Hard falls that can result in serious injuries are more common in bathrooms than you might think, especially for those with mobility concerns. In 2008, the CDC found there were 234,094 reports of nonfatal bathroom injuries for persons of the age of 15 in the U.S. But, what if these injuries could be avoided? Introducing 5 of our most popular products that can prevent hard falls thereby reducing the risk of injury and associated medical fees.
Grab Bar
Since the CDC also found most accidents occur around the tub or shower, it is important to make sure your tub or shower is easy to enter and exit. Grab bars help people step into a shower or climb into a tub with more comfort and sturdy support. These top-recommended bath safety products come in the following styles:
- Bath Tub Bar - This style of grab bar sits over the side of the tub and uses lip-grip non-mar rubber pads to hold firm against the tub. Then, an adjustable clamp locks into position with a stainless steel locking mechanism.
- Mounted Wall Grab Bar - Avoid suction cup mishaps with a mounted wall grab bar. Unlike temporary grab bars, these safety devices are affixed to the wall, come in varying lengths, and are made from heavy-duty welded steel construction with a chrome-plated textured handle for a more secure hand grip. Sizes range from 12-inches up to 32-inches in length and your color options include a white or chrome-plated finish.
Rubber Shower or Bath Mat
One place suction cups can be helpful is underneath a mildew-resistant rubber shower or bath mat. This way, your mat stays in place and the cushioned yet textured surface provides steadier footing over hard or wet surfaces, such as the shower or tub. With or without suction cups, a rubber mat is going to offer the added grip feet need to stay more balanced while standing or climbing into or out of the shower or tub. To prevent a build-up of mildew, simply pull up the mat and hang it over the grab bar or shower rod to drip dry while not in use.
Bath Bench/Transfer Seats
A handy way to stay balanced and steady from a seated position is to utilize a bath bench or transfer seat. Bath benches can come with or without arms and/or a backrest. They can also come in a foldable style for easier storage and transport.
Transfer seats or benches are similar to bath benches in that you remain seated during your bath or shower. However, there is an additional extension that sits over the tub railing or reaches outside of most standard showers to enable the individual to sit, slide, or scoot into the shower or tub without having to step over the side railing or shower lip. Both bath benches and transfer benches come in standard and bariatric models.
Extended Shower Head
Often considered a must-have for every household, an extended shower head is a favorite for parents with young children, individuals with mobility or balance concerns, and those who enjoy the flexibility afforded by the extended hose when cleaning the tub or shower after use. Plus, with up to 80 inches of nylon reinforced hose, our water spray shower set can be mounted on the wall at the appropriate height for someone using a bath bench. This means the showerhead can be within easy reach for individuals who are standing or sitting making bathing a much safer process.
Raised Toilet Seats & Safety Frame
Unfortunately, the bath and shower area is not the only cause of concern in a bathroom for those with mobility issues. The toilet can also be hazardous if one loses his or her balance. Moreover, it can be difficult to sit down and stand back up for some individuals. For these reasons, a raised toilet seat may be used to allow closer access to the toilet without having to bend as far. Raised toilet seats come with and without arms, depending on your preference.
A toilet safety frame is used for those with balance concerns who wish to remain supported. The frame can be equally useful for those who prefer a sturdy grab bar nearby to assist with standing up and sitting down.
Where to Buy Bath Safety Items
At Best Medical Solutions, we carry top-quality products at affordable prices that you can trust to reduce your risk of hard falls. Such falls could result in serious injuries, not to mention expensive medical treatment. By installing the above items in your bathroom, you are taking proactive measures the whole family will appreciate. Browse our selection online and contact us with any questions. We’re here to help.