Bathroom Aids

Bathroom Aids
Bathroom Aids

For people with mobility issues, the bathroom can be a dangerous place. According to the National Institute on Aging, 80% of falls occur in bathrooms, and falls are a leading cause of emergency room visits among seniors.

Making the bathroom as safe as possible can go a long way towards reducing the likelihood of accidents in the home, and there are many types of bathroom aids and safety equipment that can assist.



Grab Rails and Bars

Grab rails and grab bars are one of the most common accommodations for people with poor mobility. These are the metal bars that you find in the accessible stalls of public bathrooms. They are permanent and must be bolted to the bathroom walls.

Grab bars and rails can be installed next to the toilet, the tub, and even in the shower. They are capable of holding a person’s full weight. However, towel racks are not a substitute for grab bars and can cause accidents.

Suction grab bars may be a versatile alternative for those who need extra stability but do not require a grab bar to support their full weight. Suction grab bars, as the name implies, are secured to surfaces with suction cups. This allows them to adhere to virtually any smooth surface. In addition, suction grab bars do not require tools for installation and can be installed, moved, and removed as needed.



Toilet Seat Extenders

If getting on and off the toilet is difficult but you don’t want to or cannot install safety bars, a toilet seat extender may be an option. Toilet seat extenders, also called raised toilet seats, sit atop the regular toilet seat and add several inches to the height of the toilet. Some are equipped with arms, which add stability and can assist with rising after using the toilet. Toilet seat extenders are an inexpensive alternative to installing a handicapped toilet.



Toilet Frames

Safety frames are another alternative to grab bars and rails for assistance in sitting and standing while using the toilet. Safety frames are made of metal tubing, usually aluminum, with non-slip handgrips and surround the toilet to act as stand-alone grab bars.

Toilet safety frames come in a variety of styles and may be free-standing frames or may attach to the toilet for stability instead.


Commode Chairs

Commode chairs may also be an option, especially for people who have difficulty making it to the bathroom in time. Commode chairs, like toilet frames, consisting of a metal tubing frame with non-slip grips on the side rails. However, rather than sitting above the existing toilet, they hold a basin or bucket with an attached toilet seat and lid similar to a child’s potty chair. Commode chairs are lightweight and can be easily moved. Some models fold up for even easier transport.

While bathroom safety is essential, other bathroom medical aids such as self-wiping aids (which extend the user’s reach and make it easier to wipe) and urine splash guards can make using the bathroom a more positive experience. For all your bathroom aid needs, visit SimplyMedical today.

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