by Jon Pearce | 22nd Jun, 2023 | Walk-in showers
As one of the activities we take part in daily, one of the most important things to consider when bathing is safety. If you currently have a bath or shower that is not quite meeting your individual needs and requirements, it might be time to consider a disability-friendly wet room.
Many bathrooms simply are not accessible for disabled or elderly people. You may find that the sink or toilet is too low, that you require more assistance when stepping in and out of your bath or shower, or maybe the flooring has started to exacerbate the risks of trips and falls.
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Bathing can start to become more challenging with mobility issues and a struggle when it comes to embracing complete independence and being able to feel safe, as well as comfortable when bathing. Due to this, disabled wet rooms are becoming a more popular choice to assist with all sorts of issues.
Unsure whether a wet room is the right choice for you and your home? We understand it can be daunting. So, to help you make the right decision, we have put together a helpful guide.
- What is a disabled wet room?
- How can a disabled wet room make bathing easier?
- They provide inclusive access
- Adds a modern touch
- Spacious and low maintenance
- No size is off limits
- You can create a unique space
- Additions that could make your disabled wet room feel bespoke
What is a disabled wet room?
It is important to identify the definition of a wet room to help you understand if it would best suit your needs when it comes to bathing.
Similar to disabled walk-in baths and walk-in showers, wet rooms for elderly people and disabled users are designed to meet the individual’s specific wants and needs. This includes both the size and shape of the wet room as well as the layout – depending on your existing bathroom space.
Wet rooms are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a wholly unique experience for bathing, which makes them a popular choice for both elderly users and those with mobility issues.
How can a disabled wet room make bathing easier?
There are a variety of different ways in which the installation of a disabled wet room can enhance your current bathing situation. To help explore the option, we have highlighted the main advantages as follows:
They provide inclusive access
If one of the reasons you are seeking to upgrade your bathroom from a shower cubicle or bath is due to issues with getting in and out safely, this is where a disabled wet room can really help.
Not only does it eliminate the potential hazard of a shower tray or bath panel, but it can also eliminate the need for shower doors. This makes it the ideal choice for wheelchair users and those who require a carer or helper when bathing.
You can also choose to install further safety features and accessories to assist in the overall comfort and safety of your bathing time.
Adds a modern touch
Wet rooms have advanced over time, and typical wet rooms for elderly and disabled people are now much more contemporary in their design. Offering up a whole host of different designs to suit both your taste and your individual bathroom needs. In the same way that your bedroom and kitchen are designed to accommodate modern living, so should your bathroom area.
Wet rooms can provide a spacious-looking bathing area that introduces both safety and a little luxury into your living space. This is another reason modern disabled wet rooms are becoming a more popular choice.
Spacious and low maintenance
The style of a disability wet room is to make the space feel large and inviting. Those that have a smaller bathroom space need not worry, as there are designs and features available to help make the space appear larger than it is. And as wet rooms tend to come with fewer features, you can move about more freely and comfortably.
Another great advantage of a wet room is how little work is required when it comes to their maintenance. Because there are fewer features – from shower trays and screens to wall-hung accessories, there is simply less to clean. This is another reason wet rooms are a great choice for the elderly and people who have mobility issues.
No size is off limits
One of the great things about a disabled wet room is that any bathroom can accommodate such a choice, depending on your plans for a refurbishment. For example, if you wanted to completely remove an existing bath, you can do so and install a disabled wet room in its place. Not only will this open up your bathing space, but it can also provide more room.
There will be various factors to consider with a smaller space. If your other bathroom features are close together, you can choose to install a shower screen to ensure a completely shower-proof area. This means that your other bathroom features stay dry as well as further eradicating the chance of any slips and falls.
They can be designed in such a way as to provide a modern disabled wet room, so you need not worry about the overall aesthetic if a shower screen needs to be installed.
You can create a unique space
If you look forward to your daily bathing routine, the installation of a disabled wet room can enhance the experience, as you can create your bespoke bathing area.
Not only can you choose from a selection of different flooring and tiling options, but there are various accessories to assist you with any bathing needs you may have.
From grab rails to fold-up seats, a disabled wet room can be made to completely accommodate your requirements, as well as an aesthetically pleasing space, so you can focus on that all-important relaxation time.
