(ARA)
– “Aaaaah ...” That’s the sound
we typically hear when most people enter the bath tub.
Unfortunately, however, for many Americans the utterance
is more like, “Ugh!” or “Ouch!”
That’s because according to the American Housing
Survey, only about half of elderly disabled households
have the home modifications they need.
But it’s not just the aging that require a safe
bath -- bathrooms can present numerous challenges, regardless
of age. From the expecting mother whose center of balance
may be a bit off-kilter ... to the “weekend warrior”
who pulled a hamstring playing football with his old college
buddies ... to the six-year-old who is now showering on
her own and needs extra support in the bath ... everyone
can benefit from universal design products. In fact, at
one time or another in our lives, almost all of us will
experience a temporary or permanent disability.
What Is Universal Design?
So, what exactly is universal design? And how do we go
about implementing it into our homes? According to the
experts, the definition of universal design is a home
that is user-friendly, regardless of a person’s
age or limitations -- creating an environment that is
safer, more functional and comfortable.
“The goal of universal design is to help people
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 Home 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 best universal designs
are those that blend seamlessly into the home and become
an integral part of the room and its décor.”
To achieve a stylish approach with universal design,
some manufacturers, such as Creative Specialties International,
are working tirelessly to create products with safety
features that fit into the overall style of the room.
New offerings include items which are both functional
and aesthetically pleasing.
And the best news? You don’t need to build a new
home to incorporate universal design features and products.
Many new products can be incorporated into an existing
home plan -- making it easier than ever before to begin
making your home a more comfortable place to live.
Where Should I Start?
While universal design elements can be implemented in
all areas of the home, the room that should receive first
priority is the bath. Slippery floors, bursts of scalding
water and cramped 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 just a few ADA-compliant products in
the bath can make the difference between an individual
taking care of themselves in their own home or having
to rely on others,” adds Grant.
While a minimal effort can result in maximum results,
many homeowners are reluctant to install universally designed
products for fear of their “clinical” look
with bulky 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 Home 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 where they grab their
soap or shampoo from, to even how they pick up the towel
when exiting. The information we gained was priceless
when we designed the new line of products.”
So, where should you start when creating a universally
designed bath? The main concern should be the bathtub
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 scalding increases for the disabled
or elderly, equip your home with a pressure-balanced shower
system. Its valve maintains an even water temperature
so shower users will not feel a hot or cold surge in water
(commonly referred to as “shower shock”).
Even when running a dishwasher or flushing a toilet, the
valve ensures that the water remains within two degrees
to keep the shower temperature consistent, comfortable
and safe.
ADA-Compliant Grab Bars
Grab bars give you something to grab onto when entering
and exiting the tub. In addition, they provide added stability
while you are in the shower. Once institutional in appearance,
they now come in a variety of stylish designs to fit any
bath décor, and some even match faucet 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 Home Care Dual Tub Grip from Creative Specialties
International features a sturdy, no-wobble design and
two different heights for grasping -- lending a wonderful
helping hand to stepping in and out of the tub. Designed
with 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 locking 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 while showering. Look for
a product with non-slip rubber feet, as this feature will
not only provide additional stability, but also 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 handheld shower you choose has a large dial
formed from a non-slip material to make it easy to hold
and use in a wet environment. A note of caution regarding
hand-held showers: many of today’s hand-held showers,
while 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 transfer 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 needs added security when entering
the tub. A transfer 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
move inside the tub by sliding across the bench. The product
allows for a safe, fluid motion into the shower.
Beyond the Bath
While the bathtub and shower area should receive top
priority, the rest of the bathroom should not be ignored
when 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 people
take for granted. However, for individuals afflicted with
arthritis, the required dexterity needed to handle this
task can make it extremely difficult. Fortunately, Creative
Specialties International recently introduced a Pivoting
Paper Holder (available in five different 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 excellent 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. When purchasing
an elevated toilet seat, look for products that offer
a locking mechanism for added stability -- as well as
those that can be easily removed for cleaning or when
company is visiting.
Faucets
A universally-designed bathroom should feature a faucet
with lever handles. This attribute makes 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 -- many
different finishes and styles will help create elegance
in the bath with dramatic designs while still being universal
in design.
Adding a Telephone
A final tip when incorporating universal design in your
bath is to install a telephone with a cord that is easily
reachable from the floor. If an accident occurs, rescue
help is only a phone call away.
Final Words of Advice
While the thought of incorporating universal design into
your entire home may seem overwhelming, it’s simple
to start with one room and work from there. By following
these recommendations, you will make your first step in
achieving a safe, comfortable environment -- all while
keeping a sense of style.
For more information on Creative Specialties International’s
Home 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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Courtesy of ARA Content
