What Is an Accessible Shower and Why Care About It?
An accessible shower includes special safety features to reduce risk of injury to seniors or anyone with limited mobility issues. Up to 80% of all reported falls in the home occur in the bathroom and many happen as people use the shower or tub. You can dramatically reduce the risk of injury by installing vital safety features in and around the shower area. Let’s take a look at the common causes of shower injuries and how to reduce their risk for the elderly, disabled, and young alike.
Slipping While Entering Shower or Tub
Does your bathroom have slippery or slick tiles surrounding the shower or tub? Add a slip-proof mat in the area when you enter and exit the tub or shower.
For seniors or injured persons with a tub, installing a transfer or bath bench is highly recommended. A transfer bench allows a person to enter and leave the tub without stepping over the side. Instead, simply sit on the bench and then slide over into and out of the tub area without ever standing.
An accessible shower area should also have grip rails on the wall nearest the entrance. For anyone with a tub and bath bench, the grip rails should be accessible while sitting at the bench. Professional installation of bathroom safety rails is recommended to ensure they are fully secured.
If installation of grip or hand rails on a wall adjacent to the shower entrance, consider using a tension pole instead. Mounted floor to ceiling, a tension pole gives seniors and anyone with balance problems something secure to grab when exiting or entering shower.
Falling or Losing Balance in the Shower
Slippery shower tiles are an injury waiting to happen. In fact, adding water to virtually any shower floor surface creates a safety hazard for seniors and anyone not paying attention. Installing slip-proof flooring is vital to a safe and accessible shower.
Installing grip bars in the shower itself may be advisable for severe mobility issues. However, not all showers designs will accommodate grip bars being added and sufficiently secured.
Shower chairs also greatly improve safety in the shower area. When non-slip shower chairs are installed, anyone with balance problems or difficulty standing for long periods can sit and rest. In some cases, it may be necessary to mount the shower chair so professional installation may be needed.
Adding extended hand held sprayers makes it possible for someone to bath while sitting on the shower chair. Professional installation of the extended hand sprayer is recommended to avoid leaks or improper placement.
Review of Accessible Shower Safety Features
- Add Non-Slip Mats at Tub or Shower Entrance
- For Tub Owners, Use Bath Bench
- Install Grip Rails on Wall Near Bath or Shower Entrance
- Consider Installing Tension Pole if Grip Rails Are Not Possible
- Add Grip Rails in Shower Area if Possible
- Install Non-Slip Shower Chair
It’s not just the elderly and disabled that have to worry about shower accessibility and safety. Children, visiting seniors, and even a sudden injury or illness may make shower accessibility a necessity.
Accessable Bathrooms is Perth’s exclusive shower and bathroom safety experts specialising in elderly and disabled renovations. All projects begin with our Free Safety Audit and 3D design to show you exactly how your newly renovated and safe bathroom will look!