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All Just simply about Your BathroomSafety with Style in the Bath
by:
ARA
(ARA) – “Aaaaah ...” That’s the sound we typically hear once
most folk enter the bath tub. Unfortunately, however, for galore Americans the vocalization is much like, “Ugh!” or “Ouch!” That’s because according to the American Housing Survey, only simply about half of aged disabled households have the house modifications they need.
But it’s not simply the aging that require a safe bath -- bathrooms can present many
challenges, regardless of age. From the expecting parent whose center of balance may be a bit off-kilter ... to the “weekend warrior” who force
a hamstring playing football with his old college buddies ... to the six-year-old who is now showering on her own and inevitably extra keep in the bath ... everyone can benefit from universal design products. In fact, at one time or another in our lives, about all of us wish experience a temporary or permanent disability.
What Is Universal Design?
So, what exactly is universal design? And how do we go simply about implementing it into our homes? According to the experts, the definition of universal design is a house that is user-friendly, regardless of a person’s age or limitations -- creating an environment that is safer, much functional and comfortable.
“The goal of universal design is to help folk retain their independent lifestyles,” says Brian Grant, senior product manager at Creative Specialties International, a division of Moen Incorporated, and a leading designer and manufacturer of the new House Care line of bath safety items. “It’s finding products that meet the perfect balance of safety and function, but with an appealing design. The better universal designs are those that blend seamlessly into the house and become an integral part of the room and its décor.”
To accomplish a stylish approach with universal design, several manufacturers, such as Creative Specialties International, are working indefatigably to create products with safety features that fit into the overall style of the room. New offerings include items which are several functional and esthetically
pleasing.
And the better news? You don’t need to build a new house to incorporate universal design features and products. Galore new products can be incorporated into an existing house plan -- devising it easier than ever before to begin devising your house a much comfortable place to live.
Where Should I Start?
While universal design elements can be enforced
in all areas of the home, the room that should obtain 1st priority is the bath. Slippery floors, bursts of scathing water and incommodious
quarters in a shower or tub can be obstacles for anyone -- and for a person with a disability, these hazards are magnified. In fact, for many, the bathroom itself can be an obstacle to independent living.
“Installing simply a few ADA-compliant products in the bath can do the difference between an individual taking care of themselves in their own house or having to trust on others,” adds Grant.
While a borderline effort can result in maximum results, galore homeowners are reluctant to install universally designed products for fear of their “clinical” look with large
and obtrusive designs. However, that is no longer the case. Today’s ADA-compliant products feature designs with sturdy construction and an appealing design.
Creative Specialties International placed a high priority on style and function with its new House Care line of ADA-compliant products for the bath. These products combine safe, solid construction with an attractive, stylish design.
According to Grant, “We spent hundreds of hours in people’s homes to allow them to demonstrate their typical bathing routine -- from stepping into the shower, to how they steady themselves, to wherever
they grab their soap or shampoo from, to even as how they pick up the towel once
exiting. The information we gained was invaluable once
we designed the new line of products.”
So, wherever
should you start once
creating a universally designed bath? The main concern should be the bathing tub or shower, as this is the location that causes the most slips and falls. The following are a few recommendations to incorporate universal design in this area:
Shower
Because the risk of scathing increases for the disabled or elderly, equip your house with a pressure-balanced shower system. Its valve maintains an even as water temperature so shower users wish not feel a hot or cold surge in water (commonly referred to as “shower shock”). Even as once
running a dishwasher or flushing a toilet, the valve ensures that the water remains inside
two degrees to keep the shower temperature consistent, comfortable and safe.
ADA-Compliant Grab Bars
Grab bars give you thing
to grab onto once
entering and exiting the tub. In addition, they provide accessorial stability piece you are in the shower. Once institutional in appearance, they now come in a variety of stylish designs to fit any bath décor, and several even as match regulator
designs to create a coordinated suite look for the bath. Consumers can typically choose from a variety of sizes, from 12 to 42 inches in length.
