From slippery floor surfaces to standing water, bathrooms can be dangerous places. This is especially so if you have young children or elderly family members living in your home. To make your bathroom a safer place, consider making changes in the following three ways:
Make your flooring slip-resistant
Slipping presents a persistent danger in bathrooms where water splashes on the floor from bathtubs, showers and sinks. Use non-skid bath rugs to prevent falls when coming out of the shower and consider installing smaller, slip-resistant floor tiles rather than slick, glossy tile. Make sure to wipe up excess water from the floors in your bathroom once you’re done taking a shower or bath.
As well as your bathtub or shower
Showers and bathtubs can also be a slipping hazard. While you can’t prevent water from getting under your feet, you can install a few features to give you extra support. You can install grab bars in the shower and next to the bathtub to help people get in and out safely or add a shower bench where users can sit or balance their legs while shaving. Shower doors should always be made of durable, shatterproof glass.
When installing a new tub, consider using a platform design rather than a traditional step-over design. This allows you to enter the tub safely by sitting on the platform and swinging your legs over rather than climbing over the edge.
Use raised toilet seats or safety rails
Most toilets are just 14 to 16 inches high, which can cause discomfort and difficulty for people with arthritis, back, hip or knee problems. A raised toilet seat or toilet safety rail that sits on the sides of the seat can provide extra support for people with mobility issues. Just a few extra inches can make a big difference,
Ready to update your bathroom to make it safer and more comfortable for the whole family? Contact us at Ivy Lea Construction for all of your bathroom remodeling needs today.
