Bathrooms unfortunately carry an alarming level of risk for older adults. Statistics reveal that a significant number of home falls and injuries occur within the confines of the bathroom, almost 80 percent of them. This makes it crucial to ensure that everything in an older adult’s bathroom is designed to be as safe as possible. While older adults face some danger in conventional bathrooms, walk-in showers are one of the leading ways to keep them safe. These transformative products promote safety, independence, and peace of mind for anyone struggling with mobility issues.
Find out how a step-in shower can keep you or your loved one safer and more independent in their home.
The Hazards of Conventional Bathrooms
The bathroom, with its slippery surfaces and hard fixtures, poses a substantial threat to older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 235,000 people visit emergency rooms each year due to injuries sustained in the bathroom. A significant portion of these incidents involve slips, trips, and falls, leading to fractures, sprains, and other injuries.
Walk-In Showers: The Safer Solution
There’s a need for reformed safety in the homes of older adults, and walk-in showers have emerged as a game-changer for bathroom design. These installations have features that are undeniably safer for older adults, allowing them to maintain their independence without compromising their well-being.
Some of the safety features naturally built into step-in showers include:
Low Profile Entry Threshold
Traditional shower and bathtub designs often have high thresholds, making them difficult to step into and posing a significant challenge for older adults with mobility issues. Walk-in showers, on the other hand, boast a low-profile entry threshold, eliminating the need to navigate a hazardous step. This seamless transition promotes ease of entry and exit, reducing the risk of trips and falls.
Customizable Bases with Non-Slip Floor
Walk-in showers offer customizable bases with non-slip flooring options, addressing one of the primary causes of bathroom accidents. These anti-slip surfaces provide secure footing, minimizing the risk of slipping, even when the floor is wet. Non-slip features enhance overall stability, creating a safer and more comfortable bathing environment for older adults.
Ergonomic Grab Bars
Strategically placed grab bars within the walk-in shower area serve as sturdy support for older adults. These ergonomic features offer assistance during entry, exit, and maneuvering within the shower space. With properly installed grab bars, individuals can confidently navigate the shower area, reducing the likelihood of falls. They are comfortable and easy to use, requiring little strength when maneuvering. Their ergonomic design allows them to be grabbed without putting too much stress on the wrists, elbows, arms, or shoulders.
Comfortable ADA-Compliant Seating
For those who may experience fatigue or require additional support during bathing, walk-in showers often include comfortable ADA-compliant seating. This feature allows older adults to bathe while seated, promoting a relaxed and secure environment that promotes longer showers. The inclusion of seating adds an extra layer of convenience and safety to the shower routine while allowing people to experience the soothing benefits of a long and warm shower.
Extendable Shower Heads
To further enhance accessibility, walk-in showers are equipped with extendable shower heads. These adjustable fixtures accommodate various heights and mobility levels, allowing individuals to easily clean hard to reach areas without compromising their safety. The flexibility of extendable shower heads ensures that everyone can reach and control the water flow comfortably, no matter their body type or age.
