Residential bathrooms pose great dangers for people whose abilities are limited. The two biggest bathroom safety hazards are falling and inappropriate access to drugs. A person whose mobility and balance are compromised is very likely to sustain serious injury from a fall in a slippery bathroom. Someone suffering from Alzheimer's disease can mistakenly ingest potentially lethal prescription drugs if they're not properly secured. A frail person can accidentally scald herself if the hot water temperature isn't regulated. You can modify bathrooms for handicapped access without costly remodeling.
Instructions
1. Modify the under-sink cabinet to a height of 28 to 34 inches from the floor and 36-inches wide to give ample wheelchair access. Replace standard bathroom door hinges with offset hinges, increasing the door opening width by 2 inches. Replace the existing doorknob with one that doesn't lock to prevent the patient locking himself inside. Securely attach grab bars inside the shower, at the toilet, and near sink and counter.
2. Install the anti-scald valve kit according to product instructions. Change out the shower and sink faucets and replace with single-lever faucets that are easier to use. Wrap any exposed under-sink pipes with protective covering to guard against burns. Install the new shower nozzle and verify that the extension hose is long enough to accommodate the reach of a caregiver providing assistance to the patient.
3. Attach childproof latches onto every cabinet door. Mount bath products dispenser in the shower. Place a nonskid mat and shower bench inside the shower and the bath rug just outside the shower door. Apply anti-skid strips around toilet, sink and shower areas of existing bathroom flooring. Switch to brighter light bulbs, at least 100 watts.
Tags: inside shower