Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Bathtub Safety Tips


Spending time in the bathroom, taking baths and relaxing can be a soothing experience. It can be good for your mind, body and soul, however practicing safety is a necessity as we get older. According ot the National Safety Council, each year there are hundreds of injuries in the bathroom due to slips and fall and over 400 people drown in bathtubs each year do to unsafe habits. With falling injuries on the rise with older adults it is important that we remember some important do's and dont' in the bathroom.

The Bathtub

Getting in and out of the bathtub tends to get harder as we age. With this in mind, if you already have some difficulty sitting, standing or getting in/out of the tub, the first thing that should be considered is a Bath tub Safety Rail

There are several styles available to chose from on the market today, so be sure to select the right grip for your needs. You can choose from plastic, chrome, knurled chrome and more. Knurled Chrome Bars seem to be a standout choice simply for durability and extra grip in wet surfaces. As Grab Bars come in a variety of styles, sizes and lengths, they provide an ideal support in the event you begin to fall or slip.


Even when you travel away from home, there is still a portable solution for you - Quick Suction Rail.

The beauty of this Quick Suction Rail is that it easily attaches to smooth surfaces such as tile, fiberglass and glass without drilling or permanently damaging surfaces. Simply position the rail where needed, push down on each end as you flip down the blue tabs to lock it in place. To remove and move to a new location, just lift the blue levers to break the suction and move. It can be installed at any angle. Great for travel, around the home, when renting or when visitors are over.


Another type of safety device you may consider to use is the Bathtub Safety Rail. It helps you to get in and out of the bathtub easier.

This AquaSense Multi-Adjustable Bathtub Safety Rail allows for both parallel and perpendicular orientation to the bathtub wall, and features four (4) different height settings. It provides a feeling of security, stability and comfort when entering or exiting the bathtub.


It comes with many different kinds of design and material for your needs. Here are a few other Bathtub Safety Rails.




NOTE - Towel Bars are NOT designed to support the full weight of adults and even kids.


Full length Transfer Poles are an ideal solution for the bathroom as well as the bedroom. These poles give full weight support in several areas. With the ability to grab at almost any length, how tall you are is not a worry.



Bathtub Seats and Chairs provide the perfect support for those who have a hard time keeping balance while standing in the shower. Also, they provide a relaxing environment in the bathtub to take a long relaxing shower or bathe without the worry of falling. When choosing the right shower chair or seat, look for stability, ease of use and drainage holes. Also, depending on what you may be looking for, bathtub seats with backrests provide additional support for extended showers.



Transfer Benches

Transfer Benches are ideal for getting from the bathroom into the bathtub and are a popular addition to those who use wheelchairs. Transfer Benches provide extra support and are often padded for extra comfort. They are also used for towel drying and changing after a shower or bath.


General Bathtub Safety Tips for Everyone

Slippery Floors in the bathroom are one of the number one causes of slips and falls while getting in and out of the bathtub! Be sure to always use a shower mat and a weighted shower curtain to avoid tub leaks on the bathroom floor.

Avoid Slippery Tubs! A slippery tub can be an accident waiting to happen even if you are using a bathtub chair or seat. Non-slip treads or a Non-Slip Bath Mat are ideal for eliminating slippery tubs.


Non-slip strips

Non-slip bath mat


Also, people who suffer from Type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy might get burned by the hot water because they have difficulty feeling the heat of the water from their extremities.

Bath Mat with Temperature Indicator has built-in temperature indicator with 9 temperature levels, indicate if bath water is too hot, within your comfort zone or too hot! And it accommodates specialized bath seating without compromising stability.

Take you time! Do not rush yourself or a loved one in the bathroom as this can help cause accidents. Plan for plenty of time which will add to a relaxed and comfortable experience in the shower. At the end of the day, a relaxing shower or bath is just what everyone needs. Make sure that you and loved ones practice safe habits in and around the bathtub.




Remember, life should be this comfortable!