Making your bathroom disabled-friendly

Bathrooms can be perilous places for people with disabilities, particularly those who have limited mobility or are blind or partially sighted.

From slippery tiles to extremely hot water, there are a number of hazards that need to be addressed in order to make your bathroom a safer place for disabled family members.

Of course, safety isn't the only consideration. There are also a number of modifications you can make to your bathroom to give those with disabilities greater independence.

Bath and shower seats are an ideal accessory for people who are unable to stand for long periods of time. They are easy to install and can fold up out of the way when not required.

Grab bars are another useful addition if you or a relative need a little help getting in and out of the bath or shower. They also provide extra security in case of slips and trips and can give people who may require assistance the confidence to shower alone.

If you want to go one step further, you can invest in a special disability shower. Mira and Triton both specialise in these types of appliances.

They typically come with enlarged buttons, contrasting colours and audible aids that are designed to make showering as user-friendly as possible.

Thermostatic technology is also a major feature in these showers, helping to maintain a consistent water temperature and prevent scalding.

Of course, you don't need a disability shower to benefit from thermostatic controls, as most modern shower valves are now thermostatic instead of manual.

Appropriate lighting is another big consideration, particularly for visually impaired people. Dark corners and areas where there are slipping or tripping hazards should be a major focus.

Even something as simple as a good quality bath or shower mat can go a long way towards preventing accidents in the bathroom and giving disabled family members the freedom to bathe, shower and take care of other personal hygiene tasks by themselves. 

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