Why It’s Time Seniors Should Opt for Walk-In Shower Cubicles

For many senior citizens, spending their retirement in one place boosts their independence and helps enhance their standard of living. After all, what’s better than living in the same community for so many years, you’ve got people you know, friends, etc. Moving out can be an issue in terms of factors such as stress and expenses.

While seniors that prefer to live in one place and gracefully age enjoy multiple advantages such as a boost in their emotional and social wellbeing, it’s also true that their homes may lack the necessary safety features that can otherwise help with mobility issues. In light of this, The important things for them is to consider getting a shower enclosure to prevent slip and fall incidents.

The ways to do this is to transform their existing shower fixtures or bathtubs into walk-in shower cubicles. However, it’s equally important to understand the benefits this new fixture will bring and how to make the right buying decision. So here goes…

A Glimpse into Shower Enclosures

When it comes to safety, nothing beats a walk-in shower enclosure. This is especially true for people with mobility issues and injuries, for example, wheelchair-bound individuals. Modern walk-in enclosures come with  safety features such as a low threshold, which means getting into the shower is easier. This minimizes the chances of slipping and falling, significantly.

It’s important to understand that walk-in enclosures are more akin to remodelling your current shower fixtures. You can’t think of it as buying a product to replace anything. Installing it requires professional help, such as plumbers or contractors. The good  thing about modifying your current shower fixtures is that you get to choose the type of shower enclosure that’s more in line with the size and interior of your bathroom.

On the other hand, you have the option to get a space-saving fixture installed by removing the bathtub or a larger shower space, giving an illusion of a bigger bathroom space.

Excellent Safety Features to Look Forward To

The  important feature in a walk-in shower cubicle is perhaps the height of the ledge. It gets rid of the need of climbing over a raised ledge (which his common with traditional shower enclosures). This can potentially help seniors take care of their overall hygiene, making it safe for them to get in and out of the shower without worrying about slipping or tripping.

There are a lot of other safety advantages and features of walk-in enclosures, but they differ in terms of what type of and model you invest in. Moreover, it’s not necessary that you’d require a whole lot of features and spend a ton of money on an expensive shower transformation. In light of this, mentioned below are some of safety options and features you should consider:

Handlebars to Grab Onto

Modern shower enclosures are built-in with grab bars you can use to get in. This is especially beneficial for handicapped individuals or for people with leg or back injuries. Even if you don’t necessarily require the grab bars, they can help in case you slip and fall. You can easily hold onto the handlebar if you feel like you’re going slip. They’re potentially a life saver!

Anti-Slip Surface

High-end shower cubicles come with anti-slip flooring. These surfaces are manufactured using no-slip materials and some of them features gripping groves in the flooring. However, if you’re on a budget and can’t get a unit with anti-slip flooring, the next alternative is to install non-skid/slip mats in the shower enclosure.

Water Temperature Control

Modern walk-in shower cubicles also come with anti-scalding faucets. This can help prevent individuals accidentally burning their skin with boiling hot water. Plus, it’s also good for people who have sensitive skin. Water temperature regulated faucets are designed with various mechanisms. However, anti-scald faucets help prevent very hot water from escaping the valves, effectively controlling the water pressure and temperature.

Shower Bench or Seat 

A shower bench or seat can help make all the difference in the world for individuals that find it increasingly difficult to balance themselves. It’s also a great alternative for people with mobility issues or injuries that make it hard for them to stand in the shower for longer periods. The shower seat makes it easy to take nice, more comfortable and independent baths.