Top 5 Bathroom Safety Products for the Elderly and the Disabled

Within a home, bathrooms present a relatively serious safety hazard for the elderly and the disabled. The fear of tripping, slipping and injuring oneself is especially high due to factors like tight spaces, rugs, and lack of safety equipment such as grab bars or non-slip bathtub mats.

However, this fear may be reduced significantly with the appropriate tools, devices and equipment that make the bathroom a safer place.  Using bathroom products with the characteristics of safety, ease of use and care would go a long way in providing peace of mind both to the elderly/disabled and their caregivers, by reducing unnecessary safety accidents.

The need for safety equipment specific to accessing and using the bathroom is highlighted by the following considerations.

• The distance between the bed/bedroom and the bathroom is small and without hindrances such as low height of the ceiling and high thresholds, insecure entrance foot mats etc.
• The width/height of the wash basin is designed for easy and safe use 
• The height of the toilet is designed for easy and safe use
• The space for showering or bathing (bathtub, booth, etc.) is secured and its access is easy.
• The bathroom is safe for easy movement (non-skid tiles or mats, appropriate footwear)

• Grab Bars & Rails

  Grab bars can help the elderly stabilize themselves as they raise their leg over the tub edge. These bars are often mounted to walls and help reduce falls due to lack of balance or slips. They are a must near toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers.  Other options may include clamp-on tub bars that mount to the tub edge or suction cup grab bars that eliminate the need for drilling holes in the walls.

• Toilet Aids

  Getting on and off from the toilet seat requires good balance and leg strength.  Raised toilet seats clamp right onto the toilet bowl providing a higher seat.  Along with toilet safety rails, this makes it easier to push up from and sit down. Additionally, bedside commodes or potty chairs may be used in the bedroom and rolled over the over toilet seats too. With height adjustments and bucket removal, it may be straddled over the toilet.

• Handheld Shower Heads

  Handheld shower heads with easy controls and long, tangle-free tubing allow the bather to shower without having to reach or stretch.

• Shower Chairs

  These are plastic seats that can be placed in the shower or tub for the bather to sit while showering. Shower chairs come in many options from plain, small stools to elaborate chairs with adjustable heights, backs, arms, and cushions.

• Walk-in Tubs: Walk-in Tubs

  These permanent options are specifically designed for the elderly and disabled.  A watertight door allows the bather to step into the tub over a low threshold to increase safety and can step out after draining the water. These tubs also come with additional aids such as sizes, seats, wheelchair accessible, hydrotherapy etc.

With both structural home modifications and assistive equipment, the bathroom can be a secure place for the elderly and the disabled.

For ideas on Bathroom Safety products, give Lift and Care Systems a call. We have served disabled individuals and their caregivers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island for over 20 years. We have the name-brand durable medical equipment you need, such as EZ-Access Mobility Ramps, Mobile Lift Products from SureHands and Bruno Stair Lifts (just to name a few). Contact us today for a free consultation at (508)465-5254 or fill out our free consultation form to speak to one of our durable medical equipment specialists today.