8 Ways to Make Bathrooms Safer for Seniors

Bathrooms are notoriously slippery and full of hard edges, making them especially dangerous for the elderly. According to a National Health Interview Survey, about 60% of senior falls occur in the home, and 13% of those happen in the bathroom. Since January is National Bath Safety Month, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to help seniors stay safe in the bathroom. Take a look through our general bathroom tips as well as the equipment we recommend to help make the bathroom a safer place.

General Bathroom Safety Tips

1. Keep the Bathroom Decluttered

Bathrooms often hold a lot of different supplies: shampoos, toothbrushes, cleaners, towels, hairdryers, and more. These spaces can easily become cluttered and cramped, increasing the odds of tripping or slipping. Keep the necessities close but out of the way with the help of cupboards, drawers, medicine cabinets, and shower caddies.

2. Keep the Path to the Bathroom Clear

Making trips to the bathroom is dangerous when the path to get there isn’t clear. Remove anything that happens to get in the way of the route to the bathroom. Remember, even just a discarded piece of clothing can become a tripping hazard.

3. Keep Necessities within Arm’s Reach

Falls tend to happen when bending down, twisting, or stretching. To lessen that risk, keep what you need comfortably within reaching distance.

Equipment to Improve Safety in the Bathroom

1.Grab Bars

Often, the elderly suffer from reduced strength, making it hard for them to pull themselves up. Installing grab bars in the bathroom can help give seniors the leverage they need to get back up. Additionally, these bars can add another layer of safety—if someone falls, they can grab the bar to prevent them from falling completely. Wall-mounted grab bars are the most secure choice since they’re attached to the wall on both sides. Consider adding a grab bar in the shower or around the toilet.

2. Detachable Showerheads

A detachable showerhead, also known as a handheld showerhead, helps minimize how much you have to move to get clean. These showerheads are also a great option if a senior uses a shower chair since they can use it while sitting.

3. Shower Chairs

Shower or bathtub chairs are one of the most common ways to improve bath safety for seniors. The elderly can simply sit on the chair while in the shower, which helps reduce their chance of falling. Shower chairs come in a variety of options to match your needs, including ones with wide seats, armrests, wheels, reclining capabilities, and more.

4. Non-Slip Bath Mats

Within the shower or bathtub itself, having a non-slip bath mat can keep your elderly loved one reduce their chances of slipping in the wet environment. Non-slip bath mats specifically give traction to prevent slips and falls. For even better safety, choose a non-slip bath mat that is mold- and mildew-resistant. When you install these, make sure they lie completely flat, so they don’t become a tripping hazard.

5. Walk-In Tubs or Showers

Walk-in tubs have a low entrance, so seniors don’t have to take a large step to get in or out of the tub. Many walk-in tubs and showers have a built-in seat and grab bars, giving several great safety features at once. Several brands of walk-in tubs also offer additional features like massage jets to help reduce muscle strains.

Enhance Bathroom Safety for the Elderly

Seniors, especially those living independently at home, need to have their bathroom be a safe place. With these tips, any senior and their loved ones can make improved bathroom safety a reality. At Visiting Angels of Southern Utah, we understand how important it is to prevent the elderly from falling, which is why we’ve created a Fall Prevention Program.

We help aging adults maintain their independence at home while reducing their risk of falling. For more information about preventing falls and improving safety, take a look at our Fall Prevention and Safe and Steady Fall Prevention brochures. For personalized senior care, contact Visiting Angels today!