The bathroom can be a dangerous place for the elderly as when there is water added to the mix, things can get slippery, leading to falls. There are countless potential dangers in the bathroom that you may not even think about, which is why we’ve compiled a list of 10 tips to improve bathroom safety to help the elderly stay safe. Whether you are a caregiver or a loved one, following these tips will give you some peace of mind to know that the bathroom is a safer place than it was before.
For seniors, bathroom safety is especially important, because, as you age, your balance and mobility is not as good as it was before, making it easier to slip and fall. The bathroom is one of the top places where elderly falls occur. By taking the time to research and implement these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of an accident and keep the bathroom a safe place.
1. Handlebars & Railings
Installing handlebars and railings in the bathroom, specifically in the shower and next to the toilet, provides seniors more stability and support. It makes getting up from the toilet as well as getting in and out of the shower or bathtub safer.
Follow the proper instructions to ensure that they are properly placed and mounted to the wall or hire somebody to do the installation.
2. Add Non-Slip Mats
Fabric rugs placed around the bathroom can get slippery, as they have no grip. Replace these matts with those that have non-slip bottoms. If you don’t want to fully swap out your rugs, you can secure them with a slip resistant tape/backing. Just apply the non-slip to the rug directly and on the floor to ensure it won’t slip and make you fall.
Not only are the rugs on the bathroom floor slippery, but the actual bathtub and shower floor are the most slippery parts of the bathroom. It’s important to avoid slipping, especially while showering or getting in and out of the bathtub/shower. Use non-slip matts or grips in the bathtub or shower floor to help prevent slipping. Ensure that these matts and grips don’t move around and are securely placed.
3. Improve Visibility
Having good lighting in the bathroom is essential to seeing potential hazards such as a wet floor or clothes on the ground. Having a brightly lit bathroom in the day and at night helps prevent accidents.
If there is not enough natural light, choosing bright energy efficient bulbs in strategic locations is key. Also installing nightlights in the bathroom and on the way there in the hallways helps provide visibility during the night when it’s dark. Adding a motion sensor into the mix will help reduce accidents.
4. Shower Chair
It is hard for most seniors to stand for an extended period of time, or moving around to shower or bathe can be challenging. A shower chair that has a non-slip seat and rubber non-slip feet, make showering easier and safer. Make sure that the chair stays in place and is sturdy in the shower/tub.
5. Bath or Transfer Bench
If you have a bathtub instead of a shower, it is difficult getting in and out, as you have to step over the edges, especially for somebody with mobility issues. A bath bench extends over the side of the bathtub, allowing you to sit and swing your legs across the tub, and then balance while standing back up.
6. Raised Toilet
Lower toilet seats use more effort to get up from. Seniors with mobility issues may see a lower toilet seat as trouble, compared to one that is higher. You can either get a raised toilet seat or add a toilet seat extender to your current toilet. Choosing these options will add 3-4 inches of height to your toilet seat.
7. Walk-In Tub or Stand-up Shower
Another way to make getting in and out of your bath easier, is to invest in a walk-in bath. These types of bathtubs can be easily installed by professionals specialising in bathroom remodeling in Roseville (or elsewhere) and have a door that you can open to walk in and out of the bath. This eliminates the need to step over the edge of the bath to get in and out, lessening the likelihood to slip and fall.
If you don’t need baths, opt for a stand-up shower, as they are easy to get in and out of. There is no need to climb or step over anything to get in and out the shower, which reduces the risk of slipping and falling.
8. Improve Accessibility
Make sure that all items one may need in the bathroom is easily accessible. Reaching up or bending down to grab things can be difficult for seniors who have mobility issues. Have all toiletries and necessities in arms reach at eye level.
9. Remove Clutter and Obstacles
Tripping is a big cause of falling. If there are obstacles everywhere or things on the floor, it is easy for a senior to trip and fall. Make a clear pathway in the bathroom and clear the floor of any dangers.
10. Regular Cleaning
Make sure to constantly check on the condition of the bathroom and clean it regularly. Things may have spilled, clothes may have accumulated on the floor, or things may have become loose or broken. Maintaining bathroom cleanliness and checking on damages help prevent accidents in the bathroom.
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