Help Make Your Bathroom Safer
Every family should prioritize bathroom safety. This is where we bathe and shower, meaning there are more slippery surfaces and chances for accidents. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 234,000 people a year are admitted into emergency rooms due to falls, and more than a third of these injuries happen while bathing or showering.
However, there are steps you can take to help create a safer and more comfortable environment in your bathroom. Focus on the following areas when considering home safety:
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Floor
Non-slip mats should be placed on the parts of the bathroom floor that see the most foot traffic. Make sure to choose quality non-slip mats that don’t curl on the edges, as this can pose more of a hazard. Not sure where to put your non-slip mats? Take a warm shower or bath and see where water gathers on the floor. Place non-slip mats on these damp areas.
Toilets
The toilet is also a common place for accidents to happen. Make this a safer experience for yourself or your loved one by installing a raised toilet and some grab bars. Judy Stevens, an epidemiologist with the CDC says that “having grab bars by the toilet would be helpful for people in their older years, and everyone would benefit from having grab bars both inside the tub or shower and where you get in and out.”
Walls
Observe where you stand in the bathroom and install grab bars on the walls in these areas so you have something to hold onto for stability and balance. Grab bars on the walls help you or your loved one move around the bathroom more confidently, can help prevent falls, and will make it easier to navigate a slippery floor.
Lighting
Make sure that the bathroom has sufficient lighting so that those with impaired vision can navigate more easily through the space. A dimly-lit bathroom is a recipe for disaster, especially combined with a wet floor and other obstacles. Instead, install bright lights in the ceiling to keep the bathroom well illuminated, and eliminate shadows.
Doors
Install doors that swing outward in the bathroom to make it even safer. These types of doors make it easier for emergency personnel to have clear access to the bathroom in case of an accident. These doors are easy to install and will give you and your loved one confidence and peace of mind.
Tubs
Since most bathroom accidents happen when entering or exiting a tub, installing a walk-in tub is one of the most important steps when creating a safer bathroom. A walk-in tub eliminates the dangerous obstacle of getting in and out of the bathtub and instead provides a relaxing bathing experience while sitting down.
How a Walk-In Tub Helps Makes the Bathroom Safer
Walk-in tubs help provide a safer, sturdier alternative to traditional bathtubs and showers and with them, individuals can bathe independently with confidence. When browsing the market for a walk-in tub, understand the preferred features so you can choose the safest option for your bathroom.
Grab Bars
Sturdy grab bars are some of the most important details to look for in a walk-in tub. Although the design of a walk-in tub is optimized for stability and a lower risk of falling, and giving yourself something to hold on to can help make all the difference.
Non-Slip Textured Floors
A slip-resistant textured floor helps provide stability and balance, even when the surface is wet. The texture helps your feet grip onto the floor, minimizing the chance of slips. Look for a walk-in tub that comes with this non-slip surface so you don’t have to install one separately.
A Low Threshold
A lower threshold means less of a tripping hazard because the user doesn’t have to lift their legs up as high. When looking at the tub’s exit and entry points, you should also examine the width of the door. A wider door gives you more space to comfortably enter and exit the tub.
A Seat
Perhaps the best part about a walk-in tub is the seated bathing arrangement. Unlike traditional showers, a walk-in tub allows you to bathe safely while seated. Before purchasing a walk-in tub, make sure the seat is sturdy and comfortable.
Quick Drain Technology
Because you must wait for the water to drain from your walk-in tub before you get out, a Quick Drain System is essential. Our American Standard walk-in tubs feature our unique patented Quick Drain ® technology to get you out of the bath quicker. Spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your bathing experience.
Creating a safe home for seniors should be a top priority. Feeling independent at home is important for your mental health and physical well-being. Going through a home to identify any potential hazards can help to prevent accidents before they happen and enhance your day to day confidence. Focusing on bathroom safety is critical because so many potential hazards can arise. But by installing grab bars, slip resistant mats, and a walk-in tub, you or your loved one can live safely and happily.
With the largest single network of walk-in tub installers across the United States, American Standard is the best and most reliable choice when it comes to making your bathroom a safer, more usable space.
