Homecare Medical Equipment for Better Bathroom Safety

With age, it becomes harder for people to stand for longer periods

, especially when showering. While some face mobility issues with conditions like arthritis, others suffer from weakness and vertigo, which makes them unsteady on their feet. Other than the elderly, handicapped people also face problems with weakened motor skills. An everyday task like bathing becomes a stressful experience for them. Installing accessories and products that facilitate independent bathing is recommended to help them retain their dignity. Seemingly trivial changes like adding a bath chair can be extremely helpful for such individuals. For more information on such homecare medical equipment, you can consult your healthcare provider.

Here are a few such bathroom accessories that you can consider for safety, comfort and an independent bathing experience.

Shower chairs: These chairs are designed to provide secure and comfortable seating within the shower cubicle. They are generally sturdy, lightweight and have aluminum handles. They are absolutely essential for people who use a cane, walker or crutches. Shower chairs are extremely helpful for people who have had a knee or hip replacement surgery recently and have been asked not to use a regular bathtub.

Look at different bath chairs and stools before making the purchase decision. If you feel the handles of the chair might get in the way of bathing, opt for a shower stool. A bath chair is ideal for a person who needs to lean into the chair's arms while sitting down or getting up. Both bath chairs and stools have rubber tips, which prevent them from skidding. Using a bath mat is also recommended to prevent slipping due to excess water.

Grab bars: Most people require support while navigating slippery bathroom floors and generally hold onto existing towel racks and taps involuntarily for support, which can be dangerous. Remember that a towel rack was designed to hold the weight of a wet towel, nothing more. Install sturdy grab bars in your bathroom to prevent serious injuries that can be sustained if the towel rack snaps under the person's weight.

Handicap bathtubs: A more expensive option, handicap bathtubs are designed keeping the special needs of the physically handicapped in mind. They are walk-in bathtubs without any barriers, facilitating easy movement in and out of the bathtub. These bathtubs are designed for wheelchair-bound people, who otherwise find it difficult to step in and out of a regular tub independently.

ADA compliant bathtubs come equipped with a number of features that makes bathing a relaxing experience for the handicapped. Features such as seating, enclosures, toilet grab rails, etc allow a more independent experience. More features can be added to the bathtub such as whirlpool for relaxation, at a higher price.

A handicap bathtub is an expensive option and cannot be afforded by all. Adding specially designed safety accessories will make your bathroom more secure. It could start with something as inexpensive as a bath chair. It is important to keep reviewing your bathroom and removing fixings such as a loose towel rack or cracked glass cubicle doors that could be potentially dangerous.

Homecare Medical Equipment for Better Bathroom Safety

By: Michael Levy

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