Assistive Bathing
Southampton, Hampshire, Solent, UK

What Is Assistive Bathing & How Can It Help?

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Solent Bathrooms specialises in the installation of assistive bathing bathrooms. Designed to improve your quality of life and ease bathing, we have cost effective designs and solutions that will enhance your home.  You can view an information article below that details what assistive bathing is and how it can help. Alternatively, visit our home page for more information and details on how to receive a free no obligation quote.

Assistive Bathing - Article

What Is Assistive Bathrooms & How Can It Help?

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Assistive bathing involves bathrooms that have been modified with features to make them safer and easier to use for elderly or disabled individuals. These modifications can help them maintain their independence and reduce the risk of falls and injuries in the bathroom, which is a common area for accidents.

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Assistive bathrooms go beyond just grab bars and shower seats. Here's a deep dive into how they can significantly improve the lives of elderly individuals:

Increased Independence & Dignity:

• Fixtures At Accessible Heights: Sinks, faucets, and towel bars are positioned at heights that are easier to reach from a seated or standing position, reducing the need for assistance.

• Smarter Toilets: Toilets with bidet features or self-cleaning functions can improve hygiene and personal care without requiring excessive bending or maneuvering.

• Emergency Call Systems: Pull cords or button systems located strategically near the toilet, shower, or floor can connect directly to emergency services or caregivers, providing peace of mind and faster response in case of falls or emergencies.

Enhanced Safety & Fall Prevention:

• Non-Slip Flooring: Flooring with a textured or pebble-like surface minimizes the risk of slipping, especially when wet.

• Shower Controls: Easy-to-use, single-lever controls for temperature and water flow eliminate confusion and the risk of scalding.

• Hand-Held Shower Wands: These provide greater control and flexibility for showering while seated, making it easier to reach all body areas.

• Improved Lighting: Bright and strategically placed lighting helps reduce shadows and improves visibility, minimizing the risk of tripping or missing potential hazards.

• Door Options: Wider doorways allow for easier wheelchair access, and sliding doors eliminate the need to maneuver around swinging doors in a confined space.

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Comfort & User Friendliness:

• Showerheads With Adjustable Heights: These allow users to adjust the spray to a comfortable position, improving bathing ease.

• Built-in Shelves & Storage: Strategically placed shelves and organizers keep toiletries and bathing essentials within easy reach, reducing the need to bend or stretch.

• Shower Curtains With Magnets: Magnetic closures are easier to use than traditional shower curtain hooks, especially for those with limited hand strength or dexterity.

• Comfort-Height Toilets: These toilets with a higher seating position make sitting and standing easier, reducing strain on knees and hips.

• Heated Towel Racks: Warm towels add a touch of luxury and provide comfort, especially after showering in cooler temperatures.

Additional Considerations:

• Personal Needs Assessment: A professional assessment by an occupational therapist or healthcare provider can help determine the specific modifications needed to create an assistive bathroom that best suits the individual's needs and limitations.

• Aesthetics & Design: Assistive bathrooms don't have to look sterile or institutional. A variety of stylish grab bars, shower doors, and fixtures are available to create a bathroom that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

• Future-Proofing: Consider incorporating features that may be needed as the individual's needs change, such as wider doorways or reinforced walls for future grab bar installation.

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By incorporating these features, assistive bathrooms can significantly improve the quality of life for elderly individuals, allowing them to maintain their independence, safety, and dignity in the privacy of their own homes.