5 Indicators You (or a Loved One) Needs Your Bathroom Adapted

EJ Panerio • April 28, 2022

Whether you are ageing gracefully or suffering a long term condition that affects mobility, having your bathroom adapted can bring back independence and enjoyment when it comes to personal care and hygiene. People often put off making the call as it feels like a bit of a failure to admit you need help, but actually, this could not be further from the truth. Adding functionality to make the room safer is always a good thing, so here are some indicators that mean it is time to adapt.

1) Difficulty Getting In/Out of the Bath

There are many ways to adapt to this situation but avoiding the issue is not the sensible option. Water tends to create a slippery environment, and people have been seriously hurt slipping and falling when negotiating the bath. It could also mean you are stuck in cold water waiting for someone to find you, which is not a good situation to find yourself in. 

2) The Toilet is Too Low

Another common problem is that sitting down on the toilet becomes something of a mission impossible. Adding a booster seat is a temporary solution, but these can slip or displace, leaving you open to falling, so a more permanent adaptation is advisable. Toilets can be higher, and rails or frames can make it easier to push yourself up safely. 

3) Floor/Existing Shower Tray Dangerously Slippery When Wet

The materials used in most bathrooms are not designed to offer a good grip. We also tend to use Lino or tiles in bathrooms, and again, there is not much purchase, and they get very slippy when water is spilt. Making sure that you have a good grip on the floor and in the shower is vital, and there are many different ways to achieve this. 

4) The Need for Grab Rails to Steady Yourself

Grab rails are so helpful and not intrusive. They can be inside a shower or bath, on the walls by the door or near the toilet and sink. Many falls can be avoided if there is something to steady yourself with close by. It can be dangerous to grab an item that is not secured, as this won’t stop you from falling and potentially cause more injuries. 

5) Accidentally Scalding Yourself from Old/Unstable Temperature Controls

Scalds can be incredibly painful injuries, and as we age, the skin takes longer to heal. It is often the case that older bathroom installations come complete with unstable water temperature controls, and this is dangerous. New fixtures can have digital controls that mean the water will always be at the perfect temperature and remove the risk of accidents. 

If you can recognise any of these issues as a problem for you or someone you love, then it is time to take action. Adapting a bathroom is one of the most practical ways to stay safe and avoid injury, meaning you can enjoy the space again with confidence. 

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