Bathroom Equipment, a Stylish Necessity

Bathroom Equipment

Those of us who are fortunate to be blessed with good health and no physical limitations probably don’t realize what a challenge it is to do the simplest things for those who are not. That certainly includes things we take for granted like using the bathroom and bathing. If you are physically challenged or care for someone who is; you’ll be thrilled at the availability of bathroom equipment to make life easier.

You may need something as simple as a shower seat. My mother used one when she was undergoing chemo. She was too weak to stand and shower and since she lived alone she took advantage of the shower seat and handrails to help her get in and out of the shower. There are portable handrails and shower seats at most pharmacies and many of things are covered by insurance if recommended by your doctor. You can also have grab bars installed. Don’t rely on a towel bar to hold your weight if you should slip. Every bathroom should have grab bars to prevent falls.

A hand held shower attachment makes bathing simpler when using a shower seat. The massage setting provides warmth, comfort and may improve circulation in those with arthritis. There are some new bathtubs that are deep enough to soak in, but have a watertight door so you can enter the tub without having to step over the sides. A shower stall with a larger opening can accommodate a lightweight wheeled chair to transport adults and children who are handicapped easily into the shower.

If you or someone in the family has difficulty getting on and off the toilet; you can get a raised toilet seat and portable rails to aid in rising. There is a company that makes a device to turn any toilet into a bidet. This is very helpful for people with incontinence or diarrhea. They can clean up easily; often without undressing. When doctors recommend a sitz bath, this device can also be used. There are also portable commodes that can be used more easily than a normal toilet. There are wheeled chairs that fit over the existing toilet and all kinds of positioning and lift systems for the disabled.

I have been in the position of caring for elderly relatives and coping with the challenges it presents. People in general want to be as independent as possible and the availability of specialized bathroom equipment makes that possible.