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The bathroom is an area of the home that can be dangerous for elderly people and those with mobility issues. Unfortunately, bathroom injuries are common with these groups and this is why homeowners that are ageing and/or have mobility issues need to address this area and there are lots of improvements that can be made. So, how can you prevent falls and injuries in the bathroom?
Grab Bars
One of the easiest, cheapest and most effective ways to make the bathroom safer is to add grab rails in the bath/shower and by the toilet. This can make it easier and safer for people to lower themselves and raise themselves and greatly reduce the chance of a fall while making the bathroom a space that is easier to use.
Remove Obstacles
You also need to consider what obstacles there are in the bathroom and then remove them. The key is to identify what could be tripped over, such as towels that are on the floor. You should also look into a walk-in shower instead of a bathtub, which is safer and much easier for people to use and a smart way to future proof.
Install Non-Slip Surfaces
Slipping can be a major concern in the bathroom as the floor can easily become wet and take a long time to dry. Non-slip surfaces on the floor can make it much safer for someone to use while also giving them greater confidence while using the bathroom. Much like how landscaping and ground specialists such as Limitless Groundworks design and install safe outdoor grounds, a good bathroom designer and renovator can do the same for your bathroom if you prefer to get the floors professionally kitted out for increased safety.
Improve Accessibility
It is also important that all of the items that are needed in the bathroom are easily within reach. A few examples of ways to improve accessibility include have a toilet roll holder installed at the right level and having an in-shower basket attached to the wall that can hold shampoo, body wash and any other items that will be needed.
Improve Visibility
Accidents often occur at night when an elderly person needs to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Visibility is often the issue here, so installing motion-activated lighting is smart and will make it easier to use the bathroom at night.
Reduce Over Exertion
Another cause of injury in the bathroom is overexertion. You can prevent this by installing a seat in the shower so that you can rest while washing and a raised seat on the toilet to make it easier to use and prevent a personal injury from occurring.
This post should give you a few ideas for ways to make your or a loved one’s bathroom safer. This is one of the most dangerous areas of the home for elderly people and those with mobility issues, but there are lots of options for ways to make it an easier and safer space to use each day.
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