Make Your Bathroom Safe for Mobility Challenged Family Members

Your bathroom can pose a serious hazard for anyone with mobility issues. The surfaces are hard and often wet which increases the danger of slips and falls. Grab bars can make your bathroom a whole lot safer. You should install a minimum of two in the bath/shower area: one on the side wall and one on the end wall. Look for grab bars with adjustable flanges to allow for vertical, horizontal, or diagonal mounting as needed. L-shaped grab bars are also available. A knurled finish or textured hand grips will make for easier grasping.

Non-slip stickers will provide a sure footing in your slippery bathtub. You should also consider adding a shower chair or shower stool if prolonged standing is difficult. A handheld showerhead is essential in this situation to allow for proper washing. For bathing, bathtub grips or a bathtub safety rail will make entering, exiting and maneuvering in the tub much easier. Rising from a seated position can also be a challenge. A raised toilet seat or toilet seat riser will make this much easier, especially if a grab bar is within reaching distance.