Bathrooms can be one of the more challenging rooms in the house for someone with medical needs. The combination of the small space, hard objects and dampness makes for a situation that calls for extreme caution. The best way to begin is to understand the challenges your loved will face given his or her situation. Try to plan for any possible occurrence. A safe bathroom goes a very long way towards making the care of a loved one at home more manageable. We find it helpful to then to plan the bathroom – section by section – to determine your safety needs. Below are a few tips to remember but remember each situation is different. Plan according to the needs of your loved one.
- Install safety rails in the tub or shower to make entrances and exits safe and easy, particularly for children and the elderly.
Be sure to install the rails directly into a stud behind the tub/shower wall, not just into drywall or a vinyl tub/shower surround. The safety bar must be sturdy enough to withstand a sudden, sharp pull.
Never lean or pull on towel bars or soap dishes. - Use non-slip decals or strips in the bottom of the tub or shower. Some of the newer models have a “grippable” surface built in remember this important safety feature if you are shopping for a replacement tub or shower kit.
- Make sure faucets and showerheads have anti-scald features that prevent sudden bursts of very hot water. Most new bathroom fixtures integrate these features, but houses with old plumbing may not have them. This is particularly important in bathrooms used by small children and the elderly both of whom are particularly susceptible to burn injuries.
- Use a rubber-backed bath mat to prevent slipping on a wet floor.