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7 Potentially Life-Saving Bathtub Safety Tips for Seniors

Posted on by FCSDev

According to the CDC, about 36 million seniors fall each year, resulting in more than 32,000 deaths. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death among the aging population.

With that being said, bathtub safety should be a top concern for those who are aging in place, and loved ones alike.

If your current bathroom is not safe, it may be time to look into a bathtub replacement or even a bathroom remodel. A bathroom contractor can inspect your bathroom and make recommendations to improve safety in your home.

Still, there are some life-saving bathtub safety tips that every senior should follow.

1. Use Night Lights

Bathroom falls can be fatal. To reduce fall risk, automatic night lights or motion sensor lighting are used to help seniors find their way at night.

2. Install Grab Bars

Bathtub safety bars such as grab bars or handrails can save a life when a senior has a slip. Many seniors rely on towel bars to help them keep their balance, however, those are not designed to support much weight.

Grab bars are best wall-mounted in the bath or shower and next to the toilet, as well. Although there are suction cup bars available, it is best to purchase the ones that bolt in place. This will prevent the risk of injury from a suction cup bar that slips off the wall.

3. Apply Gripping Tape and Non-slip Mats

When it comes to bathtub safety, seemingly small details such as using gripping tape and non-slip mats are very important.

Gripping tape can be applied to grab bars and handrails to ensure these are slip-resistant when wet.

Non-slip mats or bathtub safety strips should be placed in the bath or shower. You can also place non-slip rugs on the floor outside of the tub and in front of the toilet or sink. This will help prevent slips and falls on slippery, wet tiles.

4. Use a Handheld Showerhead

Handheld showerheads are convenient as they allow seniors to stand or sit while they bathe.

These come in lightweight options that won’t cause strain on hands or arms. There are also some available with large hand-dials that are easy to turn to change spray settings.

It is also best to look for a showerhead with a long hose and flexibility, providing ease of movement.

5. Install a Raised Toilet Seat With Arms

Another easy-to-install option for seniors and loved ones who are concerned about bathroom safety is a raised toilet seat with arms. This device makes it easier for older adults to sit and get up from the toilet.

6. Purchase a Good Shower Chair

Many seniors have limited mobility or balance issues. A shower chair or transfer bench can provide the support that a senior needs to get in and out of the tub as well as bathe comfortably without fear of falling.

7. Consider a Bathtub or Shower Replacement

Sometimes the best move one can make for their safety as they age in place is to have their bathtub or shower replaced. There are options such as tub to shower conversions, which can provide greater handicap accessibility by eliminating barriers that seniors must maneuver over with bathtubs.

Bathtub Safety Is a Priority

With the number of falls, injuries, and deaths that occur each year for seniors, it is undoubtedly urgent for bathtub safety features to be prioritized. These tips can minimize the risk of slips and falls if followed. Don’t forget that bathtub maintenance is always important to keep your tub in great condition.

If you are still concerned about whether your bathroom is safe and wish to learn more about remodeling options, please contact us. We will be happy to make recommendations and help meet your needs!

7 Warning Signs for Replacing Your Bathtub

Posted on by FCSDev

If your tub is making bath time more cringe-worthy than calming, it might be time to start looking at making a change.

Updates like a bathtub replacement can boost the value of your home and improve your bathroom’s appeal. As your tub starts to show its age, the wear and tear become increasingly unsightly and potentially dangerous.

How do you know when to replace your bathtub rather than repair it? What bathtub issues are big enough to justify the time and expense? Is your tub or jacuzzi tub in poor condition regardless of any bathtub maintenance you do.

If you’re trying to decide if it’s time, here are some definite signs you need to replace a bathtub.

1. Leaks, Cracks, or Chips

When you notice damage to the structure or surface of your tub, it’s just a matter of time before it starts to fail at its one job – holding water.

Tiny chips may not seem like a big deal, but they grow into cracks, and cracks allow for leaks. Water can start pooling outside the tub, getting into your floor and walls. Eventually, you end up with mold, mildew, and wood rot in the space around the bathtub.

With a leak, you might wonder – “is my bathtub beyond repair?” The answer is almost always yes because leaks are difficult to repair and constantly return.

2. Staining

No one wants to take a bath in an unclean tub, right? As the surface of the tub ages, stains can start to get so deep into the tub that you can’t scrub them out. They make the bathroom look unappealing, and you never quite feel like it’s clean.

3. Mold and Mildew

Your bathtub might have surface cracking too small to see, but you’ll notice it if you have a constant issue with mold and mildew growth. It seems minor to start, but it will keep coming back as long as those tiny cracks are there. It looks terrible, hurts the value of your home, and can be a health risk.

4. Accessibility

The older you get, the more difficult it is to get in and out of the tub. If the sides are too high, it can be hard to feel safe moving in and out even with rails and non-slip surfaces.

If you have mobility issues with your current tub, it might be time to consider a walk-in tub or conversion of the bathtub space to a shower.

5. Size and Comfort

If you have an older house with an older tub, you might not use it. Older homes had bathtubs designed with much smaller dimensions. These tubs can be too narrow and too short to feel comfy when sitting in them.

Most renovating homeowners who upgrade their Birmingham or Huntsville bathtub choose a soaking tub to get a deeper and larger space than the standard options.

Ready for a Bathtub Replacement?

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to start seriously considering a bathtub replacement. A new tub brings better safety and comfort to your bathroom, not to mention a sense of joy from not having to look at the old one anymore!

Contact us to talk about the bath and shower replacement services we offer here at Express Bath. We can help you pick out a tub that meets your needs and budget as part of a complete remodel or a simple upgrade.