Bathtub & Shower Safety: There are many products available on the market today that will provide assistance for anyone having difficulty with their daily activities related to bathing. For aid in getting around the restroom or in and out of the bathtub or shower:
Use of a bathtub safety rail or shower bar as you get in or out of the tub will provide more balance and security and result in more independence and can reduce the risk of a slip or fall. Be sure to consider the type & dimensions as there is a wide variety of options. Also, measuring your bathtub first will help ensure you find just the right bath tub rail.
Have grab bars installed wherever they are needed. Grab bars come in a variety of lengths and styles and will help you balance as you stand or sit, as well as giving you something to hold on to if you begin to fall. Some grab bars are for permanent installation and if so, the lengths of 12”, 16”, 18” and 24” are quite common. A professional installation is recommended for this type of grab bar. Others include suction cup grab rails and are sturdy, but also portable. Always check the weight bearing capacity as typically the suction cup grab bars are not meant to have a full falling body weight placed on them. Many grab bar styles are available today that are quite elegant as well, so there’s no need to have that metallic hospital feel, but you still have the functionality of a grab bar.
Install a tension pole between the floor and the ceiling in your bathroom. This will give you additional support in the bathroom as you move around. A tension pole can be permanent or portable and also used by the bed or next to your favorite chair in the living area. Different tension pole styles include a basic pole, while others include a curved grab bar which is recommended by Health Mobility Inc.
Bath Transfer Benches, Bath Lifts & Shower Chairs: For easier transfer in & out of the tub and Bath Seating.
Purchase a Bathtub Transfer Bench that helps you get in and out of the tub. These products fit over the lip of your bathtub with 2 legs inside the tub and 2 legs outside of the tub. Many people do not realize how wonderful a Transfer Bench can be or even know that such a product exists. It is ideal for transferring patients safely over a bathtub edge. A sliding & Swivel Transfer Bench is ideal for someone who has had a hip injury as less twisting will occur as they approach and exit the bath. Transfer Benches also provide the caregiver a much simpler process of aiding your loved one with entrance and exit out of the bath area. These come in a wide variety of weight capacities and Health Mobility Inc recommends accurately measuring your bathtub so as to find just the right fit for your needs.
Shower Seats, Bath Chairs or a Shower Stool provide a seating area within the shower or tub. They come in an array of styles and colors, with or without a back - solid or padded - as well as Teak Shower Chair or Brazilian Wood. Be sure to measure the size of your tub or shower area as you are deciding which will work best. For smaller shower areas, a shower stool will suffice, this also works well for ladies as a personal hygiene leg rest for shaving. Many of our customers like a bath seat with a back so that finally they are actually able to relax while bathing with a Shower Chair. Be sure to measure the size of your tub or shower area as you are deciding which will work best.
Bath Lifts for Seniors (powered by batteries or water) will help you lower and raise yourself in the bathtub. We recommend battery operated models because they reduce the risk of developing mold in the mechanism. Inflated bath chairs come with an air compressor you can use to inflate them and take up less space, so they are better for travel. Either way, a nice slow moving mechanism will raise and lower you into the water. One of our best selling bath lifts is the Bellavita.
No slippery floors. Use non-slip bath rugs wherever you walk. A shower curtain which has weights at the bottom and will affix to the side of your tub will also help to ensure that no water leaks onto the floor. Make sure there is a chair or a place to sit and rest in your bathroom in case you need a quick rest.
Allow plenty of time for your bath or shower, it should be a relaxing time of the day for you. Hurrying through these everyday tasks can increase your risk of a fall.
Special elevated or raised toilet seats may be beneficial for people who have difficulty using standard height toilet seats (e.g. people who have sustained a hip injury or those with arthritis or other musculoskeletal injuries). You may also consider toilet safety rails which assist in standing and seating.
If access to the bathroom requires the person to climb steps or walk a distance, providing a bedside commode or urinal will be most helpful. A commode is a portable toilet that can be placed close to the bed or chair where the person usually resides. The commode should be sturdy and should not slide easily. Adjust the level of the chair so that the person can easily transfer from the bed or chair. You may also consider a Rolling Shower Chair With Wheels which is an excellent mode of transportation to the shower - many have a commode.
People who use a walker or wheelchair may need to have their doors and bathroom layout changed to accommodate this equipment. Special attention should be made to the direction that the door opens. Does the door hinder access to the toilet? Are other bathroom fixtures in the way? A rehabilitation therapist may be helpful in assisting you in determining what modifications are necessary. As well, take measurements and check dimensions on home medical equipment you may purchase.
If you are caring for someone who needs assistance to use the toilet, developing a call system (such as a bell or buzzer) to alert the caretaker to the needs of the person may be helpful. Often there is little time between the first urge to urinate and an incontinence episode.
There are many Bathing Aids & Accessories on the market today to make your personal hygiene more independent and dignified. The Bathtub Caddy is a great way to keep personal hygiene items close at hand.
