The bathroom is one of the most dangerous areas in your home. Bathroom accidents can happen to any member of the family, and some of these accidents can cause serious injuries and even death.
If you have an elderly family member or a young child in your house, you know that the bathroom can be a dangerous place. That’s why it’s important to install safety features that will help prevent accidents and make your bathroom as safe as possible.
Consider doing simple modifications in your bathroom and bathroom remodeling to enhance bathroom safety, especially if you live with children and the elderly at home. Your family’s welfare and safety should always come first!
Why is Bathroom Safety Necessary?
Bathroom accidents can happen to anyone and are common to people living with disabilities, limited mobility, and the elderly. Some people take bathroom safety more seriously because of accidents that may have happened in the past.
A CDC (Center for Disease Control) report shows that bathroom accidents account for thousands of ER trips every year. In 2008 alone, there are 234,000 recorded non-fatal bathroom-related accidents in the US for people 15 years old and above. That would average about 640 bathroom accidents every day!
Bathroom safety is especially important for the elderly since they are more likely to lose balance and control inside the bathroom. The elderly and disabled may need assistance while using the toilet or when showering. They will also need help getting in and out of the tub because of their limited movement and flexibility. Moreover, it can be very difficult for them if there are no grab bars installed near the tub when standing up, so this should be included as well if you are planning a bathroom remodel.
Safety Features to Make Your Bathroom Safe and Comfortable
Accidents happen all the time in bathrooms—in some cases because people are distracted or not paying attention while they perform their daily routines.
Most bathroom accidents happen because the bathroom lacks important safety features that have been overlooked during the home construction.
The good thing is that you can still modify the bathroom to make it safer, and it won’t even cost you a lot of money. Through bathroom remodeling, you will be able to improve bathroom safety to prevent future accidents from happening. Bathroom safety is a serious concern especially if you are living with children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
Elderly people who live alone in their homes need bathroom remodeling that’s specially modified to suit their needs, comfort, and safety requirements. For many seniors, having a comfortable bathroom means being able to take care of personal hygiene without worrying about falling or having difficulty reaching items on high shelves.
When planning bathroom remodeling for seniors, it’s also important to make sure they will able to reach everything they need without having to exert too much effort. Basic bathroom items such as taps, sinks, and mirrors should also be modified to make them more accessible. These are key areas of focus that you should consider when doing your bathroom remodeling!
Here are some changes that you can suggest to your contractor for your bathroom remodeling project:
1- Install non-slip bath mats.
Bath mats are one of the simplest ways to prevent slips and falls. They’re easy to install, inexpensive, and can be used in other areas of your home as well. Ask your contractor for durable bath mats that last for years so you don’t have to change often. The ones with suction cups at the back are the best because it holds more firmly to the bathroom floor and prevents the mat from moving.
Depending on the size of your bathroom, you can also get custom-made non-slip mats. Talk to your contractor about it when planning your bathroom remodeling!
2- Install a shower caddy to keep everything within reach.
A stylish and functional shower caddy is an absolute must-have in every bathroom! The area around the shower is usually slippery because it gets wet most of the time. Your bathroom remodeling should include the installation of a caddy to keep everything within reach when you’re taking a bath. You can also install a caddy near your bathtub and toilet!
Get a durable and rustproof caddy ideally those made of high-quality stainless steel. These types of caddies last longer. When planning your bathroom remodeling, mention to your contractor the style and design you want the caddy to be. Also mention specifications such as how high you want it installed, where you want it installed, etc.
3- Install tub or toilet wall grips for support when standing up.
Bathroom grips are important safety features especially if you have an elderly or disabled person at home. When doing bathroom remodeling, make sure that you install grips on the wall near the bathtub and the toilet.
The inside of the bathtub can be very slippery when it’s wet with soap and water. Installing wall grips prevents bathtub slipping accidents because you have a firm handle to grip to support yourself standing up.
The grips are typically made of plastic or rubber and can be installed on either wall near the tub or toilet seat. If you want a long-lasting grip, choose stainless steel-made ones. Discuss with your contractor where you want the grips installed along with special instructions on height and measurement.
What’s nice about getting your bathroom remodeling done by a professional is that they will be able to incorporate bathroom modifications that improve bathroom safety without compromising the design. So, you get a bathroom that’s stylish and functional!
4- Use textured tiles to prevent slipping.
Modern bathrooms play with textured tiles not only for design but to improve bathroom safety too. Smooth tiles can be very slippery when wet, that’s why they are more prone to accidents compared to textured ones.
Use textured tiles when doing bathroom remodeling. Textured tiles provide more grip to your feet and they are less likely to cause slipping accidents in the bathroom. Changing your tiles can be a lot of work, but it’s a worthy investment when your family’s safety is at stake.
Work With Bathroom Remodeling Experts
Bathroom safety is an important factor to consider when remodeling your bathroom. People with disabilities and the elderly are most prone to bathroom accidents and should seriously consider remodeling their bathrooms to create a safer and more convenient space for themselves, especially if they are living alone.
Consult with us on how we can improve safety in your bathroom. 215Mercury will plan your bathroom remodeling that suits your needs and specifications while taking into consideration your budget and style. For hassle-free bathroom remodeling, work only with licensed and insured professionals. Give us a call at (215) 637-2879 to get a free estimate. Let us remodel a safe bathroom for you and your family!
