Bring Safety to Your Home's Bathroom
As time goes on, aging at home is becoming more popular and preferred for the elderly population. Millions of older individuals fall every year, so seniors should keep various home safety concerns in mind as they decide to age in place. Now’s the perfect time to check off what safety products you do and don’t have on this list so you know what your next step should be!
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Grab Bar
Grab bars are one of the most popular bathroom safety features, enabling individuals to keep their balance when standing, sitting and maneuvering. One great thing about grab bars is that they can be installed on virtually any spot where you need assistance. You can have a grab bar in the tub, next to the toilet, near the shower or any other location that would benefit you. If you have an in-home caregiver, grab bars are especially helpful for them during patient transfer.
Shower Chair
Shower chairs, also called bath benches, are especially useful for those with limited mobility. Rather than risking it and potentially slipping or becoming fatigued in the shower, install a bench or chair into your shower. This way you have a secure area to rely on while you get cleaned up - plus, you’re decreasing your chances of slipping in the shower.
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Handheld Shower Head
Going along with the shower chair, the handheld shower head makes taking a seated shower even easier. By removing it from the mount and sitting on your bath bench, you can take a long and comfortable shower without worrying about getting weak from standing for too long.
Raised Toilet Seat
A common inconvenience many seniors face with age is the struggle of sitting on and standing up from a low toilet seat. With a raised toilet seat with arms, the distance you have to move is reduced by a few inches. While those few inches may not seem like much, they make a world of a difference for those with limited mobility. One great feature of raised toilet seats is that they clamp on for easy installation and can be removed with ease whenever needed.
Commode
A commode is a framed toilet seat with a removable bucket, making getting to the bathroom less of a hassle for those with mobility restrictions. It may be difficult for some older individuals to walk all the way to the bathroom in time depending on where the bathroom is located. To avoid potentially falling while you rush down the hall or stairs, you can keep the commode at your bedside for greater convenience and safety.
Toilet Seat Frame
If the toilet is where you find mobility to be most difficult, installing a safety frame may be even more helpful than a grab bar or raised seat. The width can be easily adjusted and the only installation necessary is for it to be bolted securely to the toilet. Now, when it’s time to sit down or stand up from the toilet, you have stable arms to use for support.
Bath Mat
Another great and cheap addition to improve bathroom safety is to add a bath mat to your tub. By suctioning securely to the tub’s surface, the anti-slip design keeps you safe while showering. With a bath mat, you decrease your chance of falling on the usual sleek and slippery tub surfaces by providing your feet with more grip and stability.
Other Safety Considerations:
- Clutter: Keep your floor free of clutter to reduce the risk of tripping over objects.
- Locks: Remove the locks on your bathroom doors so that, if an emergency did arise, help could get to you faster.
- High shelves: Take frequently used items down from high shelves so you don’t have to worry about reaching to get something every day.
- Water temperature: Double check what your water heater is set to. To avoid scalding accidents, keep the temperature at 120°.
- Lighting: It’s important to get rid of dim lighting and switch it out for a higher wattage bulb. This will help you see the area more clearly to avoid fall hazards, see if there’s water on the floor and more.
- Electrical appliances: Make sure you unplug any electrical appliances that you aren’t using and keep them away from water. This is a general safety rule but is often forgotten about and overlooked.
Now is the perfect time to improve the safety of your bathroom so you can continue happily aging at home. If you noticed some things on the list that you’re missing, take a look at our bathroom safety products to find just what you need. Feel free to give us a call at 920-432-7801 with any questions and to learn more about how we can satisfy your home equipment needs.
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Bathroom Safety FAQs
Why is the bathroom considered one of the most dangerous rooms in the home?
Bathrooms combine water, smooth surfaces, tight spaces, and hard fixtures, all of which increase the risk of slips and falls. As balance, strength, or mobility change, everyday bathroom tasks can become more hazardous without proper safety measures in place.
What should I check first to make my bathroom safer for aging in place?
Start with the biggest fall-risk areas, including grab bars, non-slip surfaces, good lighting, and clutter-free walkways. These improvements help make daily bathroom use safer and more manageable.
Where should grab bars be installed in the bathroom?
Grab bars are most commonly installed near the toilet, inside the shower or tub, and anywhere assistance is needed for standing, sitting, or maintaining balance. Placement should reflect your specific mobility needs.
Are grab bars difficult to install?
Grab bars can be installed in many bathroom locations and surfaces. There are both temporary and permanent options available, making it easier to find a solution that fits your home and safety needs.
Do I need a shower chair or bath bench?
Shower chairs and bath benches are helpful for individuals who have difficulty standing for long periods or who feel unsteady while bathing. Sitting during a shower reduces fatigue and lowers the risk of slipping.
Why is a handheld shower head important for bathroom safety?
A handheld shower head allows you to bathe while seated and reduces the need to reach, twist, or stand for long periods. It pairs well with shower chairs or benches for added comfort and safety.
How can I prevent slipping in the tub or shower?
Using non-slip bath mats or textured surfaces designed for wet areas can improve traction. Removing loose rugs or items that can shift or bunch up also helps reduce slip and fall risk.
What items should be removed to improve bathroom safety?
Reduce clutter by removing loose rugs, cords, and items left on the floor or tub edges. Keeping walkways clear helps lower the risk of tripping or losing balance.
How high should a toilet be for safer sitting and standing?
Toilets that are too low can make sitting and standing difficult. A raised toilet seat can reduce strain by decreasing the distance you need to move, improving comfort and safety.
Should I use a raised toilet seat or a toilet safety frame?
A raised toilet seat makes it easier to sit and stand, while a toilet safety frame provides stable arm support. The best option depends on your balance, strength, and comfort needs.
What is a commode and when is it helpful?
A commode is a portable toilet that can be placed near the bed or in another convenient location. It can help reduce rushing to the bathroom and lower fall risk, especially at night.
How does lighting affect bathroom safety?
Bright lighting helps you see wet floors, obstacles, and changes in surface levels. Replacing dim bulbs and improving overall lighting can significantly reduce the risk of falls.
Should bathroom doors have locks if someone is at risk of falling?
In some cases, removing locks can allow caregivers or family members to provide assistance more quickly during an emergency.
What water temperature is safest for seniors?
Setting the water heater around 120°F can help reduce the risk of scalding while still providing comfortable water temperatures for bathing.
Why should frequently used items be kept on lower shelves?
Storing everyday items within easy reach reduces the need to stretch, bend, or climb, which lowers the risk of losing balance or falling.
Are electrical appliances a safety concern in the bathroom?
Electrical appliances should be unplugged when not in use and kept away from water sources. This simple step helps reduce electrical and fall-related hazards.
Can Bellin Health Home Care Equipment help with bathroom safety?
Yes. The Bellin Health Home Care Equipment team can help identify bathroom safety concerns and recommend products that support independence, comfort, and aging in place.