8 Ways to Improve Bathroom Safety for Seniors


Author: Brian Heckman

Damey and I, as well as our care team at Home Helpers, have experience helping seniors who have endured nasty falls and injurious accidents in their bathrooms.

According to the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA), “Our bodies change as we age, but often our homes do not. As a result, it can become harder or less safe to do things that used to be easy. For example, almost 80 percent of falls in the home occur in the bathroom, and according to the CDC, more than 200,000 seniors are treated in emergency rooms each year for bathroom-related injuries.”

Since January is Bath Safety Awareness Month, we wanted to share ways that bathrooms can be made safer for seniors and the elderly to prevent slips, falls, and ER visits. The ODA and KABB Law, an elder law and care firm south of Cleveland,  have specific suggestions for creating safer bathroom environments.

  • Add Grab Bars. Professionally installed, secure grab bars deliver reliable support inside and outside of showers and tubs, as well as next to commodes and sinks. Be careful with suction-style grab bars because they may not provide adequate support.
  • Use Non-Slip Mats and Rugs. Place a non-slip mat or appliques on the floors of showers and tubs to help prevent slipping. Also, non-slip rugs can be placed on the floor outside of the shower or tub to gain proper footing.
  • Change All Faucets to Lever Faucets. Twisting and turning faucet knobs can be challenging for seniors and the elderly. Lever and foot-controlled faucets are available for easier operation.
  • Install Hand-held Sprayers to Shower Heads.  A detachable, hand-held shower head makes bathing easier for seniors because it eliminates the need to stand while showering. Being able to sit and shower means more independence for the elderly.
  • Invest in Good Seats. Invest in a removable shower chair or have a shower chair or transfer bench professionally installed in the shower or tub. Additionally, a raised toilet seat can benefit seniors with ambulation difficulties or arthritic conditions.
  • Consider Curb-less Showers and Walk-in Tubs. If your senior loved one has a hard time lifting their legs, a curb-less shower is a great option. It allows seniors to walk into the shower without lifting their legs and can make the transition from a wheelchair to a shower seat simple and easy for seniors and their caregivers. Walk-in bathtubs are another popular option because they are so much easier to access than traditional tubs, and most have a built-in seat.
  • Organization Helps. To prevent the need to stretch to reach what you need while in the tub or shower, use a bath caddy to keep toiletries nearby at eye or shoulder level. It is also beneficial to keep frequently used items like toothbrushes, lotion, and other toiletries on a convenient shelf at eye level.
  • Keep it Clean. Keep necessary supplies in the bathroom for easy clean-ups. Water, lotion, oil, and powder on floors can all cause nasty slips and falls. Having basic cleaning supplies like a hand broom, mop, sponges, and cleansers close will help with quick and easy clean-ups. Also, remove wet and dry towels from floors so feet don’t get tangled in them, or they become tripping hazards.

Our Home Helpers® Canton, OH, professional caregivers deliver personal care, support, and assistance to seniors daily. If you are concerned about a senior loved one and their bathroom safety, Damey and I are happy to schedule a FREE consultation at your convenience to assess safety concerns, offer specific recommendations for making the home and bathroom environments safer, and determine ways a Home Helpers® caregiver can make life easier and provide you more peace of mind in 2025. 330.892.9329

Home Helpers® Canton, OH, is Veteran-owned and operated. We are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award, the Shooting Star Award (2011), and multiple Platinum awards for the superior level of care we provide. We are Certified Senior Advisors and members of the Home Care Association of America, Alzheimer’s Association, and the International Franchise Association. In addition, we were ranked in the Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019.

Home Helpers® Canton proudly serves male and female seniors in Stark County, Portage County, and portions of Summit County including the communities of Akron, Alliance, Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Massillon, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, and surrounding areas.

Source:

Ohio Department of Aging

KABB Law

Categories

© Copyright 2024 H. H. Franchising Systems, Inc, All Rights Reserved.