Carer-Friendly Bathrooms
Caring for a loved one can be emotionally and physically challenging. Adapting your home can make some of the day-to-day tasks easier to manage. Here David Walter, a mobility specialist from Living Needs, explains how a few changes to your bathroom can make a big difference.
It’s important to consider both the needs of the carer and of the person being cared for. At Living Needs, we look at:
- Keeping you both safe, for example by fitting non-slip flooring
- Making it easier to attend to basic needs, such as showering
- Helping the person who’s being cared for to maintain their independence and privacy
Modern bathroom adaptations are stylish, unobtrusive and easy to use. And they don’t have to be expensive. A flip-down seat in the shower, for example, can make showering much more comfortable.
Half-height shower screens give the carer space to help the person being cared for, while offering some splash protection. They also mean that you don’t have to fight with a shower curtain! Folding screens are ideal for wheelchair users. If the screen folds back against the wall, it’ll also give you some extra space when the shower isn’t in use.
Fitting shower controls just outside the shower area makes it easier for the carer to adjust the temperature and level of spray without getting too wet. Digital shower controls are also worth considering.
If the person being cared for likes a good long soak in the bath, a bath lift can help to protect the carer’s back, and reduce the risk of anyone slipping. Or you could opt for a walk–in bath instead. A raised toilet is useful if the person being cared for struggles to stand up from a seated position.
Adapting a bathroom isn’t just about changing the bathroom suite. Smaller changes, such as switching to non-slip flooring, are just as important. Grab rails can also make it easier to move around the bathroom independently.
At Living Needs, we’re always happy to talk through which changes will bring you the biggest benefits. We can also tell you about Disabled Facilities Grants and other financial support you might be entitled to.
Whether you’re a carer, or someone who needs extra support, please do give us a ring to see how we can help. We have more than 15 years’ experience of adapting bathrooms for people with mobility issues. Our bathroom fitters are all professionally trained and accredited, and work is backed by the Government approved scheme TrustMark.
Call us on 01271 374600 to book a free home visit, or pop into our showroom, halfway down Mill Road in Barnstaple. Just look for Living Needs above the door.