As adults age, they face an increased risk of injury in the bathroom — especially in the shower. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are a leading cause of injury and death for seniors.
To help protect older adults from slips and other dangers in the bathroom, homeowners should take extra steps to make their bathroom as safe as possible. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of shower safety for seniors and provide tips for safeguarding against accidents.
How Safe Is Your Shower?
As adults age, they face increasing risks for accidents in the home, particularly in the bathroom, where slippery surfaces are virtually everywhere. These types of dangers make it difficult for seniors to maintain their independence and age in place in their homes.
The most common injuries sustained in the shower are hip fractures and head injuries. These injuries can significantly limit mobility and impair daily activities — making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for older adults to live and function on their own.
To prevent these injuries, homeowners should consider making modifications to their bathrooms to provide added support and stability while showering. Following a few simple safety guidelines can help reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls that can cause serious injuries or worse.
Home Modifications for Shower Safety for Seniors
There are several modifications that homeowners can make to their bathrooms to improve shower safety. The options vary widely in cost, ease of installation, and effectiveness, so be sure to do some homework to determine the best solutions for your home situation.
Grab Bars
Grab bars are one of the most important modifications to consider, as they provide added support while entering and exiting the tub or shower. The most effective grab bars are typically made of slip-resistant metal (usually stainless steel or aluminum) and are strategically placed to provide maximum balance and maneuverability.
While there are numerous models available, the best grab bars are securely mounted to the shower wall and walls next to the shower entrance. You can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $150 to purchase and install a grab bar. We strongly recommend hiring a professional to ensure proper installation.
Benches
For added support while bathing, homeowners can install benches or chairs in the shower or tub. This allows older adults to shower comfortably and confidently, greatly reducing the chance of slipping or falling. Improved stability in the shower also ensures proper hygiene and reduces the amount of strain placed on the body.
Shower benches are typically made of a combination of plastic and aluminum, and cost anywhere from $30 to $100 for the most common models.
Non-Slip Surfaces
Non-slip mats or strips can also be installed on the floor of the shower or tub to reduce the risk of slipping. You can find numerous mat options on the market that cost anywhere from $10 to $40. You can also consider applying non-slip stickers or spray which reduce the chance of losing one’s balance.
Whichever option you choose, make sure that it is stable and secure when in use.
These modifications are not only beneficial for seniors but can also improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Additional Shower Safety Tips
Here are a few extra recommendations for making your shower as safe as possible for older adults.
• Use a handheld shower head to make it easier to reach all parts of the body while bathing.
• Set the water temperature to a safe level to prevent scalding.
• Always wear shower shoes or slippers in the bathroom to prevent slipping.
• Never leave loose rugs, towels, or other tripping hazards on the floor of any bathroom.
• Ensure that all surfaces in the bathroom are dry after use to reduce the risk of slipping on wet floors.
For more bathroom safety information check out our Bathroom Safety Checklist.
Find Help at Omicelo Health
Shower safety is essential for seniors who want to remain independent and safe in their homes. Homeowners should seriously consider taking the above steps to equip their bathrooms with effective non-slip features.
If you have questions about shopping for bathroom safety equipment, hiring installers, or finding financing options for home modifications, contact us at Omicelo Health. We guide homeowners and residents through the process of making their houses safer and more secure for adults aging in place.