Additions that could make your disabled wet room feel bespoke
As mentioned in the previous point, there are various extras you can add to create a unique bathing space. Showers for disabled users can be tricky, as it can be difficult to get in and out of the dedicated bathing space if you have mobility issues.
In these cases, there are additional features which can help to make your showering experience easier, safer, and more accessible:
Grab Rails
Grab bars can be installed in disabled wet rooms to help provide stability when standing. Designed in various ways to assist the user, you can choose from horizontal rails to help lower you into a seated position, as well as vertical rails to help provide that extra support when showering.
Modern disabled wet rooms usually offer neutral tones and minimalist tiles and flooring options. For a particularly contemporary feel, you can install sleek grab bars that also function as towel rails or modern toilet roll holders that double up as grab bars.
With these particular types of disabled wet room layouts, you ensure additional support without the extra clutter, as well as maintaining accessibility.
Shower Seats
Also known as a shower bench, this type of seating can come in a range of styles and is an excellent additional safety feature if you require a little extra seated support when showering.
Whether you choose to have yours fixed to the wall or built into the unit itself, these types of seats can assist the user with various mobility issues. Either static or mobile, shower seats usually come with rubber cups at the bottom of the legs to prevent any slipping.
There are various designs to choose from to suit both your requirements and your aesthetics. From padded shower seats and curved edge seats to straight shower benches and drop-down options, you will need to shop around and work out which one is best suited to your needs and personal style.
Flooring options
Wet rooms are installed with non-slip flooring, but that does not make them all equal. The most suitable flooring materials are porcelain or mosaic tiles, but you can opt for a little luxury should you so require.
To enhance a contemporary feel in your wet room, you can choose to use a marble effect or stone slab flooring. As one of the more luxurious non-slip flooring materials, they can help to create a truly bespoke look in a modern disabled wet room as well helping to mitigate against any slips and falls.
To ensure maximum water drainage, you can also opt for sloping floors. These can be particularly useful for completely open, walk-in disabled wet rooms.
Bespoke lighting
An often overlooked aspect but an important one to consider when installing a disability wet room is the lighting you choose.
There are two options to consider – cool or warm bathroom lighting. The right choice can help to improve the look and feel of your mobility bathroom and help to accentuate the features and additional fittings you choose to install.
Cool bathroom lighting is usually chosen in white suites for a bright finish, whereas warm tones are often selected to create a softer and cosier feel. With modern disabled wet rooms, you can choose to have dimmed bulbs installed or use simple, natural lighting to create your unique atmosphere.
by Jon Pearce | 17th May, 2023 | Walk-in showers
Are you ready to reform your bathroom? Updating your shower to a digital option provides a host of new functions to make showering more pleasurable and can even save you money in the long run. Here’s everything you need to know about digital showers and some considerations to make if you decide to purchase a digital shower.
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- What is a digital shower?
- How does a digital shower work?
- Features of a digital shower
- Advantages of a digital shower
- The difference between digital and smart showers
What is a digital shower?
A digital electric shower works similarly to mixer showers by mixing both cold and hot water to reach the user’s ideal temperature, providing much more accuracy.
Digital showers include a digital thermostat to offer the user precise temperature control within a single degree. Using technology, the water temperature is consistently monitored during use to maintain the set warmth or cold level.
How does a digital shower work?
Digital showers are connected to both a cold and hot water supply and can be installed in any wet room or walk-in shower. When you switch the shower on and set your temperature, a wireless or wired signal is sent to the built-in thermostat, where it makes an immediate adjustment.
The water supply then blends appropriately to release the requested temperature through the shower head. This means you don’t need to make any adjustments while you’re showering.
The good news is that you don’t need to connect a digital shower to a Wi-Fi network, as they use an independent connection. This typically makes installation much easier and achievable in all households.
Features of a digital shower
Digital showers come with an array of functions, depending on the model you choose and your budget. Below are the most common features you can expect.
1. Thermostat
Every digital shower will have this, and it allows you to control the temperature via the panel, remote control or on some occasions, smartphone app. The built-in thermostat allows you to choose the exact temperature, so the water warmth doesn’t fluctuate.
2. LED display
Digital showers aim to simplify and customise your shower experience, so you’ll find them without bulky buttons and streamlined with a stylish LED display that’s easy to operate at the touch of a button.
