks lurking in bathrooms, from hot water burns to slips and falls on sharp and hard objects. A large number of catastrophic personal injuries occur in bathrooms that are not accessible. So, if you want to invest in home upgrades to make your home more accessible, the bathroom is a great place to start.
Here’s how you can make your bathrooms at home safer and more accessible.
Install Grab Bars
Grab bars can make a massive difference for anyone with mobility problems. Installing these bars near the toilet, in the shower, and by the bathtub will dramatically reduce the chance of accidental slips and falls.
It’s extremely easy to install grab bars, and if you can find standard sizes that suit your bathroom’s design, you can opt for custom grab bars.
Non-Slip Floors
Tiling is slippery as is, but when wet, the risk of slipping amplifies immensely. The best approach is to use non-slip flooring in the bathroom and in the shower. This kind of flooring is typically affordable, and you won’t need to replace your tiles either, as non-slip solutions can fit over existing flooring.
Use A Shower Bench
Showering is typically safer for anyone with mobility issues, as drowning is not a concern. However, slips and falls are still a worry. Simply using a shower bench or stool is the best approach to making the shower as safe as possible.
Install A Toilet Seat Raiser
A toilet seat raiser is an innovative installation that makes using the toilet much easier. The frame consists of handles that provide support when sitting or standing, reducing the chances of a fall. However, even with a toilet seat raiser, it’s still wise to install a grab bar near the toilet.
Switch To Lever-Style Faucets
Regular faucets can be hard to manage if you have mobility problems. Instead of overlooking this seemingly small detail, upgrade to lever-style faucets that are safer and easier to use.
Use Anti-Scald Devices
Anti-scald fittings on faucets can effectively prevent burns. These devices regulate water temperature to make burning an impossibility. At the same time, water temperature won’t get too cold either. So, showering, bathing, and washing hands won’t be a risky task.
Create An Emergency Call System
Even with all the correct installations and bathroom updates, there is still some risk of slips and falls. Fortunately, an emergency alert bracelet can alert the household and emergency response teams in the event of an accident.
There are tons of ways to make bathrooms safer for those with mobility problems. While some of these bathroom upgrades can be done with a DIY approach, it is still worthwhile to consider having a service assess your bathroom and handle the modifications for you. Nevertheless, most bathroom accessibility upgrades are relatively budget-friendly.