If you, or someone you know, is living with a disability or struggles with their mobility, then even the simplest daily task can become stressful and tiring.
Bathing is a particular area of concern and ensuring the user has facilities that will encourage them to try and live an independent life is vital.
Whether you install a full mobility bathroom from scratch, such as a wet room, or make modifications to an existing bathroom, there are many ways in which the works can help promote independent living.
Here are a few ways in which mobility bathrooms can help its users find a level of independence again.
Adding Grab Rails & Handles
If the primary user of the bathroom has a level of mobility but struggles with standing up by themselves or maybe has some vision problems, then bathrooms can be incredibly problematic.
Due to their nature, bathrooms can be dangerous and scary places for people who have mobility difficulties. They can be slippery for a start, while smaller bathrooms can also give users little space.
Another issue is with stability.
Adding handrails and grab bars to your mobility bathroom is a significant first step in making the user feel secure and encouraging them to use the bathroom independently.
Work with them to devise the best locations for them – this can be a very specific from one person to the next, depending on physical attributes and amount of mobility they have.
Once in position, they can be encouraged to bathe alone, knowing that handles and bars are in place to help lift themselves up and down, steady themselves if standing for a period of time and to offer balance when stepping in and out of showers or bath tubs.
Add A Folding Shower Seat
It can be hard for people who struggle to be on their feet for any period of time to take a shower. This is not just a personal hygiene problem, but it can also damage their self-esteem if they are not able to bathe regularly.
Once your handles and grab bars are in place, try adding a folding seat to the shower.
This allows the user to sit down while taking a shower, giving them confidence and security and allowing them to actually enjoy showering again.
What’s more, is that it can simply be folded away if other people are using the shower. It’s a small but vital piece of equipment when trying to give some independence back.
Walk-in Baths & Low-Level Shower Trays
Traditional bathrooms are generally not great for those who struggle with their mobility. Thankfully, there are affordable solutions which can really help making bathing so much easier.
Bath tubs now come in many different styles which promote independence through improved mobility. Some, for example, have a small door opening to allow the user to walk in with minimal step up required.
Similarly, low-level shower trays can also be installed.
Both of these solutions can work great for people who struggle with mobility, be it through a disability or perhaps old age.
If you want to talk about what mobility bathroom options may suit your home and circumstances, contact our team today who will be happy to talk through some options and even set-up a home visit.