Safety with Style in the Bath

Safety with Style in the Bath (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 d