Your bathroom at home should be a safe, private space where you can clean yourself while relaxing. What happens, then, when that’s no longer possible? Many people find manoeuvring around their own bathroom to be difficult due to mobility issues. Whether they have sustained an injury or are simply getting older, using the bathroom becomes not only a chore but even potentially dangerous. In this situation, an accessible bathroom is necessary.
Is it time that you installed a more accessible bathroom in your home? Disabled bathroom equipment such as grab bars, walk-in baths, and non-slip floors might be ideal if you show any of these six telltale signs.
1: You Have a Disability that Impacts Mobility
If you have a disability that impacts your mobility in any way, even if it’s minor, you might benefit from accessible bathroom equipment. For example, a grab bar next to the bath or toilet will ensure you can stand up and sit/lie down without fear of injuring yourself.
2: You Don’t Have Enough Space to Move Around
Have you found you no longer have enough space to move around your bathroom? Many accessible bathrooms are designed with space in mind, ensuring the user can move around the bathroom freely with plenty of space.
3: It Takes Forever to Get into the Bath
Baths are fantastic; they let you get clean while providing some much-needed relaxation. That relaxation fades away, however, if it takes far too long for you to lower yourself into the tub. If it takes longer to get into the tub than usual, consider that you may need a more accessible bath - perhaps a walk-in one that doesn’t require you to lower your body or maybe a simple grab bar to help you get in and out.
4: Bathroom Equipment is Out of Reach
Is a lot of your bathroom equipment, such as the sink or cabinets, no longer in easy reach? An accessible bathroom ensures everything is within reach, ensuring you don’t have to stretch and strain and potentially injure yourself.
5: Your Family Are Worried About Your Safety
Has your family brought up installing disabled bathroom equipment to you? Sometimes, a family member can spot potential issues before you do yourself, usually because of how much they care. If other people in your life are worried about your safety when using your home bathroom, that’s a sign it’s time to make your bathroom more accessible for use.
6: You’ve Fallen in Your Bathroom
Last but not least, a real telltale sign that you need a more accessible bathroom is that you’ve already had a fall. Falling in any bathroom can result in serious injury, so it’s important to have a home bathroom that matches your needs. Don’t let it happen again!
Upgrading your bathroom to be more accessible might be as simple as installing grab bars, or it might require a full fitting of disabled bathroom equipment. Either way, having a bathroom that fits your specific needs is crucial, as it will reduce the risk of injury.