Bathroom Safety for Special Needs and the Handicapped; Re-model it Yourself

Most bathrooms have three potential hazards (think soap slick surfaces, water, and electricity) that you can do something about to improve the accessibility and safety in the room of necessity. Bathroom adaptations for disabilities are simple common sense measures that make a standard bathroom into a practical and comfortable place for all members of the family to attend to personal issues. The hazards in a bathroom can prove deadly for young or elderly family members. The configuration of a bathroom may deny access to wheelchair bound family members. A handicapped person is by definition much less handicapped when the area they need to use is accessible, adapted and safe. You can do much of the work yourself with a little help from home improvement guides.

A shower or tub can be rendered less dangerous by adding texture strips to the surface. Grab bars are a primary safety feature for elderly, infirm or handicapped users. Of course if you are having your house built to specifications for handicap access the problem will be solved in the blueprints. Standard housing with the standard bathroom is a totally different story. Here are some steps to take to make a difference in your bathroom accessibility and safety.

First: The wet, slick shower floor or tub can be deadly. To reduce the possibility of a slip, add texture to the surfaces.
A. Wash the standing surface to remove any soap, body oils, or mineral deposits. The final cleaning should be done with rubbing alcohol. Let the surface completely dry.
B. In the shower arrange strips of non-slip material around the drain like rays from the sun so water is directed toward the drain.
C. In a bathtub, arrange the strips in a series of arrows pointing toward the drain.
D. When you are satisfied with the pattern apply each strip by peeling off the paper backing from one end. Press the end firmly onto the surface and continue peeling the backing away as you attach the strip. Some time the strips may be a bit longer than you need. If you need to shorten a strip, cut it with scissors and round off the corners so it will not curl up and start to peel off the surface later.