The Importance of balance and stability whilst using a shower or getting in and out of the bath after a stroke.

Anyone who has a physical disability will usually find that the bathroom can potentially be more hazardous after the medical issue occurs. Someone who has, for example, had a stroke, may find it harder to move around safely on slippery, wet surfaces. Climb in and out of a bathtub or use a standard height toilet.

Fortunately, there are many approaches to adapting the bathroom post-stroke available that can help you to modify the bathroom so the stroke patient can do what they need to do easily and safely at the bathtub, shower, sink, or toilet.

Always seek an occupational therapist, an after-care stroke team in your area who may be able to help and advise with training in personal care strategies that make it safer and easier for using the bathroom post-stroke.

Consider these questions when accessing the bathroom after a medical illness like a stroke…

• Is it safe to step into and out of the bath? If there are any balance issues this will not be safe to do so.
• Is the toilet seat too low, causing stability issues when lowering or standing up? Our comfort height toilets are safer yet stylish.
• Is the floor slippery when wet? Any slip hazards combined with balance issues is something that must be avoided.
• Are there any grab rails that are sufficient to hold on to when using bathroom equipment? If so, are they in the correct places?
• Consider and discuss if the bath needs changing to an easy access shower or walk-in bath? Depending on personal preferences, we can also advise.
• If wheelchair access is required is the shower access wide enough?
  Wet rooms are ideal for wheelchair access.
• If there is difficulty standing safely for a period of time to shower and wash hair? Average 10 minutes?
  A shower seat or powered bath seat can be a very safe solution.
• Are you for the planning long-term?
  Future proofing saves money and keeps people in their own home for longer.
• Are the taps and showers thermostatically controlled, preventing scolds?

 

The Bath

When personal preference is using a bathtub, the preferred option is a walk-in bath (bath with a side door), depending on mobility they can be installed with or without a comfort lowering seat. A walk-in bath really is a much safer alternative to using a traditional climb in bathtub which can cause slip risks and falls when climbing in and out of. Use of grab rails, seats and anti-slip flooring can be added to help make bathing a comfortable and safer experience once again.

Walk-in baths give people more dignity and better control of their surroundings. Bespoke Bathing offers you a range of walk-in baths and disabled bath designs to choose from. You can have a luxurious bath with hydrotherapy or install a stand-up shower area and convert your bath to a shower tub. Contact us here if you would like a brochure or advice.

 

Shower safely

Here at Bespoke Bathing we understand a walk-in bath is not for everyone and many of our customers, carers or medical professionals opt to change their bath for a easy access walk-in shower or wet room. When getting into the shower it is key to make it easy and enjoyable as possible whilst alimenting any trip/fall hazards along the way, which is why it is important to have a low-level walk-in shower option or for wheelchair users a popular option is a wet room.

With Bespoke Bathing, you can choose from a range of fully tailored walk-in showers and easy-access mobility shower options. A low rim shower is a perfect choice if you have difficulty getting in and out of the shower.

Our easy-access bathrooms are specifically designed for those who are living with a disability or diminished mobility. Our bathroom designers ensure all our easy-access bathrooms are designed to assist people who are wheelchair users or need walking frames to shower in comfort and dignity.

 

Call us FREE for advice, a brochure or to arrange a free home survey available in England, Wales and Scotland.

0800 1695 526 or email sales@bespokebathing.co.uk

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