Bathing is an important part of our everyday lives. And, most of us take for granted that the showering process will be an easy and enjoyable one. Those with mobility issues, however, know that the simple act of getting in and out of the shower can be a difficult one. There are, of course, a variety of physical disabilities that can make the act of showering hard. However, there are a few important ways to stay safe when entering the bathroom for this daily chore.
Here are five bathroom safety tips for those with mobility issues:
1. Keep your necessities nearby.
Your bathing experiences will be a lot safer and care-free when you know you don’t have to get in and out of the bathtub. By keeping such things as body wash, exfoliating scrubs, soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, rags, loofas and other bathing accessories close at hand at all times, you’ll be able to enjoy relatively worry-free, comfortable showers. If you decide to take baths, be sure to have your items neatly stored on a shelf within reach or firmly placed on the edges of the tub.
2. Use slip-resistant mats.
These mats are great for use both in the bathtub and outside of it. When you’re dealing with slippery surfaces which all bathrooms have you can never take enough anti-slipping precautions. Most tubs do not have slip-resistant finishes, so installing a rubber mat with suction cups or adhesive strips are your best bet. They are easily removable and, depending on their size, should allow you to make little to no contact with slippery surfaces.
3. Keep the bathroom floor area clear.
Clothing, hair brushes, hair dryers, towels you name it your bathroom is home to many items that should be kept safely out of your walking space. Be sure to have towels hung on their racks or hooks and all other necessities tucked away under the sink or stored nearly on your countertop. The last thing you want is to step on any of your belongings and potentially exacerbate your injury or physical disability.
4. Check the water temperature before entering the shower.
For those with mobility issues, it’s important to know how hot or cold the water is before entering the shower. You don’t want a startle that could cause a slip. You also don’t want to accidently scald your skin. As well, you don’t want to have to do any unnecessary bending down or exiting of the bathtub prior to the completion of your shower.
5. Make use of grab bars.
Installing grab bars will make your walks in and out of your bathtub a lot safer. By having them placed on the walls or on the side of your tub, you’ll be able to grab on to them to give you support. Naturally, grab bars need to be installed properly so that they can safely support your weight. As well, there should always be enough room between the bar and the wall so that you can get a firm and uninterrupted grip.
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we offer an array of bathroom grab bars in addition to number of other solutions for easier bathroom accessibility. They include bathroom super poles, bath chairs, bath lifts and transfer benches. We understand that your safety and peace of mind are of paramount importance to both you and your family. And, we are confident that our solutions will provide you with confidence that you can enjoy your everyday activities safely.
If you have any questions about the bathroom accessibility options that Advantage Home Health Solutions has to offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask them. Give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact Page!
