While falls in bathtubs and showers can happen to anyone, people with limited mobility are particularly vulnerable. In this article, we’ll explore ways to make your bathroom a safer place.
Why Should You Be Worried About Bathroom Safety?
You may not consider your bathroom to be a dangerous place. In fact, you may not think about your bathroom much at all. While bathroom breaks and bathing are short intermissions in your daily life, they can nevertheless pose a danger, particularly when it comes to falls.
Tall Thresholds
Getting into and out of a bathtub can be a dangerous experience, especially when a tall rim makes you maneuver in an awkward position.
Slippery Floors
The floors of most bathtubs or showers are made of smooth porcelain, acrylic, or tile, all of which can be slippery when wet. Even the nimblest of people have had to test their balance at one point or another to stop from slipping during a shower.
Lack of Handholds
Many showers lack safe handholds to grab onto to prevent a fall. Built-in towel bars are not designed to hold body weight. Relying on these could lead to accidents.
Hard Surfaces Abound
The same materials that are used in bathrooms for their water resistance (stone, tile, and enamel-coated cast iron, for example) are harsh on the human body during a fall.
Add Bathroom Safety Features
If completely remodeling your bathroom to enhance safety is out of the question at the moment, there are still a variety of affordable upgrades you can make.
Non-Slip Mat
To prevent falls, it’s a good idea for every tub or shower that doesn’t have a special non-slip coating to use a non-slip mat.
Grab Bars
Grab bars can be added to an existing shower or bathtub by professionals. This relatively low-cost option is an excellent choice for anyone who could use more support when standing up.
Bath Chairs
Portable, waterproof bath chairs with non-slip footing are a great option to make showers and tubs safer. If you or someone in your household has trouble standing for long periods of time, this option can make a daily shower a less arduous experience.
Perform a Safety-Focused Bathroom Remodel
While the above options can make your bathroom safer, a remodel is ideal to have the safest bathroom possible.
Increased Durability
An entirely new shower or tub can add all the features mentioned above at once: non-slip flooring, grab bars, and seating pre-installed. This tends to lead to a more durable product than add-on solutions can offer.
Design Your Bathroom Around Your Needs
If you’re going to go to the trouble of remodeling a bathroom, ensure that you’re getting all the features your family needs in the future. Work with a company that can consult with you to find the best options for your priorities and budget.
Peace of Mind
Having professionals take a comprehensive look at your bathroom can help you have peace of mind knowing that you and your family will have a safer and more comfortable experience bathing every day.
Conclusion
Replacing your tub or shower with safety in mind is one of the best things you can do to make your home a safer place.
Are you interested in replacing your bathtub or shower with safety modifications in mind? Bath Experts can help you have an updated bathroom in as little as one to two days. Schedule a design consultation today with one of our experts today!
