A Guide To Bath And Shower Safety
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When it comes to ensuring that a property is accessible and safe for people with a wide range of mobility needs it’s important to consider every room. In particular, you need to consider the unique challenges and concerns associated with it. For the bathroom, everything is centered around the bath or shower. Getting in and out of the bath or shower is one of the biggest challenges for anyone with mobility issues — and providing comfortable and accessible solutions is vital.
Why Is Bath and Shower Safety Important? First and foremost — being able to bathe in comfort is a necessity for everyone. This makes bath and shower safety one of the first things that must be taken care of if you or someone living at your property has mobility needs. But beyond that, there are a few key areas that reinforce just how important bath and shower safety is.
Quality Of Life
Mobility needs should never be a barrier when it comes to quality of life — this doesn’t just mean that people should have access to all the same basic necessities, but that they should be able to live a full and enjoyable daily life. And, as we all know, there are few things more relaxing than a hot bath after a long day! With the right safety measures, this can be achievable for everyone.
Vulnerability
The most important areas of any property to secure are the ones where people will be most vulnerable — especially areas without supervision, or where they may be unchecked for long periods of time.
Risk
When it comes to injury risk the bath is one of the most prevalent and serious areas of any property. Getting in and out of the bath comes with an increased risk of falling and suffering fractures and breaks, which can lead to even more serious problems.
How To Reduce Risk
Before we get to some of the safety measures you can install in and around the bath or shower there are a few necessary precautions you can take to make sure your bathroom is as safe and accessible as possible. These include:
- Using high wattage lightbulbs to ensure visibility at all times
- Removing all clutter, and covering up trailing wires and frayed upholstery edges
- Making sure any spillages or standing water is cleared up — especially with slippery tile flooring
- Using non-slip mats around the bath
- Making sure shampoos, body wash, and other bath products are kept at a low level and easy to reach
In terms of products that will make your bath safe and accessible we’re going to look at three important measures: the bath lift, grab rails, and the shower or bath chair. All of which can be purchased on our website.
Bath Lifts
Bath lifts are simple and easy to install solution that can make the world of difference when it comes to safety and accessibility getting in and out of the bath. Bath lifts are ideal for anyone who’s experiencing instability when standing, leg pain, back pain, or upper body issues. A bath lift will be able to ensure you can get safely into the bath by gently lowering you in, and then out, allowing for relaxation and peace of mind.
Grab Rails
Grab rails are one of the most common and effective mobility solutions for bath and shower safety. Falls in the bathroom are a serious danger — but grab rails can be a great preventative measure, especially for those with reduced strength or balance impairments. Grab Rails will also help to reduce joint pressure and strain, improve independence, and provide additional stability.
Shower And Bath Chairs
The best way to think of a shower or bath chair is as a waterproof wheelchair, designed to make sure that people can access all of their bathroom with ease. These are especially useful for combatting slips and falls, as well as helping those who have difficulty accessing baths, showers, and toilets. These chairs will be designed to allow for functionality when the user is in the bath or shower, as well as using the toilet — and will be made using materials that are suited to damp environments.
Here at Island Mediquip safety and comfort are our number one priorities. To find out more look at our product page or contact us today.