Bathrooms are essential rooms in many homes. However, sometimes bathroom needs require bathroom aids for the disabled.
It is essential to find bathroom aids to help you get through your bathroom routine while maintaining a high quality of life and safety. For example, bath rails and bathroom safety equipment such as chairs and benches can make bathroom use much more uncomplicated.
If you or someone you know is looking for bathroom aids, such as bathroom equipment for disabled adults and the elderly, here are some tools that you may want to consider.
Useful Tools Those Who Need Help in the Bathroom
Bathroom aids for the disabled are essential devices available on the market today. They provide much-needed support and independence to those who have difficulty moving around or getting in and out of bathrooms.
The bathroom is a room with many needs, both for the disabled and the non-disabled.
These devices may seem like something that only older adults would use. But, there are also bathroom aids that can help younger individuals who struggle with disabilities. Using bathroom aids is life-changing for many people, empowering them to live their daily lives more independently.
Some aids make it easier to take care of tasks like brushing teeth, applying makeup, and shaving.
For example, someone whose arms are disabled will need a different bathroom aid than someone who has paraplegia or has poor balance. There are also aids for those who cannot grasp well with their hands due to paralysis or other nerve damage.
Bathroom aids help make things easier for disabled individuals by making it possible to accomplish bathroom tasks that they otherwise would find almost impossible.
Design Tips for a Handicap Bathroom for the Disabled
People in wheelchairs often find it difficult to enjoy some comforts others will not, but this does not have to be so. You can do many things to make life easier for disabled people and help them become more independent.
One of the most important things to consider in a bathroom is making it wheelchair accessible. Although there are many special needs bathrooms available, you may find that you will need to create your own.
- Ensure that your bathroom is at least 4ft wide and 6ft long. This size should be enough space to accommodate a wheelchair.
- There should be no door threshold of more than ¾ inch high.
- The bathroom floor should be non-slip.
- Position a grab rail between the toilet and the bath/shower.
- The toilet should be accessible for both you and your disabled family members to get on and off. You can also buy special seats that fit the standard toilet bowl, making life easier for everyone.
- Ensure that all items are within easy reach, either in the bathroom or elsewhere in the house.
- You may need to install extra electrical sockets or buy special fittings, so your disabled family members have somewhere to plug their appliances.
Installing Grab Bars for Safety
A grab bar provides several options for people trying to keep their balance. You can use them as sturdy handrails, support bars for entering or exiting the tub, or pull yourself up while seated on a shower chair.
Some styles are adjustable so that you can place them anywhere around your bathroom.
You may need to install handrails or at least use adhesive tape on the edge of the bath/shower/sink to make sure you (and your disabled family members) don’t slip.
A grab bar is critical if you or your loved one is suffering from reduced mobility yourself.
Bathing and Showering Bathroom Aids for the Disabled
There are also bathing aids for the disabled that assist a person during bathing or showering. These kinds of devices provide support for someone who has difficulty sitting up on their own or for someone with reduced mobility who may need help getting into the tub.
Bathtub
For those who require handicap aids to bathe, several products can help them enjoy soaking to the fullest.
One such product is a tub transfer bench, which allows a person seated in a wheelchair or on a regular toilet to transfer into a tub with walls high enough to prevent falls.
Some sliding transfer benches have safety rails built-in, allowing you to get in and out of the bathtub or shower without having to worry about falling or slipping. These products are perfect for a senior who wants a simple, hassle-free way to increase safety and independence in the bathroom.
A walk-in tub conveniently allows seniors and people with limited mobility to take a bath. In addition, using a walk-in is an excellent way for seniors who want to continue taking baths but have difficulty stepping over the side of their traditional tubs.
Another handicap aid is the long-handled sponge, which is helpful for those who have limited mobility in their arms.
Another handicap aid that can help increase independence in the bathroom is a button-operated handheld showerhead.
A shower chair with back support is also available for those who cannot stand at all.
Shower Seat
Shower chairs are convenient ways to improve shower safety for people who have trouble getting in and out of the bathtub. These products come in a variety of different styles and colors.
They typically have non-skid rubber tips for extra grip, and some models can attach to your shower floor or wall by suction cups or other means.
A shower seat is a helpful bathroom tool for taking a shower. A shower chair with back support and handrails is also available.
Shower Head
Many people find that limited hand strength makes it difficult to grip and squeeze a traditional showerhead. Luckily, there are several different types of water-powered assistive showers that you can purchase instead. These products typically have large handles that allow you to easily control the water pressure and temperature while sitting on your bathroom chair or inside your bathtub.
A button-operated handheld showerhead allows the user to adjust the water pressure and temperature without assistance.
Another handicap aid that can help increase independence in the bathroom is a button-operated handheld showerhead.
Toilet Bathroom Aids for the Disabled
An elevated toilet seat with handles is another excellent addition to an aging bathroom.
