subject: Shower Safety – Are You at Risk? [print this page] Shower Safety Are You at Risk? Shower Safety Are You at Risk?
Most of us put up with our imperfect bathrooms even when we know that we may risk a short term disability from falling or slipping over from wet floors or poorly designed areas. The risk of falling is exaggerated as we age and this is particularly apparent as our mobility decreases yet we continue to try stepping over the edge of the tub to shower and undertaking other difficult tasks. This poses a real risk that we need to consider.
Undertaking a bathroom remodel can cost around $10,000 so that is not possible for a lot of us. You may also be renting your home and unable to do a bathroom remodel. Apartment dwellers also face difficulty with a bathroom remodel when you simply cannot just dig up the floor to make a tapered wet area surface.
So how do we minimise the risk of falling or slipping over, possibly then needing short term disability insurance or claiming private disability and no one really wants to do this, it is not always an easy process. There are several ways that we can reduce the risks of a short term disability by using bathroom safety products. These range in both cost and effectiveness from fitting suction handles or shower safety bars, a shower matt, a non-slip floor mat for after you get out of the tub or shower right through to various types of seating and shower chairs.
Shower chairs vary widely in design and function. There are numerous designs from the simple shower bench, teak shower chairs, bath chairs and commode shower chairs. When you decide that you need assistance because of loss of balance or reduced mobility then consider the merits of each chair carefully. Most people find that a simple shower bench or teak shower chair is sufficient for a while but as we age and as our mobility decreases free standing mobility aids like these can actually offer a false sense of security. Amazon.com offers a plethora of these simple mobility aids. Some companies also offer mobile shower chairs, with some of these also offering a transfer system that allows the user to be transferred in a seated position from outside the tub to over the tub for showering. These systems offer the highest safety for users and remove the risk of falling or slipping, although a caregiver or family member is required to assist. Companies offering these shower chairs include Nuprodx, Columbia Medical, Showerbuddy and Clarke Healthcare. It is recommended that you investigate carefully the best shower chair for you and to make comparisons and read customer reviews. 1800 Wheelchair has some good customer reviews. These can also be viewed at this Shower Chairs website.
So, are you at risk? It is not recommended that you wait until you suffer an accident. If your mobility or the mobility of your loved one is reduced and you are the primary care giver then act now to source the best shower chair or transfer system for you, after all who wants to be claiming private disability when this can be avoided.