3. Profile settings
If multiple people regularly use the shower in your home, a digital shower with multiple user profiles allows you to set the desired shower length and water temperature for each person. Then, when it’s your turn to shower, you select your profile and don’t have to modify all the settings every time.
4. Multiple outlets
For some people, showering is more than just a chore; it’s a spa-like experience at home. Many digital showers include more than one shower head outlet to offer a variety of settings based on power and water direction.
Advantages of a digital shower
Here are some of the main reasons to consider upgrading to a digital shower.
Set your ideal preferences
Showering will become more enjoyable, as you can personalise the temperature, flow and duration pre-sets to suit your preferences. Plus, these showers are easy to operate.
Just select the settings, and the shower will notify you when it’s ready, so you won’t have to make any temperature adjustments while you’re washing. This is great for time-restricted days and for injecting more ease into your daily routine.
Some more advanced digital showers allow you to set up multiple profiles for everyone in the house. This way, everyone gets to enjoy their ideal shower every time without having to modify settings each time they want to shower. So you won’t have any nasty temperature surprises when you first step in the shower.
Save water
Digital showers can be an environmentally friendly choice, as they can save you water and, thus, money on your energy bills.
You can conveniently pause a digital shower mixer while you’re shampooing your hair to avoid water waste without having to manually power off and on the water. When you continue the water flow, the temperature and power will be the same, so you won’t have to fine-tune the settings again.
Some high-end digital showers have a timer function, so you can set the duration of your shower, and it’ll switch off after this time. This is great for eliminating water waste if you’re prone to showering for too long.
They’re safer
Most digital showers feature a safety mode to consistently monitor the water temperature to prevent scalding. Many are designed to switch off after a certain amount of time to prevent the chances of flooding. This feature is perfect for forgetful minds, especially if you reside alone.
The difference between digital and smart showers
Digital showers aren’t the top of the showering chain; smart showers offer more credible features (which aren’t always beneficial to every user), but here are the core differences between these two shower types to help you decipher between the two.
Voice activation
You can control many devices in your home via voice, and now you can activate your shower with just your voice. This function can add convenience to showering, as you don’t need to have such proximity to the panel to switch on and off the water. Voice activation can be beneficial if you have reduced mobility, as it eliminates the need for physical touch and movement.
An integrated phone app
You can control a smart shower via an app on your phone. This won’t necessarily add convenience to your life, but it can create a new world of customisation. For example, create profiles to set each user’s shower flow rate, temperature and duration to monitor how much water each person uses.
The app’s dashboard will also display core information relating to water usage and energy costs to help you keep track and make cuts, if necessary.
The future is digital, and that includes all aspects of life, not excluding the bathroom. If you want to step up your shower experience to a digital shower, consider the simplicity of the panel, the must-have features you want and whether you need to make any adjustments to your current shower layout.
We offer a range of digital showers on our website with a range of features that feature a five-year guarantee.
by Jon Pearce | 5th Apr, 2023 | Accessibility
Having a bath can have a positive impact on mood and well-being. But if you have a disability or limited mobility, access to safe bathing can be problematic. Even if you prefer to have a bath instead of a shower, you might find it difficult to get in and out of the bath safely and confidently.
In addition, carers may be at risk of injury when helping a family member or service user to access the bathtub. Back injuries are a common problem for anyone who helps people with mobility issues to get in and out of the bath.
A specialist accessible bath with door system can help to resolve these issues, allowing you to bathe in comfort and enjoy a long soak in a warm bath.
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- What is a bath with door system?
- How do baths with doors work?
- Access the bath through the low-level step and door
- Close and seal the bath door
- Select water temperature and fill the bath
- Drain and leave
- The benefits of a walk-in bath with door
- Different types of walk-in baths
- Are bath panels with doors practical?
What is a bath with door system?
A bath with an integrated door is a fully accessible unit, which contains a small, watertight door within the side panel. The door can open both inwards or outwards depending on the model. A bath with door system enables a person with a disability or mobility issue to enjoy the comfort and relaxation of a bath, without the risk of trips and falls.
Baths with door systems are available in various styles. These include everything from the small, low-level door in a standard bathtub design to a deep, upright bath with a seat incorporated to aid upright bathing.
Walk-in baths from Mobility Plus are carefully designed to include all of the best safety features, helping to reduce the risk of accidents during bathing and injury to carers or family members.
