Earlier this year, I moved into a new home, and I was looking forward to making it my own. There’s something exciting about a fresh start: arranging the furniture, finding your favourite spot to read, and slowly turning a house into somewhere that feels comfortable and familiar.
What I wasn’t expecting was how much my everyday routine would change after I began experiencing vertigo.
Vertigo is difficult to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it. It’s not simply feeling a little dizzy when you stand up too quickly. It can feel as though the room is spinning, the floor is moving, or your sense of balance has suddenly disappeared. Even when you’re standing still, you may feel unsteady or disoriented. Some days are manageable; other days, the uncertainty can make ordinary activities feel intimidating.
For me, the bathroom became one of the places where I felt especially vulnerable.
A bathtub can be deceptively challenging. The sides are high, the surfaces are slippery, and getting in or out often means shifting your weight while balancing on one leg. When you’re worried that the world might suddenly start spinning, something as ordinary as having a bath can become a source of anxiety.
I found myself thinking twice about things I’d never given a second thought to before. I wanted to feel independent in my own home, but I also wanted to be sensible about the risks.
One of my friends saw how much I was trying to adjust, because earlier this year she mailed me a Waverley Bath Board as a housewarming gift. It was such a thoughtful gesture. She knew I was learning to navigate this new challenge and wanted to give me something practical that could make my bathroom routine feel a little more manageable.
The board rests across the bathtub’s sills with two hand-adjustable ‘feet’ that you can slide and snug up against your inner tub walls helping to secure the board. Immediately, as a woman used to resting things precariously on ledges in my shower, the board was a welcome water friendly shelf to keep things like my shampoo, soap, or other products well within reach. I can organize what I need before I begin, rather than trying to reach across the tub when I’m already feeling unsteady.
Having a stable surface nearby can also give me a useful reference point when I’m moving carefully around the bath. I still take my time, pay attention to how I’m feeling, and recognize when I need extra help.
That distinction has become important to me. An accessibility aid doesn’t have to solve every challenge to make a difference. Sometimes, it’s about reducing unnecessary movements, making essentials easier to reach, and creating a home environment that works better for the person living in it.
I’m learning that independence isn’t about insisting on doing absolutely everything without assistance. It’s about finding sensible ways to keep doing the things that matter to you while recognizing where additional support is needed.
For anyone experiencing vertigo, reduced balance, joint stiffness, or other changes that come with age, I think it’s worth looking at the home with fresh eyes. The bathroom, in particular, deserves attention. Grab bars, non-slip surfaces, appropriate bathing equipment, and a well-planned layout can all be important parts of making it safer.
And if I’ve learned anything from this experience, it’s that we shouldn’t wait until we’re struggling to think about accessibility. Making small, thoughtful changes before we need them can help us feel more prepared for whatever life brings.
The Waverley Bath Board is a bath accessory, not a certified mobility or medical equipment device. If you are arranging bathing support for someone with limited mobility, consult a healthcare professional about the right equipment.
