The Modern Independence Movement: How Homeowners Are Redefining Bath Safety
You don’t have to sacrifice the appearance of your bathroom to achieve bath safety. Using stylish safety features will make it look and feel more luxurious. Many homeowners think about their future needs and those of their loved ones when remodeling bathrooms.
According to the CDC, older people’s falls lead to 3 million emergency visits each year. Baths can limit independence since the risk of falling goes higher when you don’t have the right features in your space.
Daily washing will be less stressful when you prioritize bath safety.
What Are Some Safety Tips for Taking a Bath?
Check the water temperature, keep the things you need nearby, and don’t rush. Your skin will scald if you use water that’s too hot when bathing. Consider setting your home water heater to below 120 degrees. It helps you avoid accidental burns.
Trying to reach your towels if you placed them far away may cause you to lose balance. Keep these close:
- Body washes
- Shampoos
- Body scrubbers
- Wash cloths
With a secure shelf at the corner, you won’t put yourself at risk by overreaching. Take your time when entering and exiting your bath. A lot of disasters happen because someone rushed while on a slippery surface. If you ensure your feet are firm before moving the rest of your body, you’ll have better balance.
You should stay nearby when young kids are in the bath. Teach older ones about safety measures and remind them often.
How Can I Make My Bathtub Less Slippery?
Place a heavy-duty non-slip mat around where you stand when entering or leaving your bathtub. Mats often have mold growth if you don’t dry them well. Keeping the area underneath dry prevents it from becoming too slippery.
Regular towels and rugs can slide when you step on them. They don’t have a lot of grip as compared to bath mats. Catch any water dripping from your body using a mat with a rubber bottom.
Redefining Bath Safety as a Modern Homeowner
You’ll feel more comfortable and have peace of mind if your bathroom is safe for you or other aging family members. Choose Five Star Bath Solutions to make the best changes in your space. Experts will ask about your vision and goals to create a space you’ll love using.
Stylish Safety Features to Replace Clinical Designs
Some of the bathroom remodels homeowners used to do decades ago made their homes look less attractive. Go for modern products. These won’t make you feel like you’re turning your home into a hospital. These are good options:
- Sleek rails
- Designer seating
- Elegant non-slip flooring
People may visit your home and think the features you have there are just for beauty purposes. Modern products blend well with the rest of your decor.
Upgrading to Walk-in Tubs for Better Accessibility
You must step over a high wall when getting into a traditional tub. They create a huge tripping hazard, which is why modern homeowners are avoiding them. Go to showrooms near you to check out some walk-in tubs and choose the ones you like.
You’ll use a leak-proof door to prevent water from flowing out of a built-in tub. Homeowners like getting tubs that already have built-in seating instead of adding one later on.
Getting Certified Grab Bars
It’s a mistake to use tower racks as grab bars in the bathroom. They aren’t designed to handle human weight, and you may fall while holding on to one.
If you invest in certified grab bars, you won’t worry about whether they are good enough. Get the balance assistance you need by asking experts to help you pick the best designs for your space.
Shower Support With Comfortable Shower Seats
Trying to balance on a slippery surface will cause your muscles to get tired faster. Homeowners have been getting shower chairs and benches to sit on when showering.
You’ll be able to wash your body without a lot of leg fatigue if you choose a comfortable seat.
Families Are Planning Earlier
Every young homeowner should be thinking about their future needs as they redo a bathroom.
It’s not a good idea to wait until you or someone else in your home suffers a fall. Planning allows you to remodel your space without making decisions in a rush because you’re dealing with an emergency.
Even if you decide to sell and move to another area, the changes you made will be helpful. Modern buyers love properties with features that will reduce the need for future changes. Some of them may be looking for homes where they can live with their aging parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Replace Non-Slip Mats?
Every 12-18 months. Your rubber or plastic mats will start losing their suction and grip after a while. Don’t wait until soap buildup and body oils degrade the materials until they get to a point where they can’t protect you.
The cups under your mat should stick to the floor firmly. By inspecting them regularly, you’ll be able to tell when you need to get new ones.
What Flooring Material Is Good for My Bathroom?
Slip-resistant luxury vinyl tile or textured ceramic tiles. As you shop, look at the friction rating on each product. Experts know which tiles are good for bathrooms, and they can help you choose. You won’t have a hard time cleaning your home if you install the right material.
A regular cleaner may be enough to get rid of dirt on luxury vinyl and ceramic tiles.
Do Bathroom Colors Affect Safety?
Yes. It will be harder to recognize edges quickly if your entire bathroom is one color. Have a strong contract between the:
- Walls
- Flooring
- Fixtures
Go for dark colored grab bars. These are easier to spot in bright lights.
Improving Bath Safety
Achieving bath safety gives you peace of mind, even if you have kids or older family members living with you. Place mats in the bathtub and the areas around it.
Slips and falls often happen in bathrooms due to a lack of support. Homeowners are making changes to their bathrooms before they need to. Smart planning improves resale value, too. Get more home remodel ideas on our news page.