How to Improve the Safety and Accessibility of Your Bathroom
According to the National Institute on Aging, 80% of falls among the senior population happen in the bathroom due to slippery floors and surfaces. However, there are a few simple and easy ways to modify and adjust the bathroom to prevent falls and injuries. Below are key considerations and tips to effectively and practically optimize a safe bathroom environment to promote successful aging in place.
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Non-Slip Mats
One of the most effective ways to prevent falls in the bathroom is by installing non-slip mats. Non-slip mats provide extra grip on wet surfaces reducing the risk of accidents. Non-slip mats can be placed on both the inside and outside of the tub/shower area to provide maximum support. There are several options and things to consider when using non-slip mats.
Bathroom Floor Mats: Make sure that your favorite floor mats have a rubber, non-slip back. Otherwise, they will slide around under your feet when you step on them, increasing your fall risk. If your mast are slippery, you can either purchase a mat like this that has a non-slip surface built in, or you can purchase a non-slip liner to place underneath your favorite mat if you prefer the style of the one you have.
Shower Floor Mats: When selecting a shower floor mat, be aware that not all shower mats stick to all floor surfaces. Some may work well with tile, but not be compatible with acrylic showers. This is especially true for the suction cup type floor mats. You may have to so some trial and error to find a good fit. I have had good luck with these loofah style mats and with gorilla grip mats in most all shower types. If you don’t like to use a shower mat, you can also use grip strips to stick to the shower floor. These make the floor less slippery and can reduce the fall risk. Grip strips have come a long way from the rubber ducky stickers you had a child. They come in sleek lines in white and clear so they can blend in better with your environment.
Shower Chair or Bench
For seniors with mobility and balance issues, standing for an extended period in the shower can be challenging and risky. A shower chair or bench provides a stable seating option, allowing seniors to shower comfortably and safely. My go-to favorite shower chair is the Carex Shower Chair (pictured here). This chair has a deeper seat for better stability and the plastic legs allow for easy adjustment of height without creating rust over time, as with models with metal legs. If you like your shower chair to have some armrests or handles, I also like the Drive Medical Shower Chair.
Most shower chairs are compatible with standard showers and baths, however some older bathtubs are too narrow to fit a shower chair. If you or your loved ones have specific needs for mobility and safety, please consider requesting a referral for an occupational therapy home assessment to help find the shower chair that will best meet your needs.
Raised Toilet Seat
The transition from sitting to standing can be a challenge for seniors. Low toilet seats can be especially difficult for seniors with arthritis or other mobility issues. Installing a raised toilet seat can make this task much easier, decreasing pain and strain on the knee joints, while improving safety. Consider choosing a seat with sturdy handles for additional support. I prefer to use models that bolt to the toilet commode for improved safety and stability. Risers that simply sit on top of the commode with a simple clamp tend to tip and are not as stable. This Carex Toilet Seat Riser (pictured here) is my go-to model for toilet seat risers. Be sure to check if your toilet is round in shape or elongated, before purchasing a riser.
Grab Bars
Grab bars are an essential safety feature in any senior friendly bathroom. Grab bars provide support and stability for multiple purposes within the bathroom including entering or exiting the bathtub or shower as well as when using the toilet.
Towel Racks and Toilet Paper Holders are NOT Grab Bars! If you find that you or your loved one are using toilet paper holders or towel racks for balance or help with standing up, this is a good indicator that you would benefit from a grab bar. These accessories are not anchored into the wall in a way that can safely support your weight. You can consider installing a grab bar near these locations for added support, or you can consider using grab bars that also serve dual purposes to hold your towel, toiletries or toilet paper. The world of grab bars has come a very long way. There are many options available to give you added support, without making your bathroom look like a medical facility. Some of my favorites:
Grab bars should be installed securely onto the walls using anchors or studs to ensure they can bear weight reliably. Seek a professional to help with measuring and installation. An occupational therapist can also assist with choosing the correct type of grab bar, as well as the best orientation and placement in your space.
Adequate Lighting
Poor lighting can increase the risk of falls, especially for seniors with vision problems. Ensure that the bathroom is well lit near the shower, bathtub, and toilet area. Consider installing motion-activated night lights to illuminate the bathroom during nighttime trips, reducing the risk of accidents in the dark.
Clear Clutter
Keep the bathroom free from clutter that pose tripping hazards. This can ensure your bathroom is set up for fall prevention and successful aging in place. Remove unnecessary items from the floor, such as bathmats or laundry baskets, and ensure that towels and toiletries are stored in easy-to-reach locations.
By implementing these simple modifications, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the bathroom for seniors. Creating a safe and accessible bathroom not only enhances the senior's independence and quality of life but also provides peace of mind for their loved ones. Remember, a few small changes can make a big difference in ensuring that the bathroom remains a safe and comforting place for seniors. For more information, please see our other blog posts:
If you are a caregiver who provides assistance for getting in and out of bed as well as other self-care tasks, also feel free to check out out caregiver resources below including our publication, “A Therapist’s Guide to Caregiving”, and our caregiver training video courses.
References: https://aging.com/falls-fact-sheet/
*This blog was written in collaboration with Jamie Hunt, OTS with Pfeiffer University Masters of Occupational Therapy Program
A Therapist’s Guide to Caregiving
The book includes 170 pages of full-color, step-by step instructions, to provide you with all the skills you need to provide safe, thorough, and compassionate care at home.
This is your comprehensive guide to giving you with the skills you need to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to family members, friends or clients in the home. This course includes 6 hours of instructional video covering client basic adaptive equipment, functional mobility, lifting techniques, transfers, self-care skills, bed level care, use of client lifts and transfer devices, and managing falls. Click "Preview Caregiver Course" below to preview the lessons and descriptions.
