Features To Consider While Building Safe Bathtub

The need to enhance bathroom safety isn’t isolated to accommodating the elderly and people with disabilities. After all, just about everyone has slipped in the bathroom at some point. The experience is never pleasant. While there’s no way to eliminate every risk, there are ways to transform this most dangerous room in a home into a much safer place by following a few simple steps.

If it’s time to make your bathroom safer, this guide will help you get started:

·         Tackle the biggest issue first – It doesn’t matter whether this room has a traditional tub/shower combination or a standalone shower stall, the bathing area is hands down the most dangerous part of the room. Walk-in tub/shower combinations can remove many of the hazards associated with bathing. With a swinging door, instead of a 20-inch step over side, these tubs immediately enhance safety. Should luxury features be desired, whirlpool jets, aromatherapy and other upgrades can give the bathroom a spa-quality feel. Barrier-free shower stalls that trap moisture and steam inside the stall also make exceptional choices if a full bath is not desired. Manufacturers make models in both designs that can be selected to easily retrofit any bathroom. Just be sure to work with a professional installer for the best results.

·         Get rid of sharp edges – If a full bathroom remodel is being planned, make sure to consider other fixtures in the room. Counters, for example, should have rounded edges to lessen injury impact if a slip does occur. Toilets should be set at a height that is comfortable for users.

·         Take care with throw rugs – Make sure bathmats have proper backing to enable them to stay firmly in place even in wet, slippery conditions. Also make certain they are large enough to ensure there is no need to step on tile or other flooring with wet, slipper feet.

Creating a safer bathroom environment is an advantage in any home. If the plan is to address the biggest potential hazards, start with the bathing area itself. Walk-in tubs and barrier-free shower stalls offer safety advantages built right into their designs that can benefit users of all ages and mobility levels.