SIMPLE SOLUTIONS: - The Hartford

Mobility and Balance Solutions1718Install decorative grab bars that candouble as towel bars at key locationsin the bathroom, including adjacentto the toilet and within the tub orshower space. A grab bar providesgreater support for unsteady individualswho may reach for a towel bar tosteady themselves. ($38 - $82)Suppliers: DYL, HOM, LOW, WMTIf wall-mounted grab bars are difficultto install, buy an adjustable safety railthat clamps onto the edge of anybathtub to provide a steady hand-holdwhen getting into or rising from thetub. ($7 - $70) Suppliers: DYL, HOM,HMT, ILA, KMA, LOW, MAX, SAM,TAY, WDS202122Lay tape that is textured and/or “glowsin the dark” in a contrasting color atthe threshold of the shower to markthe potential safety hazard of a raisedthreshold. The tape’s abrasive surfacealso enhances safety on a wet surface.($10 - $132) Suppliers: NSP, MMMInstall a wall-mounted, extendingmagnifying mirror near the vanity toallow a person to sit while shaving,applying makeup, inserting contactsor performing other personalgrooming tasks. Portable, lightedmagnifying mirrors are also convenient.($9 - $150) Suppliers: BRK, DRL,HAM, HMT, ILA, LSS, MAX, QVC,SAM, SOL, SPLMaintain traction and balance whenwalking on ice and snow using stretchbands with grippers that slip overyour shoes or boots. ($17 - $20)Suppliers: QVC, SOL19Install a barrier-free walk-in bathtuband shower. These fiberglass tubslook like standard bathtubs, but comeequipped with a water-tight door foreasy walk-in access. ($3,610 and up,without installation) Suppliers: BAT,HOM, LOW19