Dual Tub Grip
For those who have difficulty stepping over the side of the bathtub, there’s now an ideal solution. The new House Care Dual Tub Grip from Creative Specialties International features a sturdy, no-wobble design and two several heights for grasping -- loaning a fantastic portion hand to stepping in and out of the tub. Designed with rough-textured grab areas shaped flat for better gripping, the Dual Tub Grip slides easily onto the tub wall and secures into place by a unique system that clamps into place with a lock-up lever (requiring no turning or twisting motion to install). This design allows the Grip to fit on various widths of tubs and the non-skid pads protect the tub walls from scratches.
Adjustable Tub and Shower Chair
A shower chair is perfect for any individual who prefers, or finds it necessary, to sit piece showering. Look for a product with non-slip rubber feet, as this feature wish not only provide additional stability, but besides protect the tub from nicks and scratches. Most shower chair legs are adjustable and should fit most bathtubs.
Hand-Held Shower
A hand-held shower, such as Moen’s Revolution, is the perfect accessory to a shower chair because the product allows you to manipulate the force, flow and direction of the water without having to reach the top of the shower. Be sure the hand-held
shower you choose has a large dial formed from a non-slip material to do it easy to hold and use in a wet environment. A note of caution regarding hand-held showers: galore of today’s hand-held showers, piece convenient for seniors and others, come attached to slide bars to adjust their height. However, these are not to be confused with grab bars, as they do not provide safe support.
Transfer Bench
Ideal for individuals who have trouble stepping up and over the side of a bathtub, a remove bench is a perfect option for those afflicted by arthritis, a sports injury or recent surgery -- as well as anyone who cannot easily squat, bend or lift and inevitably accessorial safety once
entering the tub. A remove bench features two legs that rest inside the bath and two legs that rest on the bathroom floor, so a person can sit down outside the tub and then come inside the tub by slippery across the bench. The product allows for a safe, fluid motion into the shower.
Beyond the Bath
While the bathing tub and shower area should obtain top priority, the rest of the bathroom should not be neglected once
implementing universal design elements. Remember that the goal is to create ease of use in the bathroom. Following are a few suggestions for outside the tub area:
Paper Holder
Changing the toilet paper roll is an act that most folk take for granted. However, for individuals afflicted with arthritis, the required manual dexterity needful to handle this task can do it extremely difficult. Fortunately, Creative Specialties International recently introduced a Pivoting Paper Holder (available in five several style options) which is spring-free and features a unique easy-load format so the paper roll can be easily changed out with one hand.
Elevated Toilet Seat
For those who have trouble bending or sitting, an elevated toilet seat is an first-class addition to the bath. Typically, an elevated toilet seat hooks onto the bowl so it rests naturally on the toilet rim and raises the seat higher than the standard 14-15 inches off the floor. Once
buying an elevated toilet seat, look for products that offer a lock-up mechanism for accessorial stability -- as well as those that can be easily removed for cleansing or once
institution is visiting.
Faucets
A universally-designed bathroom should feature a regulator
with lever handles. This attribute does them easy to activate, especially for those with a prosthetic device or persons who may suffer from arthritis. And today’s lever handle faucets are far from dull looking -- galore several finishes and styles wish help create quality
in the bath with dramatic designs piece still being universal in design.
Adding a Telephone
A final tip once
incorporating universal design in your bath is to install a telephone with a cord that is easily approachable from the floor. If an accident occurs, rescue help is only a phone call away.
Final Words of Proposal
While the thought of incorporating universal design into your entire house may seem overwhelming, it’s simple to start with one room and activity from there. By following these recommendations, you wish do your 1st step in achieving a safe, comfortable environment -- all piece keeping a sense of style.
For much information on Creative Specialties International’s House Care line of bath safety products, write 25300 Al Moen Drive, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070-8022, call toll free (800) 882-0116, or visit their Web site at www.moen.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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