Add-on features are available, including:
- Grab rails: Fixed to a wall with screws or suction cups, grab rails are used to help people with balance issues to steady themselves as they get in and out of the bath
- Thermostatic taps: Included as standard to give protection against scalding.
- Bathtub fillers: A bathtub filler mixes the hot and cold water to the desired temperature. The temperature remains constant, eliminating the need for adjustment and reducing the risk of the water being too hot or cold.
- Power seats: A power seat raises and lowers a person into the bath, making bathing safe and accessible to people with severe mobility issues or physical disabilities. The unit is secured to the bath floor with suction cups, and the seat rises and falls as required.
All of these features help to provide effective bathing solutions. The most appropriate option will depend on your level of mobility, but they can all help to maintain a sense of independence and dignity. These features also make it easier for carers to implement safe moving and handling practices, helping to reduce the risk of injury.
Did you know? During 2019/20, 68% of state pension age adults were living with a disability or mobility issue, compared to 41% of working age adults?
How do baths with doors work?
Whichever type of walk-in bath unit you choose, they are usually accessed in the following way:
Access the bath through the low-level step and door
Walk-in baths come with varying door heights. You will need to choose one according to your level of mobility. However, stepping in and out of the bath is much easier and safer with a low-level threshold than climbing over the side of the bath and into the water.
Close and seal the bath door
Once inside the bath, you must take care to close the door fully in order to ensure that it is sealed and watertight. The bath seal is the most important element of this type of bath. Making sure that it is secure will remove the risk of water spilling onto the bathroom floor, which could create a potential slip hazard. All of the walk-in baths in our range have a door that opens inwards, making them ideal for bathrooms with limited space.
Select water temperature and fill the bath
With our optional bath filler, you can choose the required water temperature using a rotary dial. That means there is no need to keep adjusting the taps to increase the hot or cold water. Advances in technology mean you can even do this using an app on your mobile phone. Once you’re happy with the temperature, press the start button and allow the water to flow. After that, all you need to do is sit back and relax. A standard bath filler will protect against scalding due to it’s thermostatic valve.
Drain and leave
Once you’ve enjoyed your bath and you’re feeling relaxed, simply drain the bath and exit through the door. Remember to leave your towel at the side before entering, so you can partly dry off as you wait for the water to fully drain.
The benefits of a walk-in bath with door
- Safety for the user: A walk-in bath is safer than a traditional bath. A low threshold reduces the risk of tripping, making it more accessible to people with mobility issues.
- Comfort: Walk-in baths provide an element of comfort and relaxation, especially if you find it difficult to stand in the shower or use a standard bathtub. Walk-in bathtubs have lower entryways and are often deeper than traditional tubs, making it easier to clean your upper body.
- Health: Water has a soothing effect on the body and mind, and a walk-in bath can help to improve overall health in many ways, including:
- Symptom relief. Muscle or joint issues, such as arthritis, diabetes, rheumatism and general muscle or joint pain and stiffness can benefit from the soothing effects of a walk-in tub.
Did you know? 10% of UK adults suffer from arthritis and taking a hot bath can help relieve symptoms?
- Better circulation: Improved overall circulation can lead to increased mobility and less pain.
- Relaxation and stress relief: Lying in water creates a relaxing atmosphere, which in turn can help to improve the quality of your sleep. Additional therapies, such as hydrotherapy, can help to massage and relax tired and aching muscles.
- Therapy: Some of our bath ranges can be used for therapeutic purposes, including chromotherapy. This is the belief that the colours of the spectrum, which permeate the bathtub, can aid in tissue regeneration. Chromotherapy has reportedly helped to reduce swelling, relieve pain and decrease inflammation, as well as reducing recovery times after medical or surgical procedures. Our Hampton Elite range of baths incorporates this therapy into its design.
Different types of walk-in baths
We offer a range of different types of baths with doors. The right choice will depend on your individual requirements and level of mobility.
Full length bath with door
This is identical to a standard bath, but the side is a bath panel with access door. Once you have entered the bath through the access door, the bathing experience is the same as in a traditional bath. Our Leyburn range includes full length baths with doors.
Sit-up bath with door
A sit-up bath allows you to sit upright while bathing. This removes the need to stand up from a horizontal position when getting out of the bath.
