A Safer Space: The Senior’s Handbook for Home Safety in the Bathroom
Some practical tips to make sure you're safe at home
When it comes to falls, the bathroom can be as treacherous as the kitchen, maybe even more so. Just imagine a slippery, wet floor combined with hard surfaces, all in a tight space. It's no wonder the bathroom often tops the list of accident-prone areas for seniors. In fact, according to the National Institute on Aging, 80% of falls in the home happen in the bathroom. That’s a staggering statistic, but the good news is that these accidents are often preventable with just a few safety upgrades.
Let’s continue our mission to make every room in the house a safer place, focusing today on practical tips to transform the bathroom from a danger zone into a secure, comfortable space. If you missed the previous article about safety in the kitchen, you can read it here.
Be sure to read until the end, because we’ve got a special surprise offer that will help you make your entire home safer! We want to make sure you have all the tools you need to keep yourself or your loved ones safe and sound.
Why is the Bathroom So Dangerous for Seniors?
The bathroom combines several factors that can be risky for older adults. Wet floors, high edges on tubs, small spaces, and the need for balance all make this room particularly hazardous. For seniors with mobility or balance issues, a slippery surface can lead to a fall in the blink of an eye.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! Just like we did with the kitchen, we can take proactive steps to minimize these risks. A few thoughtful changes in the bathroom can go a long way toward preventing falls and maintaining independence.
1. Grab Bars: A Must for Support
We mentioned grab bars in our last article on kitchen safety, but in the bathroom, they’re a non-negotiable. Bathrooms are the one place in your home where you’re most likely to need support while moving in and out of the tub, shower, or even standing up from the toilet.
How to Make It Happen:
Install grab bars near the shower, tub, and toilet. Make sure they are mounted securely into wall studs, not just anchored into the drywall.
Consider adjustable-height grab bars if multiple family members use the bathroom—everyone can get the support they need at the right height.
Pro Tip: Stainless steel or brushed nickel grab bars can blend in with your decor while giving you peace of mind.
2. Non-Slip Solutions: Rugs and Mats Matter
One of the most dangerous surfaces in the bathroom is a slippery, wet floor. Add soap, shampoo, or water into the mix, and you have the perfect recipe for a fall.
How to Make It Happen:
Place non-slip mats in the shower or tub. These textured mats provide grip and reduce the risk of slipping when water is involved.
Choose non-slip bathroom rugs for the floor. Look for rubber-backed options that won’t shift underfoot, especially when wet.
Pro Tip: Steer clear of decorative rugs that might look cozy but slide around. The last thing you need is a rug that sends you skidding across the floor.
3. Shower Chairs and Benches: Sit Back and Relax Safely
Standing for long periods in the shower can be tiring, especially for seniors. Adding a shower chair or bench allows you to sit while washing, minimizing the risk of losing balance or becoming fatigued.
How to Make It Happen:
Choose a sturdy, slip-resistant chair designed specifically for bathroom use.
Look for chairs with rubber-tipped feet for extra stability.
Pro Tip: Pair your shower chair with a handheld showerhead so you can easily rinse off without having to stand up or reach awkwardly.
4. Toilet Modifications: Make Life Easier on Your Joints
Lowering yourself onto or getting up from a low toilet can feel like a workout for your knees and hips. Installing a raised toilet seat can reduce strain and make this daily task much easier.
How to Make It Happen:
Install a raised toilet seat or add a seat riser that fits your current toilet.
Add side grab bars next to the toilet for extra support when sitting or standing.
Pro Tip: Raised seats can be found in different heights, so choose one that works best for your mobility needs.
5. Better Lighting: Let There Be Light!
We can’t stress enough how important good lighting is in every room, but in the bathroom, it’s particularly vital. A well-lit bathroom helps you see hazards like water puddles or small objects that could cause a trip or fall.
How to Make It Happen:
Upgrade to brighter, energy-efficient bulbs that provide clear lighting without glare.
Install nightlights along the bathroom’s pathway and in the bathroom itself for those midnight trips. Motion-sensor lights are an excellent option, so you don’t have to fumble in the dark.
Pro Tip: If your vision isn’t what it used to be, consider higher-wattage bulbs or LED lighting, which brightens the space while being gentle on the eyes.
6. Shower Doors vs. Shower Curtains: Which is Safer?
Glass shower doors may look sleek, but they can be difficult to manage for seniors, especially if the door track collects water and soap residue, becoming slippery. A simple shower curtain is often a safer and more flexible option.
How to Make It Happen:
Use a tension rod to install a shower curtain that can easily be pulled aside without the risk of slipping.
Choose a curtain with a weighted bottom to prevent it from clinging to your legs or letting water spill onto the floor.
Pro Tip: Avoid flimsy shower rods that can easily come loose—invest in a sturdy, well-made one for added stability.
7. Easy-to-Use Faucets and Shower Controls
Traditional round faucets or shower knobs can be hard to grip, especially if you have arthritis or limited hand strength. Lever-style faucets are easier to manage and can prevent you from struggling just to turn the water on or off.
How to Make It Happen:
Swap out twist knobs for lever handles that require less force to use.
Consider thermostatic faucets to prevent scalding. These maintain a consistent water temperature, so you won’t get surprised by a burst of hot water.
Pro Tip: Hands-free faucets are also an option if you want to make turning on the water as simple as possible.
Bonus Tip: Consider a Walk-In Tub or Curbless Shower
For seniors who find stepping over the high edge of a traditional bathtub too difficult or risky, walk-in tubs or curbless showers offer a safer alternative. These modifications can significantly reduce the risk of tripping while entering or exiting the shower.
Pro Tip: Walk-in tubs come with built-in seats, grab bars, and even non-slip surfaces, making them an excellent long-term investment in your safety.
Special Offer: Download Our Home Safety Checklist
To help you take your home safety efforts even further, we’ve created a room-by-room safety checklist that you can download and print. This checklist will guide you through making sure every part of your home is as safe as possible. Right now, we’re offering this checklist for free, but we want to know if you find value in materials like this. If you do, we invite you to pay what you want as a way of supporting more resources like this in the future.
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