Bathroom Mobility Aids: Safety Equipment for Seniors, Disabled, and Post-Surgery Recovery

Bathroom Mobility Aids: Safety Equipment for Seniors, Disabled, and Post-Surgery Recovery

Maneuvering the home with restricted mobility can be a very challenging task, but staying safe and mobile in the bathroom can be even harder. With the combination of wet surfaces and unforgiving materials like tile, ceramic, or porcelain, risks of injuries or falls are high. However, using the right aids and precautions greatly helps seniors, people recovering after surgery, or those with physical disabilities.

Signs You May Need Bathroom Mobility Aids

A common cause for injuries in the bathroom is waiting until after an accident to install or use mobility aids. Knowing what warning signs to look for can be a great help, making sure that the correct equipment is ordered before it’s necessary.

Difficulty sitting down or standing up from the toilet

Feeling pain in the hips or knees or needing support using walls or counters while using a toilet can be an early sign of losing mobility. Using a raised toilet seat helps the motion needed become much easier and more comfortable, while also reducing fall risks.

Feeling unsteady while showering

Many people that are recovering from surgery or have more minor mobility issues have a hard time standing for long periods of time, or can’t balance reliably while in the shower or bath. Having a shower chair or seat can provide stable support, taking the weight off and allowing users to relax while bathing.

Trouble stepping over the bathtub wall

Getting in and out of a tub can be one of the hardest tasks for those with little mobility. Loss of balance or a fear of slipping means it's time to get the equipment needed. A tub transfer bench is ideal when there’s room, but for some bathrooms it isn’t that easy. Having grab bars on the wall or a shower chair inside of the tub can help offer some support, and is better than having no support at all.

Difficulty moving in the bathroom with a wheelchair

A wheelchair can be a very difficult obstacle when using a bathroom, especially one without ample room. Since having a bigger bathroom is normally not an option, using equipment such as grab bars, transfer boards, or raised toilet seats can assist with users maneuverability within the bathroom.

Bathroom Modifications That Improve Mobility

Equipment like transfer benches, raised toilet seats, or shower chairs are placed inside the bathroom, but are not built in. While this can be a worthwhile solution, having bathroom safety modifications built in can help take the extra step towards creating a mobility friendly environment.

Install grab bars near the toilet and shower

Having grab bars that are anchored to the walls of your bathroom provides the most stability possible while using a toilet or getting in and out of a shower. A more affordable but slightly less stable option are grab bars that attach using suction cups. These can be added to any bathroom, but cannot withstand the same amount of weight. Whether you’re using an anchored or suction grab bar, it is important to check with the supplier or a professional to make sure the equipment is installed correctly.

Improve lighting in the bathroom

Having poor or dim lighting inside the bathroom can greatly increase fall risk and make the overall experience more difficult for those with mobility issues. Motion activated lights are ideal, especially for any nighttime bathroom trips, but aren’t always practical for those who don’t already own them. A simple lamp or brighter bulbs can be a great way to increase visibility in the bathroom.

Use non-slip mats

Non-slip mats are one of the easiest additions that can make the bathroom considerably safer. A mat placed along the length of the bathroom (or just in front of the shower) can make maneuverability a less intimidating task.

Widen clear space for mobility devices

A common problem that people who use walkers or are in wheelchairs come across is their mobility devices not fitting into the bathroom. This can be a challenging task, but not an impossible one. Removing the door can often give just enough space to fit, and is a cheap option. For inside the bathroom, getting a smaller vanity or smaller sink can free up clear space.

Caregiver Tips for Bathroom Safety

There are a lot of people with mobility restrictions that have caregivers to ensure their routines stay safe and easy.

• Install grab bars before surgery
• Remove loose rugs
• Use a handheld shower head
• Keep towels within reach
• Install night lights for nighttime bathroom trips
• Consider a bedside commode to reduce walking at night

Common Bathroom Mobility Mistakes to Avoid

Buying the right equipment doesn’t mean the bathroom is immediately a safe place. It is vital to make sure all aids are being used and are installed the correct way. There are several ways to double check that your mobility equipment is being utilized well.

