Many older
people place themselves at risk for
injury simply by taking a bath or
shower. Standard bathrooms are not
designed to accommodate elderly or handicap individuals. I think you will agree that homes are
designed for young healthy people who are tall, have perfection vision, and are
generally fit.
A gentleman
asked when would be a good time to remodel his bathroom and I guess the best
answer is to say “before you need to,” which means starting today. Statistics don’t lie. The numbers of accidents that occur in the home should
tell you that many homes (probably yours) are not as safe or as accessible as
they could be.
Remodeling
is important but it isn’t everything. Many people unknowingly indulge is risky behavior when bathing. Unsafe
practices such as throwing a towel on the floor to serve as a mat, or using the
glass door or shower curtain for support are pretty common. Always think about
your own safety. You can blame shoddy construction and poor design all you want
but it is still up to you to take proper
precautions.
Look at your bathroom with a critical eye and
decide what you want to do. Visit the nearest home improvement store and make
an appointment with one of their consultants, or have your doctor arrange a
home health assessment. As you know, the
bathroom is the smallest room in your house, but it should be your first
priority. Most of the problems are
design related, such as bath seats being too small, or bathtubs lacking
anything for people to hold onto with their left hand. With a few minor
adjustments seniors, and others with disabilities, can create an environment
that will maximize independent living
Being able to turn on a dime and move around
without impediment is another concern.
Tight spaces, sharp edges, and poorly designed equipment make it
difficult to maneuver safely. There are
many accessories available to improve accessibility even if you can’t afford
major structural changes. Your bathroom does not have to look like a hospital
room. You will be pleasantly surprised to discover that you can find decorative
safety products that will match any
décor.
Raised toilet seats, bath chairs and commode
chairs are sound investments. Ultimately replacing a traditional tub/shower
with a walk-in-shower will afford you the comfort and sense of security that
will make bathing a pleasurable activity again.
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