Front or side opening
You can choose to have the access door at the side or at the front, according to the design and layout of your bathroom.
Are bath panels with doors practical?
Baths with doors can transform the lives of people who have previously struggled to access the bath. As we get older, we often feel that we are losing our independence. For some people, this is a worrying prospect. Installing a bath with a door to the bathroom helps people to continue living independently in the comfort of their own home.
A walk-in bath will also aid caregivers to help family members or service users to bathe safely, while also reducing the risk of injury to the bather and carer. The hydrotherapy feature on some baths helps with aches and pains in joints and muscles, providing a relaxing, soothing effect.
In comparison to wet rooms and walk-in showers, the right bath with door system can:
- Improve the bathing experience by helping to maintain independence, dignity, comfort and support
- Reduce the risk of bathroom accidents caused by slips or falls
- Ensure efficient moving and handling for carers assisting with bathing
- Reduce the risk of a musculoskeletal injuries to carers
At Mobility Plus, our range of walk-in baths are designed to suit your needs. A hydrotherapy spa option comes as standard with all of our models, and the non-slip floor keeps you safe every time you bathe.
With our free, no-obligation design and quote service, we can help you decide on a replacement unit, or discuss a complete bathroom redesign to make the space as safe and secure as possible.
Take a look at our full range of walk-in baths or request a free brochure to view all of the options at your leisure.
Whichever product you choose, our walk-in baths will help you to bathe confidently and independently again.
by mobilityplus | 30th Mar, 2023 | Accessibility
If you have been experiencing mobility challenges, you may be in the process of choosing a mobility aid. Introducing a mobility aid to your daily routine can be a fantastic way to increase your independence and add a bit of comfort as you are going about your daily business.
However, choosing a mobility aid can require some consideration. There are many options to choose from, and which one is right for you will depend on your specific mobility struggles as well as the demands of your lifestyle.
Luckily, here at Mobility Plus we have plenty of expertise in helping individuals choose the right mobility aid for their needs. Keep reading to learn more about the choices available and find out which mobility aid is right for you.
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1. Canes
The first port of call for more mild mobility issues will be a cane. Using a cane can provide you with an additional point of support, which can hold up to 25 percent of a person’s body weight.
Using a cane is a great way to increase your stability, particularly if you have one leg that is weaker than the other. If you still want to walk around but need a little extra support, a cane is perfect for you. However, using one does require a little strength in your hand and arm to grip.
There are different options here – if your grip is weaker, you can opt for a horizontal grip cane. Some canes also have a quad base, allowing them to stand upright when not in use. This can be handy in that you don’t have to balance the cane, but it will be a little heavier to carry.
2. Walkers and Rollators
If you are looking for a little extra support, a walker or rollator might be for you. A walker has two or four legs and can support up to 50 percent of body weight. However, the walker must be lifted each time you take a step, requiring more hand and arm strength than a cane.
If this is not a viable option, you could consider a wheeled walker – also called a rollator. These have several wheels on the bottom of the legs and can be pushed along as you walk, rather than being lifted with each step. This makes manoeuvres easier and less tiring. However, if you have balance issues, the wheels may not provide enough stability for your needs.
3. Power Scooters
For those who are finding it difficult to walk long distances, a power scooter might be a better option. There are various models available, both for indoor and outdoor use, as well as lightweight or heavy-duty models.
Using a power scooter can be much less tiring than walking, however you will need some dexterity to operate it, as well as being comfortable sitting upright for an extended period of time. If you have arthritis, for example, this may not be the best option for you.
4. Manual Wheelchairs
If you have trouble sitting upright or operating the machinery of a scooter, a manual wheelchair might be your best option. Those with strength in the arms will be able to push the wheels easily to get around the house, or otherwise a loved one will easily be able to push the chair from behind.
There are various models of manual wheelchairs available, all suiting different needs. For example, individuals with spinal cord injuries often opt for ultra-lightweight models. These allow for various adjustments, including armrests and a range of different tyres.
5. Power Wheelchairs
Finally, there are power wheelchairs. There are countless variants when it comes to power wheelchairs, all with different features such as front-wheel drive, independent suspension and so on.
A power wheelchair will allow you to move around indoors and outdoors without having to self-propel or be pushed. They are also typically more compact than a mobility scooter, making them easier to manoeuvre.
