How to Make Your Bathroom Disability-Friendly
In modern times, more people with physical disabilities are being cared for in their home environment, as family members often want to take on a caring role and help the person to retain their independence for as long as possible. But living with a physical disability is not without its challenges, especially in a modern home environment, and many people may worry that sharing their home with somebody who has a physical disability can make it seem more clinical or look like a hospital ward.
However, this is not the case. There are some things you can do to make your home more accessible for your family member who has a physical disability. In this article, five ways you can make your bathroom more disability-friendly will be explored. Rest assured, none of them will make your home look like a hospital room!
Install a Level Access Wash Area
A level access wash area is a type of shower that doesn’t have a step or a lip before you enter it. Therefore, it is accessible for people who have all levels of mobility, and it also prevents injuries as they cannot trip and fall while climbing in or out of the bath.
This is the biggest adaptation that you can make to a bathroom. It gives easy access to the shower and a self-contained area for cleaning. You can have full-height screens to stop water from splashing and, if necessary, you can help a family member to bathe. Take a look at beautifulbathroom.net for some great ideas on how to make your bathroom more accessible to family members with disabilities.
Grab Rails
Grab rails are another thing you can install in your bathroom to make it more disability-friendly. They allow you to hold onto something for stability, and therefore your loved one will avoid falls and injuries while bathing or getting off the toilet. They are usually made from tough molded plastic or stainless steel and can be positioned anywhere. They also give you something to hold on to when your loved one is making difficult movements. Even wheelchair users can use them when transferring onto a toilet, into a bath seat, or a shower board.
Non-Slip Flooring and Mats
Slip-proof flooring offers additional safety, especially if you have a level access bathing space. Showers that are disability-friendly should have slip-resistant flooring. Around the area, there should be slip-resistant mats, as this will prevent your disabled family member from falling over and injuring themselves as well as giving you peace of mind when they are bathing by themselves.
Read This Also to Know: How to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a Spa
Stools and Seats
Seats and stools in a level access bathtub can help your loved one to sit down if they become tired while bathing. They can also provide them with somewhere to rest if they feel unstable on their feet without falling over, promoting better safety.
Motion Sensor Lighting
Motion sensor lighting can help people with physical disabilities to access the bathroom at night without waking them up. It can also be useful to have the hallway leading to the bathroom well-illuminated as this will keep trip hazards visible and reduce injury.
