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Bath Safety

Accessible Bath Style

Accessibility is an element often taken for granted when designing a bathroom. Whether you have a temporary injury, use a wheelchair or plan to live in your house well into your golden years, eliminating barriers now is a smart move for the future.

Bathrooms experience a steady stream of traffic on a daily basis, so it’s important that all users have free and clear access to all areas. If you have young children or have older relatives with physical limitations that either live with you or visit often, there are a number of steps you can take to make your bathroom safer and more convenient for everyone.

Consider the following as you explore your design options:

What products can be added to make the tub/shower area safer?
How can you make the bathroom safer for children?
How to integrate style with function?

Universal Design

The latest bath trends and safety accessories offer barrier-free design with an emphasis on style. Universal design is an approach to the design of objects, facilities and environments intended to make them easy to use by all persons, not just those with disabilities.

In addition to universal design, the following bath safety accessories can improve the overall appearance of your bathroom while making it more accessible and functional for everyone.

Bathroom Safety Tips

Bathrooms are a unique mixture of both practical and aesthetic elements. The design should include a well-planned layout styled to reflect your personality and taste but no matter how cautious people try to be, accidents happen.

Taking the following additional precautions will ensure that your bath stays stylish and safe for everyone:

Stick double-faced carpet tape on rugs or use non-staining anti-skid mats to ensure they don’t slide on a wet floor
Use slip-resistant floor tile
Make certain grab bars are anchored to the wall framing
Set hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors on a wide surface away from water sources
Ensure all electric outlets are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected
Use plastic glasses, soap trays and other accessories that won’t shatter if they hit a hard floor or countertop
Lower the temperature in your water heater to 120 F and install anti-scald valves in faucets, tubs and showers
Consider installing a cordless telephone in the bathroom, as it is a great aid for seeking assistance in cases of emergency

Playful and Practical
Children look at the bathroom as another place to play, so never leave them unsupervised in the bath. Designing a bathroom for children can be deceptively difficult. Before your children splish-splash in the bath, make certain the room is safe for lots of get-clean fun.

Consult the chart below to learn about products that make the bathroom safer and easier for them to use:

Product	Description	Benefits
Children’s Toilet	Toilet with lower seat height for toddlers and young children	Children less likely to fall while mounting Easily replaceable with standard toilet as children grow
Locks	May be used on doors, toilet seats and cabinets	Toilet seat locks automatically secure the lid when closed and prevent access Cabinet and door locks restrict access to hazardous substances
Outlet Covers	May be inserts or swivel shut when outlets are not in use	Prevent children from inserting objects into outlets and being electrocuted
Step Stool	Small stool made for children	Aids children in climbing into bathtub without falling Assists in hand washing
Vinyl/Textured Tiles	Floor tiles that are less slippery	Provide greater traction than granite or marble
Nightlights	Small lights or lights with motion sensors	Reduce risk of tripping during nightly visits

Courtesy of homedepot.com

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