Did you know firefighters get far more calls for medical issues and assistance than for actual fires? This number is likely higher in areas with higher concentrations of senior citizens, like here in Florida. Falling is a common cause of calls. This blog will discuss 5 ways to make your bathroom more accessible. These five suggestions should help prevent bathroom falls from taking place.
Bathrooms are a common room for falls to take place. By making your bathroom more accessible, you can decrease your chances of a nasty spill. Five ways to make your bathroom more accessible are 1) installing a comfort height toilet, 2) installing a safety bar, 3) placing a seat in the shower 4) changing out the shower enclosure, and 5) lowering counters and sinks.
Bathrooms are slippery places to begin. They usually have tile floors, and those floors often have water on them from the sink or tub/shower. This makes it much easier to have a slip-and-fall incident in the bathroom compared to other rooms in the house. There are a few modifications you can have done to your bathroom to make it a safer space for your daily hygiene routine. Let’s take a look at 5 ways to make your bathroom more accessible.
#1 Install a Comfort Height Toilet
If you are not familiar with comfort height toilets (also called chair height), then you need to go check them out at your local Lowe’s or Home Depot! You might feel silly sitting on a commode in the middle of the store, but you will immediately notice the difference. These toilets are a couple of inches taller than a standard toilet, making it easier to sit down and get back up off the toilet. This is a great option for those with bad knees or a bad back.
#2 Install a Safety Bar
We’ve all seen metal safety bars in public restrooms. Maybe you didn’t know you can have a safety bar installed in your personal bathroom. Having the bar to grip when getting on or off the toilet can be extremely helpful for those who aren’t steady on their feet. It can be useful when transferring oneself to/from the toilet and a wheelchair or walker. You can also have a safety bar installed in the shower. This is an excellent idea as the shower is a slippery place.
#3 Place a Seat in the Shower
A shower seat is a simple plastic chair or stool that is easily purchased on Amazon or at a medical supply store. Trying to keep your balance in a slippery tub or shower is a challenge for all of us. But, when you struggle with balance issues or energy, standing in the shower to wash your hair or shave can be a difficult task. Sitting on a shower chair can greatly improve the safety of your shower time.
#4 Changing Out the Shower Enclosure
You may have seen commercials for changing out your shower enclosure to make it easier to get in and out of the shower. If you have a bath/shower combination, this is an excellent suggestion. Trying to step over the side of the tub to get in and out of the shower can be a recipe for disaster. Falling during this activity can result in a serious head injury as you are likely to hit your head on a hard surface like the tub or tile floor. Converting to a stall shower can be a lifesaver.
#5 Lowering Counters and Sinks
If you are wheelchair-bound, then you know how hard it is to wash your hands in your bathroom. You can have your counter and sink area converted to be wheelchair accessible. By lowering the counter and removing any cabinetry beneath the sink, you can have space to wash your hands while in your wheelchair! You can either leave the pipes exposed for a modern, industrial look or have a small covering built over them without taking up too much of your leg space.
Conclusion
Whether you have always had mobility issues or it is a more recent development, being able to get around in your own bathroom is essential. Public restrooms offer that courtesy; shouldn’t your own home? We looked at five ways to make your bathroom more accessible: installing a comfort (chair) height toilet, installing a safety bar by the toilet and/or in the shower, placing a seat in the shower, changing out the shower enclosure, and lowering counters and sinks.
Whether you choose to do one or all of these suggestions, you can make your bathroom a safer space for you and others! While buying a shower chair is an easy enough endeavor, some of these suggestions require a professional. When plumbing is involved, as it always is in bathrooms, you needn’t look any further than Sun Plumbing for all your plumbing needs. Doing business in Melbourne, FL, for over 45 years, Sun Plumbing prides itself on “being as dependable as the sun.” With highly trained, professional, and courteous plumbers, we know you will be pleased that you gave us a call! We look forward to making your bathroom a safer space for you.
