Create a safe shower stall for the handicapped – invest in shower benches for added security!

For the disabled, the simple joys of a shower can also be restricted. The bathroom with its slippery floors and sharp instruments can be a very dangerous place for the handicapped. If there is water on the floor, there are risks, particularly if your sense of balance is not strong, you tire easily when you stand or you cannot stand at all. In such cases using bathing aids like shower benches are a great option. Though initially used only in hospitals, these shower benches are fast becoming popular for domestic use too.

For the handicapped person, the biggest hazard is getting into and out of the shower stall. All shower floors should have a non-slip surface, or at least make use of non-slip bath mats. It is also important to keep the floor clean; assuring that there isn't a build up of grease or mold that could become slippery. In addition, fold-up shower benches with legs and hinged wall mounts can allow you to transfer safely into and out of the shower. Because the legs of the bench support much of your weight, the bench can be retrofitted to most shower walls without the need for wall reinforcement.

Most shower stalls have a threshold that retains the water, creating a small step that might be difficult for some people to maneuver over safely. For people who use a wheelchair, the ideal solution is to have a curb less shower where the flooring is designed to retain the water naturally. This is sometimes called a roll-in shower, as shower benches on wheels can be rolled directly into the stall. If you are designing your bathroom now, planning for this universal shower style that everyone can use will serve you well.

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