Most shower or tub areas feature very tight spaces, complete with plenty of sharp corners and hard surfaces. This can make the bathroom a dangerous place for kids, seniors, and adults with limited mobility. But you don’t have to pay for a total bathroom remodel to make your bathroom more accessible or safer. By making some simple changes and purchasing a few new products, you can create a safe and relaxing bathroom environment.
Making your bathroom safe and accessible doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you’re on a tight budget, there are some simple and affordable changes you can make to your bathroom that include all the important features and accessories needed to minimize the risk of falls and injuries.
After a long day, the bathroom is often a private and calming escape for most family members. From self-care activities to grooming rituals, bathroom time activities can represent time alone to unwind after work or school. However, issues with mobility and balance can easily turn a normal bathroom into a hazardous environment.
The bathroom can be a difficult and challenging space to make safer, depending on each individual’s unique needs and limitations. Disabled adults and the elderly are most at risk of serious falls. Fortunately, there are some important and affordable changes you can make to your bathroom to make it safer and more accessible for every member of your household.
A fall in the shower can be devastating. If a family member has trouble walking or standing, a swivel seat shower chair or shower bench can provide a safe and comfortable space for your loved one to enjoy a hot shower without rushing or fearing a slip and fall. A swivel shower seat can provide a stable place for a family member to rest while showering and features 360-degree rotation, allowing them to turn freely and twist comfortably, making bathing easier. A bath chair is larger than a swivel seat and is often height adjustable. This type of versatility can make it easier to transfer a loved one from a wheelchair to the shower.
Seniors and adults with poor vision will need shower handles that are clearly labeled. If the print on the handles is too small, it can be very easy for the shower user to accidentally mix up the cold and hot water, which can result in burns or even a fall if they’re startled by the temperature change.
A tub and shower combo requires users to step over a high ledge to enter the space. This can make it difficult for people with mobility issues to enter or exit the shower and can increase their chances of falling. Adding shower grab bars placed in the correct positions can give the user something to hold onto when entering or exiting the shower or in the event they feel weak or shaky. Grab bars can be mounted in diagonal, vertical, or horizontal configurations.
Wet bathroom floors can be a major hazard. Unfortunately, bathroom mats are one of the most common tripping culprits in bathrooms. The right type of mat can have a major impact on bathroom safety, making it easier for the user to exit the shower. Instead of a traditional shower mat, make sure you purchase nonslip floor mats and place them strategically throughout the bathroom.
An accessible shower enclosure can allow people with mobility issues to maintain their independence. When determining how to make your bathroom safer, the shower or tub is often the first place to look. For many seniors or people with disabilities, stepping over the tub or shower barriers can make it difficult and challenging to get in or out of the shower. While grab bars can definitely help, upgrading to a curbless shower or full walk-in shower can make the shower enclosure more accessible for people with limited mobility, so your loved ones can enter and exit the shower with minimal effort. These walk-in showers essentially allow the user to walk straight into the shower without needing any assistance to get over a high ledge. At GCS Glass and Mirror, our team of glass experts can create a custom frameless glass shower design that meets your needs and improves bathroom safety and accessibility for you and your loved ones.
If you’re ready to make important changes to your bathroom and get rid of your outdated shower/tub combo, the team at GCS Glass and Mirror can design a custom glass shower enclosure that can make it easy for disabled or elderly family members to enter and exit the shower space without assistance. To learn more about our custom glass shower installation services, contact GCS Glass and Mirror today to schedule an appointment and get a free quote.
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