How to Improve Bathroom Safety for Elderly

Updated June 1, 2022

Growing older brings with it increased concern for potential falls. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 3 million older adults each year suffer a fall that requires emergency room treatment. With hard and sometimes slippery surfaces like the shower, floors, toilet, and countertop, the bathroom can be an especially risky area for slips and falls. Whether you want to reduce the likelihood of a fall in your own bathroom or that of a loved one with limited mobility, we've compiled a list of recommendations to help improve bathroom safety for elderly adults.

Shower Assistance for Elderly Adults

• Grab Bars: A common addition, grab bars for showers offer added support when stepping in and out of the shower or tub. Depending on your needs, you can choose between suction cup grab bars, meant to help with balance and fall prevention, or permanent grab bars, screwed into wall studs to support a person's full weight.
• Tub Rails: Another way to improve shower safety, tub rails can be fitted securely to the wall of the tub to provide an additional point of support when entering and exiting the shower. Many models can also be adjusted up and down so they can be easily reached without leaning over.
• Shower Chairs: A great solution for those who have trouble standing, balancing, or who are concerned about slipping in the shower, shower chairs and stools let you sit comfortably as you bathe. All are waterproof, and many can be easily folded up for storage. Be sure to choose one that fits the dimensions of your shower and will sit level.
• Transfer Benches: A related item, tub transfer benches straddle the side of the bathtub, making it easy to enter and leave the tub. Just as with shower chairs, make sure to choose a bench which fits the dimensions of your tub and will support the weight of the individual who will use it.
• Shower Head: Traditional shower heads are fixed in place, forcing you to adjust your body position to wash everywhere you need to. Installing a handheld shower head with a flexible hose makes cleaning easier by allowing you to adjust the source of the water rather than your body.
• Bath Tub Mat: Add a non-slip shower mat or safety treads in your tub or shower to improve traction and stability as you stand or move in and out.
• Bath Refinishing: To achieve a similar non-slip surface as a mat, some companies offer a refinishing service to add a rougher texture to the floor of your tub or shower. Note, however that these coatings can sometimes be damaged by shower mats with suction cups, so we recommend choosing one or the other.
• Walk-in Shower: One of the best long-term elderly bathing solutions, a walk-in or no-step shower (also called a zero-entry shower or barrier-free shower) has no curb or sill between the shower and the bathroom floor, so there's nothing to step over when entering the shower. However, depending on the design and size, walk-in showers are often considered a luxury style, and they can be expensive. Walk-in bathtubs are also available; most of these tubs do have a curb that must be stepped over to enter, but it's much lower than a standard bathtub. Many tubs also have built-in seating, eliminating the need for a shower chair.

Toilet Assistance for Elderly Adults

• Raised Toilet Seat: For those with limited mobility or poor balance, sitting to use the toilet is often recommended. Adding a raised toilet seat can make it easier to sit and stand. If moving to and from the bathroom is a challenge, bedside commodes are an alternative to consider.
• Toilet Safety Frame: In addition to an elevated seat, a toilet safety frame can provide an extra source of stability when standing up or sitting down. Grab bars are a good option here as well.

Floor Modifications

• Rugs and Mats: Remove any throw rugs or mats that could shift or slip when stepped on. Add a non-slip mat outside the tub or shower if you have a tile floor or another surface that could become slick when wet.
• Clear the Area: Make sure the bathroom floor is clear of any potential obstacles. This should also apply to the path you or your loved one takes to the bathroom.

General Recommendations

• Sink/Faucets: Install lever faucets with clear hot and cold indicators. This style of faucet is easier to use for those with reduced hand strength.
• Water Temperature: Some water manufacturers set the water heater thermostat to 140°F by default, but the Department of Energy recommends reducing it to 120°F. This will help you save on your monthly bill and, more importantly, will reduce the risk of scalding.
• Alert System: Set up some form of alert system in the bathroom, whether it be a phone, a buzzer, or an alert pendant, so you or your loved one can signal for help in the event of an emergency.
• Nightlight: Add nightlights or other lighting inside the bathroom as well as along the path to the bathroom. Also consider making the main bathroom light motion-sensitive to avoid having to search for the switch.

Next Steps to Improve Bathroom Safety for Seniors

As you can see, there are many things you can do to improve bathroom safety for elderly adults and those with limited mobility. Start by doing small things like clearing obstacles and adding lighting, then work your way through the recommendations above based on your or your loved one's specific needs. We hope these tips help you create a safer space for everyone in the home. If you have any questions about the product or equipment mentioned, reach out to our customer service team and we'll be happy to assist you!

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Keep on Your Feet—Preventing Older Adult Falls." https://www.cdc.gov/. 24 May 2022.
• Commercial Bath Refinishing. "Non-Slip Bathtub Surfaces are an Important Safety Consideration." https://combath.com/. 24 May 2022.
• WebMD. "Mobility and Accessibility: Planning for Your Needs." https://www.webmd.com/. 24 May 2022.
• U.S. Department of Energy. "Do-It-Yourself Savings Project: Lower Water Heating Temperature." https://www.energy.gov/. 24 May 2022.