Shower Trays and Mobility Issues

Shower trays and shower enclosures need to be modified if you have mobility difficulties.

Shower trays are pretty straightforward – you can buy the exact shower tray you need to fit the right space, be functional and fit your colour or design-scheme. But if you have mobility issues or are installing a shower for someone with mobility issues, your shower trays may need to be lifted to ease accessibility.

Shower Trays for Ease of Access

The elderly or disabled can have difficulty accessing bathrooms, and there are dangers taking baths and even taking showers. In fact, if you have a bath and no shower, or a shower over the bath, it's important to consider pulling out the bath completely and investing in a dedicated shower enclosure or even turning the room into a wet room. Those with accessibility issues will benefit from a simplified showering option – they shouldn't put themselves at risk. It's possible to install shower trays so that they create an even flat surface (rather than a dip or step-in from the shower enclosure) and this can help those who don't have good mobility.

Reduce the Risks of Slipping

Remember, bathrooms are filled with water, slippery surfaces and hard surfaces – it's important to make them easy to use and safe. You can buy shower trays that are designed to prevent slippage – something everyone should consider, but especially more so if there are mobility issues at stake too. As well as investing in suitable shower trays, consider non-slip tiles or even rubber-backed carpet or bathroom rugs to reduce the risk of slipping on water. Mirrors, shower doors or bath screens should have a shatterproof coating or should use thick, durable safety glass.

Other shower safety tips:

• Make sure all wet patches are mopped up to avoid slipping
• If your shower is sensitive to water use in other parts of your home – install a thermostatic shower to regulate the temperature and stop the risk of scalding
• Always use safety glass (or even durable plastic) for shower doors
• Consider levelling shower trays for ease of access
• Install grab rails to help you steady yourself if necessary
• Opt for slip-resistant shower trays
• Use mats outside your shower to catch any drips and to reduce slippage risks
• Consider buying shower cubicles with fitted chairs inside (these can fold to the wall for those that don't need the support)

Looking for Shower Trays? Speak to HeatandPlumb.com

HeatandPlumb.com is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of plumbing goods for homes and businesses. Offering a range of leading supplies for bathrooms, kitchens and businesses at fantastic prices, HeatandPlumb.com has a sales team with over 60 years of collective experience. If you need expert advice or to find out more about the range of showers, plumbing and heating accessories on offer from HeatandPlumb.com, just call 0871 272 22 22 or fill in our online enquiry form.