If you or a loved one’s mobility is limited because of an injury, age, or disability, using the bathroom can be difficult. Whether it’s having problems getting in and out of the bath, standing under the shower, or using the toilet, if the right tools aren’t in place, your risk of falling and getting seriously injured is heightened. To improve your bathroom safety for all, here are some tips that can help.
Improve Accessibility
When using the toilet or shower, you need to make sure that commonly used items are within reaching distance, otherwise there is an increased risk of falling or slipping. Whether it’s where you place the toilet roll holder or ensuring soaps and shampoos are within easy reach, there are lots of small but effective measures you can take today. Also, make sure your bathroom is free of clutter which will improve accessibility.
Improve Visibility
You may experience age-related eye problems as you get older which can affect your vision and make it difficult to use the bathroom. Many of us experience frequent urination throughout the night, so it’s wise to install night lights that can illuminate the walkway from your bedroom to the bathroom. Doing so will decrease the risk of falling. Your bathroom lighting needs to be as close to white as possible to increase visibility, so you should choose LED bulbs. While it may seem strikingly bright in the middle of the night, you will be thankful when it comes to reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
Prevent Hot Water Burns
If you have an elderly relative living in your home, you need to be aware that their skin is more delicate and thinner, meaning it can take more time to notice hot temperatures. This means there is a heightened risk of burns caused by scalding water. You must ensure your bathroom taps are clearly labelled to prevent this from happening.
Install Mobility-Friendly Fixtures
There will always be a risk of falls in a bathroom, so if you have the money and want to go one step further, you can install all kinds of mobility-friendly fixtures. Whether it’s a walk-in bath, curbless shower, or a mobility-friendly toilet, purchasing bathroom mobility aids is recommended. There are considerations you will need to make beforehand, such as how big your bathroom is, and the cost.
Install Grab Bars
When getting off the toilet or getting out of the bath, you may need something to hold on to as support. If you don’t have anything in place and struggle with your mobility, this is a recipe for disaster. Many falls occur because of this very reason, so it’s advised to install grab bars. Grab bars are an indispensable fixture for both the elderly and disabled.
Whether you have a member of the family who is disabled, or you are struggling with your mobility, there are lots of bathroom safety tips to take on board which will help you create a fall-proof zone for all ages.
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