As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing your mobility aid. If you would like specialist advice on choosing a model to suit your lifestyle, call us for free, and we will be happy to assist you.
by mobilityplus | 19th Mar, 2023 | Walk-in baths
Walk in baths are the ideal solution to transform your bathroom with safety and comfort. If you’re considering a walk-in bath, here are the essential things to know before taking the next step.
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- Additional features make it safer
- Mobility Plus products are sealed with a lifetime warranty
- Look at ways to make your bathroom luxurious
- Cater for your future and all of your family
- Think about how to maximise your bathroom space
Additional features make it safer
As the bathroom can get quickly wet and slippery, it’s no surprise that it’s prone to falls and injuries. As we get older, our mobility becomes more limited, which makes accidents more common. In fact, over the age of 65, roughly one in three individuals fall every year.
To limit the chances of injuries, you don’t have to avoid bathing or risk your welfare in a non-specialised bathroom. You can keep your independence and your confidence with a walk-in bath, and especially one with added safety features.
The walk-in baths at Mobility Plus feature low entry access and wide opening doors, so if you have trouble lifting your legs, you can still enjoy the benefits of a regular bath but now with extra protection.
Look to add a grab rail feature, like in the Derwent deep soak walk-in bath, to provide safety and support when you’re getting in and out of the bath.
Mobility Plus products are sealed with a lifetime warranty
Searching for the perfect walk-in bath, it’s important to know you’re investing in a high-quality product that is durable and long-lasting. Damage can occur over time, and it’s reassuring to have a product that keeps you protected.
At Mobility Plus, we want your bathing experience to be the best it possibly can, which is why we’re invested in creating high-quality products that put your comfort and safety first. We pride ourselves in offering you the perfect solution that makes your life easier. So, for an extra seal of satisfaction, all our Mobility Plus products come with a Lifetime Warranty. Added protection and complete peace of mind with every comfortable bathe.
Look at ways to make your bathroom luxurious
Creating a luxurious bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive. There are walk-in bath features that can transform your bathing experience. There is Chromotherapy and a Hydrotherapy spa system options in the Hampton Elite modern walk-in bath, that will make your bathroom a relaxing place you’ll never want to leave.
These added features will turn your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary without having to spend a fortune. The luxury systems promote balance and healing and will help you to unwind in comfort.
Cater for your future and all of your family
When thinking about installing a walk-in bath in your home, you can get the most out of your money by looking ahead to yours and your family’s future. Even though accessing your bathroom might not be a problem for you now, accommodating to those future needs today will save you time, energy and money.
With integrated seats featuring contoured backs, easy access walk-in baths help keep injuries to a minimum with maximum comfort
Think about how to maximise your bathroom space
When it comes to decorating your bathroom, many people overlook a bath because they think they’re large and impractical, especially for smaller bathrooms. Yet, this isn’t always the case.
If you’re limited on space, there are compact walk-in baths to choose from that will maximise your space whilst still delivering optimum practical benefits. A smaller bathtub, like the Hampton low entry bath, is a useful addition to give you more space for storage and any design features, like a stool.
Walk-in baths are an investment you won’t regret. You don’t have to take our word for it, discover what some of our customers are saying about their new bathroom here.
by Jon Pearce | 9th Mar, 2023 | Health
Bathrooms are a place to relax and unwind. But despite being a peaceful haven, bathrooms have a few hazards we must watch out for. Floors and bathtubs can become wet and slippery, and accidents can happen.
A room that typically features hard styles of flooring, such as tiles, and a bathroom is a place where slips and falls can easily occur, especially if surfaces are wet and slippery.
According to the National Institute on Ageing, more than one in four people over the age of 65 falls each year and almost 80% of falls in the home occur in the bathroom. It isn’t just older people who need to be mindful of bathroom safety; as a room that features more hard surfaces than most, we all should be aware of the potential for injury in this area.
Fortunately, there are a few steps and modifications that you can take to reduce the risk of bathroom hazards for both seniors and other adults or children in your home.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss our top tips for improving your bathroom health and safety, so you can relax knowing that your bathroom is a safe space for your family.
