According to the National Institutes for Health, people of all ages are susceptible to slipping and falling in the bathroom, while those between the ages of 40 and 60 are at the most risk.
And, according to the same organization, falls in the bathroom are more than twice as likely to result in serious injury as those that occur elsewhere in the home.
So, whether you’re simply safety-conscious or are dealing with a parent aging in place, here are some of the top suggestions for improving bathroom safety with an eye on mitigating fall risks.
1. Non-slip mats
This is arguably the most impactful change you can make to a bathroom if the goal is preventing slips and falls.
Swap out any rugs that are there and replace them with non-slip mats. Mats will dry fast and they also provide a better standing and walking surface that’s far less slippery than tile or porcelain.
2. Bathtub grips/mats
Non-slip mats are not just for the bathroom floor – you can get special shower mats, too, which reduce the risk of slipping and falling in the shower.
3. Invest in a raised toilet seat
Just like reaching, bending can result in a higher risk of slipping and falling. Toilets that are too low to the floor represent a special risk.
Getting up safely from a low toilet also requires more effort. There are highly affordable raised seats you can get that will help counteract this.
4. Reconfigure with eye level shelves
Again, reaching and straining are the precursors to a bad fall. Bending down can also be dangerous.
Rearranging the bathroom so that the shelves are at eye level is a much safer way to go, for all involved.
5. Add a small shower bench or chair
Adding a place to sit in the bathroom, that is comfortable, non-slip, and stable, can also help prevent falls.
Moreover, the right shower bench can also be placed in the shower and used as an impromptu “shelf” for soap, shampoo, and the like.
6. Install grab bars where necessary
Grab bars can help prevent slips and falls in the bathroom by increasing accessibility and providing assistance when getting up or in or out of the shower.
Don’t use substitutes for grab bars; they might not be able to handle the full weight of a person. Also, make sure to install them properly, as well as in sensible locations.
7. Invest in an elder shower chair
Installing an elder shower chair like a ShowerGlyde transfer bench will make it easier for users to get into and out of a shower, whether or not there is a toilet or vanity next to the tub.
These elder shower chairs can substantially improve not only user comfort, but also safety in the bathroom, specifically with an eye on preventing slips and falls while getting into or out of the shower.
8. Install a motion-activated night light
Not being able to see is just as likely to cause a slip or fall as are wet conditions. Install a passively-activated night light that will automatically come on when someone enters the bathroom, improving visibility and thereby accessibility at night.
9. Keep the bathroom clean
Clutter, like wet surfaces, is likely to cause slips and falls. Organize the bathroom so that toiletries are not likely to spill on the floor if knocked over. Also, if possible, and if funds permit, consider redoing the bathroom with a walk-in shower or tub.
10. Keep the bathroom dry
This one’s tough, because it requires the occupant to do a little extra work. Still, if possible, coach the user to keep the shower curtain/door closed or install weighted shower curtains that will help prevent splashing.
