How To Be Safe In The Shower

Over 70% of all household accidents happen in the bathroom

, mostly due to falls or slips. Making our bathrooms safer is easier these days with the proliferation of safety accessories in the market like shower chairs, grab bars, transfer benches and more.

Shower Chairs

Providing a shower seat for an elderly or recently injured family member will keep them from having to manage a shower on their feet. Showers will then become less tiring for them whilst effectively avoiding potentially fatal falls or slips.

There are 3 basic types of shower seats:

1.Freestanding (Portable) these can be taken in and out of the bathroom when needed. No major installations or modifications need to be done to the bathroom.

2.Built-in

Foldable minor installation needed to screw the foldable shower seat into the bathroom wall. This allows others to fold it out of the way if they dont want to use it.

Permanent/Immovable this type normally means the bathroom will be for the exclusive use of the elderly or disabled family member, and will require possible major modifications to an existing bathroom.

3.Shower Commode Chair this multi-functional equipment is a wheelchair, a shower seat and a commode rolled into one. This totally removes the necessity for the disabled person to make unnecessary maneuverings inside the bathroom.

Grab Bars

These are metal bars that are attached to the bathtub/shower walls to provide hand grips. These help a person keep their balance, or provide something to hold on to when in danger of slipping.

Transfer Benches

If your bathroom has a bathtub, it will be tricky for an elderly or disabled person to step in and out of it. If the floors are wet, it becomes even riskier for them. A shower transfer bench is perfect in this situation. Typically, a transfer bench is a wide chair that straddles the tub wall, with half of it outside and half inside. To get into the tub, the disabled person sits on the outside and slowly slides over to the other side until they are inside the tub.

Toilet Frames

The standard height of the toilet makes it difficult for some people to sit on them and get up afterwards. A toilet frame fits around the toilet and acts as armrests to provide support and make it easier for the patient.

Bath Mats

Non-slip material and proper placement are the two most important things to remember about bath mats. If possible, opt for complete carpeting instead of loose rugs.

Handheld Showers

Handheld showers enable an elderly or disabled family member to direct the water where they want it whilst remaining safely and comfortably secured on the shower chair.

Accident-proofing your bathroom is an important decision. You may even consult with a professional, especially if it involves some modifications, like in the case of a built-in shower seat or toilet frames. It is a decision you will be happy you made.

by: Ed Delaney

POST COMMENT

Benefit Of Water Saver Shower Heads Fun Bridal Shower Ideas and Unique Bridal Shower Favors How Steam Showers Work Enjoy A Shower With Shower Panels All About Shower Panels Select The Perfect Bath Shower Screens For Your Purpose How to fit a shower Fun Ideas For Bridal Shower Activities Shower Mixers - Ecocamel Why Choose Black Shower Curtains Bathtubs and Showers - Selecting For Your Rest room Warning - Toxic Showers From Unfiltered Water Travertine Cleaning in Showers Travertine Polishing