For most of us, the bathroom is a place to relax or somewhere to catch up on our solitude. You may like to relax in a hot shower, soak in a warm bubble bath, pamper yourself in the mirror, or have a mini spa day at home to help ease some of that excess stress. However, for seniors and people with limited mobility, the bathroom can become one of the most dangerous rooms in our homes. Sadly, every year over four hundred people die in bathtubs. There are also thousands of slip and fall accidents in the bathroom every year, and many of these accidents result in serious and painful injuries. In order to protect yourself and your loved ones, you may need to make a few alterations to your bathroom setup. These alterations can help any vulnerable members of your family feel a little safer and give them some added peace of mind. It can return the bathroom to a more enjoyable sanctuary for them and let them know they are less likely to suffer an embarrassing accident or fall in the bathroom. Here are just a few of these alterations you may want to do in your bathroom to ensure everyone’s safety.
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Add safety grab bars where needed. One of the easiest and quickest safety tools you can install are safety grab bars. A safety grab bar can give you or your loved one that extra support that they need. The best places to install these are inside your shower, in or on your tub and beside your toilet. If a disabled person or a senior is trying to get off the toilet or in or out of the tub or shower, they may not possess the strength or coordination needed to do so. The safety bar ensures that they get that extra support and guidance needed to accomplish the task. Also, remember how slippery it can be getting in and out of the tub or shower, this safety bar can ensure that you do not slip or fall on wet surfaces.
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Purchase extra shower/bath aids. There are numerous new innovations on the market that are geared to help keep many different types of people safe. You must do all of your research to find the ones that best fit your specific needs. You may even find that you want to invest in a few of these to help keep you safe. You may want to opt for something as simple as a non-slip mat in the bathtub or shower to give you that added boost of protection with your safety grab bar, or you may want to look into redoing your bath or shower to make it a no-step entry. You could purchase a portable bath step to make getting into your bathtub a little easier. There are so many options available that cater to multiple types of safety precautions. You may want to talk to your doctor and research online to discover the best products for your specific needs.
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Try using a shower chair. Another quick and easy alteration that can give you a better sense of security in the bathroom is a shower chair. All you have to do is assemble the chair and place it in the shower. This simple chair can help you sit and enjoy your shower. Most people who have problems with mobility find them helpful. These chairs can help you remain independent and bathe yourself while ensuring you do not suffer any unnecessary slip and fall accidents. You can choose from many different models that offer a vast array of benefits. If different people use the shower or you have limited space for storage, you may want to opt for a portable chair. It will fit nicely into your shower and can fold for easy storage. There are plastic and wood models to choose from depending on your preference. You can opt for a shower chair with or without handles or with or without a back. The main point is to choose one that makes you feel comfortable with and meets all of your needs.
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Buy a raised toilet seat. This is another tool that is good at preventing unnecessary slip and fall accidents, and a raised toilet seat can give you an extra boost of safety when combined with safety grab bars. There are some different options available to consider when buying a raised toilet seat. You need to decide on how tall you will want to have your seat. Many of the raised toilet seats on the market add an extra three to six inches of height to your toilet. You need to measure to see which one fits you or your loved one the best. You can also choose a model that comes with or without handles. Most people feel safer with handles attached to the seat; however, it is not for everyone. There are also models that have removable handles in case you change your mind, they do not fit in your space, or you find that they are simply in your way. It is up to you to determine which will fit your needs the best. Remember the purpose of a raised toilet seat is to make you safe and allow you to feel comfortable in the bathroom, which means you will have to try it out and see what works best for you.
These are only a few of the alterations you can do to your bathroom to make it safer for those you love. There are many products available these days that are designed to help eliminate falls and serious injuries in the bathroom. It is your responsibility to do your research and choose the products that will make you and your family not only feel safe in the bathroom but actually be safer in the bathroom. So, do your research and take your time finding the best products out there to fit everyone’s needs.