Introduction
As we age, something as simple as climbing into the bathtub can start to make us nervous. This is why most seniors prefer to have a walk-in shower in their bathrooms instead. With its simple design and ease of accessibility, it helps senior citizens take showers without fear of injuries or slips. If you’re wondering how safe a walk-in shower is for an aging loved one, this blog highlights features like low curbs and shower seats to help you make your decision.
The Role Of A Walk-In Shower: Slip-Proof & Stress-Free Hygiene For Your Golden Years
According to research, about 80% of falls for senior citizens happen while they’re in the bathroom. As such, getting a walk-in shower instead of a bathtub seems like a prudent decision. Whether you’re shopping around for your dream home or considering giving your bathroom a makeover, here are a few reasons to prefer a walk-in shower over a bathtub.
Read along as we explain all the safety features that a walk-in shower has to offer.
- A Trip-Free Access
One of the biggest issues that seniors have is getting in and out of the tub. Stepping over those tall edges can be dangerous, often leading to trips and injuries. Instead, a walk-in shower has a small or non-existent curb, making shower time a relaxing experience, instead of a tripping hazard.
- Slip Relief
Those bathtubs are so easy to slip in, even for a perfectly healthy young individual. Walk-in showers eliminate that hazard by having textured tiles or even rubber mats in place, making it easy to stand and move even on a soapy floor.
- Safe Enclosures
Another thing that a walk-in shower offers is a safe surround. Since losing balance is a real possibility, seniors can find the glass enclosures a bit intimidating. A walk-in shower with a plastic wall or a shower curtain eliminates the risk of further injury if a loved one loses their balance while showering.
- Grab Bars
Speaking of losing balance, walk-in showers can have grab bars so that never happens. Just have a professional install a grab bar at the right height so that whenever your senior loved one takes a shower, they can hold on for balance and comfort.
- Shower Seats
If that’s still not enough, how about a seat instead? They are an excellent idea for elderly citizens who struggle to stand for long periods of time. Simply sitting down while they use the shower can eliminate any risks of injury.
- Detachable Showerheads
It can be hard to get your entire body wet when moving is a bit of a challenge. These detachable showerheads are the perfect solution! Simply sitting down on the shower seats, your elderly loved ones can easily clean their hair and body without fear of slipping with excessive movements.
- Temperature Regulation
When setting up a shower, make sure that it has a thermostatic mixer. These can be lifesavers that prevent sudden frigid water or scalding downpours that can startle, injure, or burn your loved ones.
- Outward Swinging Doors
Getting to someone when they fall in the shower can be a huge challenge if the door opens inward. A walk-in shower with a door that swings outward makes it convenient to offer help to a loved one in trouble.
- Wheelchair Accessibility
If you’ve got a loved one who needs a wheelchair to get around, a walk-in shower is the perfect choice. It can be as spacious as they need, and the seat inside can make getting in and enjoying the shower so much more convenient.
- Easy Visibility
Sometimes it can be hard for aging seniors to see in the shower, leading to overreaching, nervous movements, and tripping instances. By having a bright light installed at a strategic location, your loved ones won’t have trouble seeing, thus eliminating the chances of injuries.
- Accessible Storage
Trying to grab the soap or shampoo if you’re sitting down can easily lead to muscle cramps due to overreaching. Thoughtfully placed niches make it so that people in their golden years can conveniently grab what they need without stretching or attempting to stand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a shower is definitely safer for the elderly than a traditional bathtub. It doesn’t have a threshold, eliminating tripping hazards; a shower seat makes the shower relaxing and fall-free; and the textured floor plays its part in reducing the chances of slips. We hope this blog gave you a new appreciation for a walk-in shower. For more suggestions regarding bathroom safety, please feel free to ask.
FAQs
What is the best material for a slip-resistant shower floor?
A few good slip-resistant tile options for your shower floor include textured porcelain, textured ceramic, and mosaic.
What are the best colors for walk-in showers for seniors?
For a calming effect, go for light neutrals. For visibility concerns, contrast the shower with the rest of the bathroom.
What is the best material for shower seats?
Aluminum, stainless and high-quality plastic are solid choices for shower seats.
