It has been found that the majority of accidents happen inside the home. Within the home, the bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms. In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the results of a study reporting the thousands of bathroom accidents that occur each year. The number of accidents increases amongst those with disabilities and seniors. So how can you make your bathroom a safer place? Here are some bathroom safety ideas that can provide with some worthwhile assistance.
• For those with disabilities and seniors, a bathtub can be a huge challenge as well as a safety risk. Eliminating a bathtub and replacing it with a walk-in shower can be an invaluable choice. A tub to shower conversion is one of the best safety features a person can invest in.
• Bathrooms can become safer and more secure when grab bars are installed. Whether you’re enlisting the help of a professional or doing it yourself, grab bars can give you an affordable way to aid those having a difficult time in the bathroom. Grab bars installed in the bath, shower, next to the toilet, and any other strategic spots around the room can ensure a safer experience.
• Adding a non-skid bath mat or any non-slip textured surface can enhance the safety of your shower or tub. It’s a simple fix that is easily attainable.
• Having a good ventilation system in your bathroom can make all the difference in the world. By reducing moisture build up you reduce slippery surfaces, decreasing the chance of an accident.
• Making sure any shower or bathtub accessories and towel bars are firmly anchored is essential. Replace any flimsy items with durable ones as a beneficial precaution.
• A bathroom door that swings outward can play an important role in preventing accidents. Changing the way a door swings is a fairly simple and easy task. A do it yourself guide should suffice in walking you through it, however, if you still have doubts a handyman should be able to assist. Never install a shower door that only opens in, if a person becomes disabled in the walk in shower and the door only opens in you may not be able to get the shower door open and remove them.
• Grounding all of your electrical outlets with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets can prevent electrical shocks. If installing a GFCI is something you don’t want to do yourself, an electrician can easily do so.
• In addition to GFCI outlets, keeping any electrical appliances away from water or pools of water is very important. The risk of electricity and water is best avoided.
• Replacing or protecting sharp edges and corners on furniture and accessories in the bathroom can help to prevent injury.
A few other simple bathroom safety ideas include making sure the bathroom is well lit, but does not cause a glare, and that the light switch is located close to the door of the bathroom. In addition, keeping the bathroom free of clutter is beneficial.
Whether you decide to make major or minor changes to your bathroom, any of these bathroom safety ideas will increase security and accident free living for you and your loved ones living with disabilities.