WALK-IN SHOWERS FOR THE ELDERLY
Another year older, another year wiser! Nevertheless, as we get older, we might not be as agile as we once were. Consequently, it’s important to be more careful when performing routine tasks such as going to the toilet and taking showers. However, this doesn’t mean that we have to lose our independence, but that a few adjustments have to be made.
If you need to take extra care in the shower to avoid slipping or falling, GROHE’s walk-in showers for the elderly are the answer. GROHE’s collection of showerheads, thermostatic shower mixers, and shower systems are practical as well as being stylish and modern. They are designed to put the ease, comfort, and independence back into showering. Mix and match to create your ideal walk-in shower for seniors.
WHAT IS A WALK-IN SHOWER?
Walk-in showers are the cutting edge of modern bathroom design. Promoting a more open-plan style of bathroom, a walk-in shower is a fresh, contemporary and luxurious addition to the home. It is a stylish yet unobtrusive addition to the bathroom. Plus, it has a door-free design, so it doesn’t impact on other bathroom fittings.
WHY IS A WALK-IN SHOWER FOR THE ELDERLY A GOOD IDEA?
Walk-in showers are very popular amongst those with mobility difficulties. Whilst some walk-in showers have a curb to step over, many of them are designed without and are recommended for those who are not steady on their feet. Furthermore, a curbless shower can also be used in conjunction with a wheelchair. A great characteristic of walk-in showers is that they don’t have doors or curtains, which could be a potential hazard. With these obstacles removed, it eliminates the challenges posed when getting in and out of the shower.
Another major advantage is that these showers are easy to clean. Since it’s made of glass, there are no metal pieces that need to be constantly cleaned. Additionally, there are fewer areas and corners where water, dirt and grime can gather so there is no need to bend down to scrub the shower clean.
Due to the extra spacious showering area, it’s also possible to attach a fold down seat – just one more reason why a walk-in shower for the elderly is a great idea. When creating a walk-in shower, you can decide which points are the most important to you and incorporate them accordingly.
GROHE’S INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR WALK-IN SHOWERS
At GROHE, we’ve incorporated lots of useful technology into our fixtures so you can easily design the perfect walk-in shower for seniors, with their safety in mind. Our shower systems are also extremely user friendly, so they’re easy to get the hang of. No overly complex controls, just straightforward, quality functionality.
DESIGNED FOR SAFETY & COMFORT
We recommend thermostat fittings to ensure you and your loved ones can shower in comfort and safety. We’ve fitted our shower systems with GROHE TurboStat® technology which ensures that the water temperature stays consistent at all times. A sudden change in water temperature during a nice relaxing shower is not just unpleasant, it’s even more important to avoid the risk of scalding. To this end, the technology recognises when the cold-water flow is interrupted, and the thermostats are programmed to stop the water flow straight away.
The SafeStop button also makes sure that the water temperature never rises about 38°C if you accidentally brush against the controls and turn them too high, for example.
Another helpful technology we offer is GROHE CoolTouch®, which coats any exposed metal such as pipes and the hand shower and guarantees that they stay cool, so you don’t burn yourself while hot water is flowing through them.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE ELDERLY
First, consider building a niche in the wall that shampoo and soap can be stored in when designing a walk-in shower for seniors. This prevents the user from having to bend down to pick up what they need off the floor, which could cause them to slip. Installing handrails in the shower is also highly recommended as a precaution in the event of a slip or fall.
MORE INSPIRATION AND SOLUTIONS FROM GROHE
These are just some examples of how GROHE puts the customer first to make sure all generations are catered for. Perhaps you’re now inspired to install a walk-in shower for the elderly, but are in need of ideas for the entire bathroom. Take a look at our bathrooms for the elderly section so you can get ideas for the entire room including single-lever taps featuring GROHE SilkMove® technology, high spout taps, and thermostats with Grohtherm Micro technology, providing temperature protection.
For even more peace of mind, check out our other inspiring accessories such as bath grips, making you feel safer when manoeuvring around the bathroom.