Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors

Ensuring that the home is a safe place is important for seniors as they age. Family members want to feel secure in knowing that their loved one is able to move around safely and the risk for falls or other injuries is minimized. One room that can pose numerous concerns is the bathroom. However, there are many ways to help improve safety while allowing seniors to maintain some independence.

• Lay down non-skid mats. Rugs and towels can slide easily across the floor. Non-skid mats have a rubber gripping on the back that helps to keep them in place while also keeping water off of the floor. Place mats in front of the bathtub, shower, sink, or toilet. It can also be helpful to put a skid-proof shower mat inside the shower. The bathtub or shower floor can become slippery with water and soap, but a shower mat can improve stability.
• Place supplies within easy reach. Readjust where shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, towels, and other toiletries are located to reduce stretching and reaching. Having them within arm’s reach can allow seniors to better keep their balance.
• Install grab bars. If your loved one has some mobility or balance issues, consider installing grab bars near the shower and toilet. Towel racks and other fixtures are not meant to bear excess weight, but a grab bar is intended for just this purpose. The person can hold on while climbing in and out of the shower or getting on or off of the toilet, allowing them to steady themselves and reducing fall risk.
• Use a raised toilet seat. This reduces the distance between standing and sitting and can make it easier to transfer between the two positions.
• Install a transfer seat or place a shower chair in the shower or tub. A transfer seat allows your loved one to sit down and gently slide their legs over the side of the tub so that they do not have to try to step over to get in. In addition, a shower chair gives them the option of sitting so that they do not slip and fall while showering. This is beneficial for those who may have balance or mobility issues or tire easily.
• Plug in nightlights. Many seniors wake during the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Ensure that the path between their bedroom and the bathroom is well lit and that the bathroom has adequate lighting as well. Being able to see where they are going and what they are doing can reduce the risk of falling or having other injuries.

Taking the time to implement these simple fixes can improve the safety of your senior’s bathroom. It may also be necessary to provide assistance during certain activities to further ensure their safety and well-being. Periodically evaluating your loved one’s abilities can help guide additional steps for care and assistance.