Bathrooms may be the most dangerous room in the home, but there are many modifications you can make to improve the safety of your bathroom, especially for older adults or those with physical challenges. Being able to age in place in your own home — while maintaining your independence and mobility — should be possible for most people.
Many low-cost solutions are available to add stability and accessibility to your bathroom. Check out our quick guide below for options when it comes to bathroom safety equipment.
Bathroom Safety Equipment to Prevent Slips & Falls
Slips and falls are the most common accident in the home for older adults, with 80% of falls happening in the bathroom. But these simple solutions can minimize slippery surfaces and increase a person’s stability in the bathroom:
Grab Bars
Towel racks and soap holders are not intended for grabbing and stabilizing a person in the bathroom. Instead, install grab bars anywhere in the bathroom where a person needs to hold on and steady their footing — in the bath or shower and next to the toilet and sink.
Grab bars come in a variety of lengths and sizes. We recommend installing grab bars that attach permanently to the wall (versus the suction cup variety) to provide maximum stability. If possible, have a professional install them for you.
Safety Rails
Getting in and out of the bathtub can be particularly risky, especially for anyone with balance issues. Safety rails can be secured to the edge of a bathtub for confident support stepping in or out. They’re easy to install, as well, with no tools required.
Nonslip Mats & Flooring
Tile, porcelain, and fiberglass can all become extremely slippery when wet — and used bathrooms are almost always wet. Thankfully, many varieties of nonslip flooring products are available, from nonslip linoleum to mats and peel-and-stick decals. These solutions are affordable and can be major accident preventers.
Bathroom Safety Equipment for Mobility
Aside from slipping, other bathroom features can pose safety hazards, as well, or can limit a person’s ability to be mobile and independent in their bathroom. Here are a few bathroom safety equipment features that assist a person with using their bathroom alone and maintaining full access to everything they need.
Raised Toilet Seats
You can find plenty of options for increasing the height of your toilet seat, making it easier and safer to sit down and stand up. More affordable options include raised seats that you can attach to your existing toilet, or you can spend a few extra dollars to install an accessible toilet.
Some raised toilet seats come with safety frames, which give a person something to hold onto when they’re sitting and standing. Many walkers are designed to assist a person with sitting on the toilet, too.
Shower Chairs & Benches
A person is far more stable sitting than standing, so make shower time as steady as possible by placing a nonslip chair or bench in the shower. Many models and sizes are available with or without adjustable heights and backs. Virtually all new models are made with plastic and metal materials that won’t rust or deteriorate.
Many companies also sell transfer benches, which are a great tool for making it easier to transfer in and out of a bathtub.
Hand-Held Shower Wands
The goal of bathroom safety equipment is to make bathing as easy as possible. An adjustable, removable shower wand gives the user a safe method for cleaning up and keeping complete control over their washing routine.
More Bathroom Safety Tips
Adding bathroom safety equipment should be an essential step to making your bathroom as safe as possible. You can also follow these tips below to add an extra level of safety for older adults or the physically challenged.
Make Reaching Easy
Reaching can cause strains or lead to slips that can cause injuries. Place shelves and cabinets within easy reach for whoever will be using the bathroom — especially for items such as medications, bandages, or commonly used ointments. This may require new features or hiring a professional to move shelves or cabinets for you.
Clear the Clutter
Wet floors are only one of the fall hazards in the bathroom; towels, rugs, and other items can cause a person to trip, as well. Remove any clutter or other potential tripping hazards from the bathroom, keeping it as clean and open as possible.
Good Lighting
A bright, well-lit bathroom is essential for allowing a person to be the safest and most stable in their bathroom. Many varieties of LED bulbs — including smart bulbs that turn on automatically when a person enters the room — provide sufficient, vivid light for maximum visibility.
Watch the Water Temperature
Be sure to check the temperature of the water in your water heater. Hot water for the bathroom should never be above 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49° C).
Get More Bathroom Safety Equipment Help from Omicelo Health
We’re here to help you and your family stay in your home with modifications that can make a house safe and accessible while ensuring that your older loved ones maintain their independence and can age in place.
Contact us today if you have any questions or would like some assistance in making your home safer.