Using Unstable Furniture Instead of Proper Equipment

Using furniture in the bathroom or more specifically the shower that is not meant for it can increase the risks of injuries even more than having no furniture at all. Normal furniture, such as chairs being used as shower chairs, is not designed for wet environments and cannot resist slipping. It is key to use shower chairs, transfer boards, or raised toilet seats that have been tested and are designed for mobility needs.

Choosing Equipment Without Checking Weight Capacity

All equipment that provides support, either by grabbing it for stability or sitting on it, has a weight limit. Customers must make sure that they check the weight limit for each product before purchasing. There are plenty of products with an increased limit, such as Drive Medical’s tub transfer bench. All users have different requirements, but mobility aids come in all capacities and sizes.

Placing Mobility Aids Incorrectly

All mobility equipment has a correct way to install/use it. When they are placed incorrectly, they will not function as they are designed to and can heighten the likelihood of falls or injuries. Transfer benches need to be placed level with the tub wall, while making sure it is still and secure. Raised toilet seats have different requirements for how they need to be installed, so users should make sure to check the specific directions for their seat. Shower chairs must be positioned on as even a surface as possible, without rocking back and forth when there’s weight put on it.

Waiting Too Long to Add Mobility Support

Most falls or injuries in the bathroom happen because people wait to get mobility aids or safety precautions until after they have an accident or fall. It’s important to look for warning signs and recognize when extra stability is needed. If you don’t know what kind of help you need, consult your doctor and find out what equipment is best for your situation.

How to Choose the Right Bathroom Mobility Aid

When choosing bathroom mobility aids, it is important to consider the user’s mobility level, balance, and strength.

Things to consider:

• Weight capacity
• Adjustable height
• With or without armrests
• With or without a backrest
• Size of the bathroom
• Temporary vs permanent use
• Doctor recommendations
• Ease of cleaning
• Rust-resistant materials

Bathroom Mobility Aids After Surgery or Injury

Many mobility aids are designed for permanent support, for those who have long term disabilities or movement issues. For those recovering from surgery or a more minor injury, the equipment is simply a temporary addition.

Bathroom Aids After Hip Replacement Surgery

After hip replacement surgery, bending at the hip becomes heavily restricted. Movements like sitting on the toilet can be very difficult, so a raised toilet seat helps maintain proper hip positioning and reduces the need to bend down too far. For transferring to the tub, a tub transfer bench is excellent for recovery.

Bathroom Mobility Equipment After Knee Replacement

Standing for long periods or lowering onto a low toilet can be quite difficult after knee surgery. The goal during recovery is to minimize movement and standing for long periods to lessen pain or discomfort. Using a shower chair almost fully eliminates standing in the shower, making cleaning much easier. Raised toilet seats like McKessons’ can make getting up and down an easier process. If getting to the bathroom is too hard, commodes like the Bariatric Folding Commode Chair can be placed by the bedside, greatly lowers the amount of movement/walking around needed throughout the day.

Bathroom Safety After a Stroke or Balance Disorder

A stroke or neurological condition can affect balance, coordination, and strength. Bathroom mobility aids can help individuals regain their independence and make life much easier on those in recovery. Bathroom aids after a stroke include shower chairs or shower seats, to avoid falling in the shower, or transfer boards to safely get into the tub. Bedside commodes can also be of assistance for those who have trouble getting out of bed. The most important thing to look for after a stroke is anything that helps balance or prevents high risk situations entirely.

Bathroom Aids for Arthritis or Joint Pain

Arthritis or general joint pain is usually overlooked, but the risks within the bathroom remain. Sitting on low surfaces or standing for too long can become painful, so it’s recommended that shower chairs or raised toilet seats are used for those with more severe joint pain. If the arthritis is more minor, a simple transfer bench or grab bar can be sufficient.

Safety in the Bathroom: Mobility Made Easy

Staying safe and balanced in the bathroom is a very important task, but it doesn’t have to be as daunting as some people think. Staying prepared ahead of time, buying the equipment that’s right for your situation, and using it as the manufacturer instructs, can prevent serious injury and create a more comfortable experience. It is advised to check with your doctor and ask what equipment will help you the most, and always read the instructions to know the right way to use all equipment.