7 Essential Shower Assistive Devices for Safe Bathing

Bathing should be a relaxing experience, but for those with mobility issues, it can be fraught with danger. This article explores seven essential assistive devices designed to make showering a safer, more comfortable process for everyone.

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Non-Slip Shower Mats: A Must-Have

Non-slip shower mats are a fundamental component of shower safety. Made from rubber or textured vinyl, these mats adhere to the shower floor with suction cups, providing a secure footing that helps prevent falls.

They are especially crucial for those with balance or coordination issues. Available in various sizes and colors, non-slip mats can be chosen to fit the aesthetic of any bathroom while delivering essential safety benefits.

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Installing Grab Bars for Stability

As Ron Hazelton explains in the video –

1. Falls Statistics: Falls result in over 5 million injuries and nearly 6,000 deaths annually, with more than half occurring at home. Those aged 65 and older are particularly at risk.

2. Home Danger Zone: The bathroom is perceived as the most dangerous area at home by one in five adults, according to the Home Safety Council.

3. Low Grab Bar Adoption: Despite the perceived risk, only one in four families claim to have grab bars in their bathrooms.

4. Installation Challenge: Traditional grab bars needed to be attached to wall studs, posing a challenge as studs may not be in the desired location.

5. Moen’s Secure Mount System: Moen introduces a new mounting system called Secure Mount, allowing flexibility in grab bar placement without relying on wall studs.

6. Installation Process: The installation involves placing the bar, tracing the mounting brackets, creating small depressions for slip-proof drilling, and using a new oversized wall anchor called the Secure Mount system.

7. Toggle Mechanism: A toggle system is employed, involving a pull tab and toggle for secure attachment, ensuring stability.

8. Tile Wall Installation: For shower or tub enclosures with tile walls, the process involves using a carbide grit hole saw after creating small depressions with a center punch.

9. Weight Capacity: The grab bar can support up to 300 pounds due to the anchor system spreading the load over a large area on the wallboard’s backside.

10. Encouragement for Installation: The transcript encourages considering grab bar installation, especially for bathrooms lacking one, emphasizing the newfound ease of the process with Moen’s Secure Mount system.

Ron Hazelton

Grab bars are crucial for providing stability and support in the shower. They are typically made from durable materials like stainless steel and can be mounted to the wall at strategic points to assist with balance and movement.

Properly installed grab bars can bear significant weight and are critical for anyone who struggles with standing for extended periods or needs something to hold onto while entering or exiting the shower.

Shower Chairs: Sit and Bathe Safely

For many, standing while showering isn’t just challenging; it’s unsafe. Shower chairs offer a secure place to sit, reducing the risk of falls and allowing for a comfortable bathing experience.

These chairs come with a range of features like backrests, armrests, and adjustable legs to accommodate different needs and shower sizes. They’re particularly beneficial for those with severe mobility restrictions or those who tire easily.

Handheld Showerheads for Control

Handheld showerheads give users more control over their bathing experience, allowing them to direct water where it’s needed without having to move around too much.

This flexibility is excellent for seated showering or for caregivers who assist with bathing. Handheld showerheads can be mounted on a sliding bar for adjustable height, making them suitable for users of all statures.

Transfer Benches for Easy Access

Transfer benches are designed to assist individuals in moving into and out of the shower with ease. These benches have two legs inside the tub and two outside, allowing users to sit down and safely slide over into the bathing area.

This is ideal for those who have difficulty stepping over the tub edge and can drastically reduce the risk of slips and falls during this vulnerable transition.

Anti-Scald Devices for Protection

Scalding is a lesser-known but serious hazard in the shower. Anti-scald devices, such as thermostatic mixing valves, ensure that water temperature remains constant, even when water pressure fluctuates.

This protection is particularly important for those with reduced sensitivity to heat or those who may not be able to react quickly to sudden temperature changes.

Bath Steps: Secure Entry & Exit

Bath steps are another key assistive device, providing an intermediate step between the floor and the edge of the tub or shower. This reduces the height one has to lift their leg, making entry and exit safer and less strenuous.

Many bath steps come with non-slip surfaces and can be paired with a grab bar for additional support.

Portable Suction Assist Handles

Portable suction assist handles offer temporary support and can be easily repositioned as needed. These handles attach to flat, non-porous surfaces through suction cups, providing a secure grip that assists with balance and movement.

Although they are not as sturdy as permanently installed grab bars, they offer a flexible solution that can be used in multiple locations or taken along when traveling.

Shower Caddies for Convenience

Lastly, shower caddies help keep essential items within easy reach, reducing the need to twist or turn dangerously to access soaps, shampoos, or other bathing products.

By organizing these items securely in one accessible location, shower caddies help prevent overreaching and potential loss of balance, contributing to a safer shower environment.

Ensuring a secure and comfortable showering experience is achievable with the right assistive devices. By incorporating these seven essential tools into the bathroom, individuals can enjoy the benefits of bathing with confidence and independence.