Category bath and shower chairs

No matter how safe we try to be, the truth is that each and every one of us is subject to broken bones. While casts and crutches will be administered by the hospital, there are some medical supplies that would be helpful to have at home. If you have young kids, or know someone who is getting older and their bones growing more brittle, these are some of the medical aids you should keep at home incase anything should happen.

• Ambulatory Equipment: If you cannot walk or have difficulty getting around, having a wheelchair at home will be very helpful. There are now several types, including ultra-light ones that make it easier for you to move about. Geriatric chairs or recliners make life a lot easier for the aged...

Things can change in the blink of an eye. Wheelchairs should be viewed as a means of allowing someone who’s unable to walk to live a life of normalcy and mobility. There may come a time when we find ourselves or our family members will be need to use a wheelchair. Whether this is a temporary adjustment or a permanent life change, inevitably there will need to be some changes made to accommodate.

These changes should start in the home. If you’re unsure about how to begin, here are 5 major ways to make your home wheelchair accessible.

• Entryways: Start with entryways and primary access points of the home. Do you have batches of 2-3 steps to get in the front door, back door, or the garage entry? If so, convert these into gradual ramps...

The bathroom may be the place to pamper yourself with a bubble bath or hot shower, but it’s actually among the most dangerous rooms in the house. Slippery floors, scalding water and hard surfaces make the bathroom especially dangerous for seniors who have lost some mobility. If you have an elderly loved one who has decided to keep living at home as they age, follow these bathroom safety tips for seniors to keep the room a relaxing oasis instead of a danger zone.

Source: iStock.com/Margaret_Sherman

Install Anti-Scald Devices

Nerve damage, medications or certain medical conditions may make it difficult for seniors to tell if the water is too hot. This can result in scalding burns at the faucet and in the tub...

If your movement is restricted, a traditional bathtub could be problematic. The need to step over the side onto a slippery surface could be hazardous enough that you can’t bathe without assistance. A handicap-accessible tub is the solution. If you’re not sure how to choose a handicapped bathtub, use this guide to help you.

Modified Standard Tub

Source: iStock.com/BenDC

You can have your existing tub modified to make it more accessible by hiring a plumber to cut out a large U-shaped notch in the side of the tub, leaving only a small threshold to step over. The modification can also include adding a water-tight door for bathing as well as showering. This option is less expensive than buying a new handicapped tub, but if you want any other safety features – grab bars, benches, non-slip ...

You can maintain your independence with the help of bathtub benches, lifts and chairs, which can help get you in and out of the bathtub with ease. Designers have devised several versions of each bathroom aid to cater to different situations, so be sure to weigh the general pros and cons of each to help you choose the right option.

The bathroom can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the home. Wet surfaces make slipping more common and a lack of cushioned materials increase the harm caused by a fall. A bathtub transfer bench is a useful tool for increasing bathroom safety. It provides a seat for getting in and out of the bath, which is much safer than stepping over the tub wall.

Formerly simple activities like bathing and showering can become challenging after surgical procedures. When bathing after surgery, your incisions typically must stay dry for a while, so be sure to shower after surgery only when your doctor tells you it’s okay. Follow doctor’s instructions carefully, no matter what you read here or anywhere online. General post-surgery bathing or showering tips include:

• Opt for sponge baths until you’re able to shower safely.
• Unless your physician instructs you otherwise, remove wound dressings or bandages before taking your shower. However, certain waterproof bandages can be left on while showering.
• If you have paper strips on top of your surgical incisions, they should start peeling off during showers...

Seniors tend to have the most at-home accidents in the bathroom. If your loved one has difficulty walking or keeping their balance, there are a few important bathroom safety aids you can utilize to make it a safer place. With minimal to moderate effort and expense, you can help prevent a serious accident and improve your loved one’s sense of safety and wellbeing.

It’s a good idea now and then to take a walk-through of your home to make sure everything is secure and safe. Mishaps are all too common when a home is poorly maintained.

When your mobility’s compromised, it’s a good idea to make your bathroom as slip-proof as possible. Falling in the bathroom is not something you want to worry about. Falls there can be serious because of the hard surfaces.