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- Installing grab bars
- Use non-slip mats, and rugs
- Install flooring with non-slip surfaces
- Install a shower bench or chair
- Install an elevated toilet seat
- Install a walk-in shower or bathtub
- Remove clutter and keep essential items within reach
- Add easy turn taps
1. Installing grab bars
Grab bars are one of the simplest and most effective ways to make a bathroom safer, especially for seniors or anyone with disability bathing needs. Grab bars are bars that provide support and stability in the bathroom.
Grab rail positions are important and can be placed in different areas of your bathroom, such as in your shower or bath or beside your toilet, to help get up and down safely and in a controlled manner.
There is a range of different grab bars available with different finishes. You can choose a design that not only meets your practical needs but also fits with the design of your bathroom. You can also choose the level of grip you require with your grab bar.
Grab bars are a great safety feature as you can place them in the area you need them most, so you or your family member will have extra stability in those tougher to navigate areas. Find out more about grab bars.
2. Use non-slip mats, and rugs
Slips and falls are much more likely to happen on wet surfaces (Health and Safety Executive). This is why using non-slip rugs and mats in your bathroom is so important. Having a bathroom mat in locations such as beside your shower and bath, and near your toilet can help prevent excess water from causing your floor to become slippery.
Try to choose mats and rugs with an anti-slip backing or consider a mat with suction cups on the underside. This will help grip your bathroom floor more securely, so you’ll have a mat you can dry your feet on after showering and one that will stay securely in place.
You can also get rubberised mats for inside your shower and bath. These mats are designed to be waterproof, and they help prevent accidents by adding a grip to the base of your shower and bathtub.
3. Install flooring with non-slip surfaces
The type of flooring you use in your bathroom can also improve your safety. To reduce the risk of falls, you should opt for flooring with a non-slip finish. There are many different options for bathroom flooring that provide extra grip and stability, such as vinyl or rubber flooring.
These materials are designed to be more robust and water-resistant than other forms of flooring, so they can help prevent accidents and make your bathroom a safer environment.
4. Install a shower bench or chair
Standing for extended periods can be difficult for elderly people, or those who have difficulty with mobility, especially in a shower or wet room. You can provide a safe, comfortable place to sit while showering by installing a shower bench or chair.
Choose a sturdy chair or bench that suits the user’s weight and needs. Choosing a model with a backrest and armrest can also provide additional stability and support for the user.
5. Install an elevated toilet seat
Sitting down and standing up from a low toilet can cause issues for seniors or people with mobility issues.
High toilet seats can help make the process of getting on and off the toilet by reducing the distance you need to lower yourself. There is a range of options, so you can choose the one that best suits the user’s needs.
6. Install a walk-in shower or bathtub
Refurbishing your bathroom can be a great way to bring your bath and shower up to standard to meet you or your loved one’s changing needs. Walk-in showers and bathtubs are designed to provide a comfortable and safe experience when bathing.
Walk-in showers come with a wide door, allowing users to walk in easily. They also have non-slip surfaces, and some have a built-in seat for extra support.
Walk-in baths are also becoming increasingly popular as they make bathing easier to manage for those with mobility issues; they feature a door to allow easy access to the bath and a raised seat to make getting in and out as easy as possible.
7. Remove clutter and keep essential items within reach
This tip is simple yet effective. Clutter can make it harder to move around the bathroom and increase the risk of tripping. Removing unnecessary items from the bathroom on a regular basis or adding additional storage to ensure the bathroom is always clean and tidy can help reduce risk.
Solutions such as additional shelving can ensure that essentials like soap, shampoo and conditioner are always within reach, so no bending down or stretching is required to get these items. Additionally, keeping floors and surfaces clean can ensure that there is no residue from bathing products left over, which could cause slips or falls.
8. Add easy turn taps
Taps with long levers and smooth actions are a great modification to make use easier for seniors or anyone with conditions such as arthritis that could affect mobility. Easy turn taps can give you more control and make turning on and off the tap smoother, allowing for easier control of temperature and water flow
These are just a few of the modifications you can make to your bathroom to ensure it is as safe and comfortable as possible. Taking extra care when designing or renovating your bathroom will give you peace of mind knowing that you or your loved one’s safety is taken care of.
With these tips at hand, your bathroom can be a safe place where you can bathe and wash without the worry of potential slips and falls. These features offer safety and security and thanks to the wide range available, you can tailor your bathroom modifications to meet individual needs and even choose options that are not only practical but look fantastic too.
