Handicap bathroom needs for a senior citizen

I'm a pro at handicap bathroom needs for a senior citizen as 1) I have a senior citizen living with me and 2) I have a multitude of bathrooms. I've been my 94 year old Mom's caregiver for 5 years now so I've faced, succumbed to, and, upon occasion, triumphed over her various changing needs in respect to a handicap bathroom.

In this Squidoo lens, I will try to give you an honest assessment of items which work and some that don't. There are honestly some items on the market that I just think create more hazards in a handicap bathroom than the original equipment. Read on for my take on these such items.

I just bought this bathtub transfer bench for my Mom as she can no longer step into or out of the tub. I love that she can sit on it and just scoot over. Works like a charm.

I normally wouldn't recommend a portable safety handle (I had permanent ones installed when my elderly Mom came to live with me) but this adjustable height clamp on tub safety handle got excellent reviews on Amazon.com. Reviewers mentioned that it is incredibly sturdy and a favorite feature is the ability to vary the height depending on need.

Adjustable Height Clamp on Tub RailCHECK PRICE

I know it sounds strange that I get excited about a toilet seat riser but it's the little things that count around here.

One of the negatives of toilet seat risers is that sh*t happens and it happens to make a mess every once in a while. I use disposable Clorox sheets to clean the toilet seat riser daily but the Scrubbing Bubbles disposable toilet cleaners for cleaning the bottom of the riser. I really like the disposable part and the handle releases the cleaner without you having to touch it. Very nice invention

I would never ever purchase a bathroom safety bar that was attached with suction cups and don't think they should even be on the market. I don't care how much I'm assured that they're safe, I much prefer to have a permanent installation of a bathroom safety bar. Bathroom safety is just too important to mess with suction cups.

The below bathroom safety handles are all ones that must be permanently attached. When purchasing one, make sure that your senior's hand is able to grasp the diameter - I have thinner bars as Mom has carpel tunnel in both hands and can't grasp large objects. These bars also come in different lengths so make sure you have room if you're purchasing a longer one.

I even have these bathroom safety bars attached to the wall of my hallway where my Mom transfers from her walker to her step climbing chair.

Keep some of these personal hygiene items on hand

As Mom aged, it became more difficult to get her into the shower so we took to doing bed baths every day. The disposable washcloths below can be heated in the microwave, and were, by far, the best ones I ever found. I even keep a pack on the boat for freshening up after a dip in the bay.

Comfort Bath Value Size! Personal Cleansing, Ultra-Thick Disposable WashclothsCHECK PRICE

No-Rinse Body Bath for freshening up between baths or showersCHECK PRICE

No-Rinse ShampooCHECK PRICE

No Rinse Shampoo CapCHECK PRICE

I found a few interesting articles while researching for this handicap bathroom article. The best are deserving of a click and a read below.

I really like when I feel like my lenses are helpful and I feel that way now. Please leave me comments or ideas on how to strengthen this lens. And, give you favorite senior citizen a special hug - tell him or her "Lori said hi."