The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
For a person with a physical handicap, the bathroom is perhaps the biggest challenge and the most dangerous area in the home. The slippery surfaces, the rough edges, and the generally private nature of the bathroom make it the place where falls and injuries most commonly occur. Therefore, it’s important to make it as accessible and safe as possible.
While many would think that this calls for an expensive and complete redesign, often times simple changes can make a really big difference. Let’s take a look at some of the best bath aids for handicapped that can help you or your loved ones avoid dangerous situations and give you a greater peace of mind.
Grab Rails for Support
Grab rails are the simplest and least expensive bath aids for handicapped. But they’re also one of the most useful ones too. Installing these durable pieces made of stainless steel or high quality plastic in the key areas can significantly improve the bathroom’s functionality. Grab rails provide people with support and increased stability while getting in or out of the bathtub or shower, when using the toilet, or simply when being in the bathroom.
Usually, people with a handicap cannot bathe or shower independently while standing up, and this is when shower chairs are of great help. They are designed to firmly stand in place without any risk of slipping so that the person can comfortably sit in them while being washed. Using a shower chair is a lot more comfortable than having to sit on the floor of the shower or the tub.
Raised Toilet Seat
Toilet seats tend to be very low, which can make it difficult for a person in a wheelchair to use them. But a toilet seat raiser can make it much easier for the person to be transferred from the wheelchair onto the toilet. The seats usually offer an extra 5 – 15 centimetres of height and come with other features, such as a plastic lid to mask odours, and adjustable mounting brackets to fit different toilet sizes. Look for seats that are ergonomically designed and won’t cause much pressure if the person is under the risk of developing bedsores or has existing ones.
Washing Sink Adjustments
When it comes to essential hygiene tasks, like brushing the teeth and washing the face, it’s important that the sink is adjusted according to the height of the person in a wheelchair. This way it will be easier for them to perform these tasks independently. For greater convenience, consider installing automatic taps instead of ones that work on the grab or twist mechanism.