These products can be easily installed on most standard toilets and are adjustable for different heights.
A toilet safety frame has arm supports that provide extra stability when standing or sitting on the toilet.
Easy to install and clean.
Some people have difficulty keeping proper hygiene when limited mobility in their arms and hands.
Fortunately, there are several options for ensuring that you can clean yourself without any discomfort or inconvenience.
For example, a long-handled Reacher is a simple tool that allows you to keep your balance while reaching difficult spots, such as behind or beneath the toilet.
Applying Makeup and Brushing Teeth
There are also bathroom aids for the disabled that make it easier to apply makeup, brush teeth, and shave.
There are also devices with an area in front of them to store makeup, toothpaste, and other toiletries. These devices are perfect for those who have a hard time getting around, as they make life a lot easier with less hassle.
Several kinds of bathroom aids for the disabled also make it easier to use regular makeup and brush teeth, even if you can’t hold a traditional toothbrush.
Many of these bathroom aids are beneficial for more than just the disabled.
Bathroom Aids for Dressing
Several different devices make it a lot easier to get dressed when you have a disability.
One device is a dressing stick, like a cane with a hook attachment on one end instead of a pointed tip.
There are also long-handled shoehorns and waxing strips that help remove shoes, socks, and leg hair a lot easier.
Handicap Bathroom Accessories
Handicap bathroom accessories are a great way to decorate your handicapped bathroom. Handicap bathrooms come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so it can be challenging to find the perfect charm for your unique space, but we have some awesome accessories below that will add a little magic to any room!
Hardware Accessories
It comes with a toilet paper holder, towel bar, and robe hook. The beautiful chrome finish will add a touch of luxury to any bathroom.
This handicap shower caddy is perfect for storing all of your essentials while you bathe. It has three shelves and four hooks, so there’s plenty of room to keep everything you need.
Door Handles and Vanity Hardware
Reverse handles increase the safety and independence of people whose grip is not as firm as it used to be.
These smaller handgrips allow you to securely grab on with your whole hand rather than just one or two fingers, giving more stability and balance.
Use Luxurious Towels for Comfort
Luxurious towels can add a touch of elegance, and they also function as the perfect way to dry off when you get out of the shower.
Towels are a way to add an extra touch of luxury to any bathroom. They come in all shapes and sizes, from small hand towels to large bath sheets.
Technology Devices for Your Bathroom
Today, more than ever before, there is a greater awareness of the needs of people with disabilities.
Alexa is perfect for the disabled because it has voice commands. However, it is essential to remember that many of these devices are not designed for people with speech disabilities but work well if they can speak clearly.
Use Alexa’s voice-activated device to play music, ask for news and weather and manage to-do and shopping lists.
Alexa is also great for reminders, calculations, alarms, and more.
Medical Alert Device
We all know that the bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms of a home for seniors and people with disabilities. It can be very challenging to get in and out of the tub safely, especially when you’re juggling your dignity along with your balance and coordination.
Fortunately, there are many ways to make life more comfortable by adding simple safety features to the bathroom.
Ensure you have an emergency cord or medical alert device in the bathroom if anyone falls.
Made for Traveling Bathroom Aids for the Disabled
Bathroom aids for the disabled are not only available to help people in their homes. Many companies offer special bathroom aids that make it easier for people who travel, too. These simple devices can be carried in a suitcase or even an overnight bag, making them much easier to have when you need them at a moment’s notice.
How can I help a disabled person shower?
There are a few ways that you can help a disabled person shower. One way is to help them get wet and soapy and then rinse them off. You can also help them dry off afterward.
It is essential to be gentle and patient when helping someone shower, as they may need more time than someone who is not disabled. If the disabled person cannot stand, you can help them sit in the shower or bathtub.
If the disabled person can stand, you can help them by providing a stable surface to hold onto, such as a railing or wall. You can also help them by handing them soap and other items they may need.
It is essential to be aware of the person’s abilities and limitations and never force them to do anything uncomfortable. Instead, be sure to ask the person how you can best help them and respect their wishes.
Final Tips for Bathroom Aids for the Disabled
Keep everything sparkling clean! Cleaning will help prevent infections and make life easier for impaired vision.
Conclusion: Bathroom Aids for the Disabled
While bathroom aids for the disabled may seem unnecessary to some people, they make a huge difference in a senior’s quality of life.
When buying these products, it is best to choose those meant for seniors with limited mobility because they will be easier to use and more helpful overall.
When choosing a product, it is essential to keep safety and comfort in mind.
For example, if you have trouble gripping traditional showerheads, then buying an adjustable grab bar would be more beneficial than just selecting a regular rod that can’t offer any support at all. So the next time you’re shopping for bathroom aids for the disabled, keep these tips in mind to ensure that you are purchasing the best possible product.