Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors (2024)

Bathrooms pose significant risks for elderly individuals due to their hard, wet surfaces and slippery floors. The act of getting in and out of the tub or shower can also be hazardous for seniors. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the safety of seniors in the bathroom to reduce the risk of falls. Implementing safety measures in the bathroom is crucial to prevent accidents that could result in serious injuries. In this guide, we offer tips on how to create a safe environment in the bathroom for seniors, ultimately minimizing the chances of falls and injuries.

Making the Bathroom Safe for Seniors

Due to the potential hazards in bathrooms for seniors, it is essential to take proactive measures to enhance safety and minimize risks of accidents. Several strategies can be implemented to ensure a safe bathroom environment for seniors:

• Make the lighting brighter
• Install grab bars and safety rails
• Organize the items in drawers and closets
• Install a walk-in shower
• Make sure they are using a shower chair
• Put important items within easy reach
• Non-slip mats should always be used
• Raise the toilet
• Make sure it is easy to adjust water temperature
• Install a help button

How to Senior Proof a Bathroom

In the United States, falls among seniors are prevalent as statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that one in every four elderly individuals experiences a fall annually. It is essential to consider senior-proofing the bathroom for those living independently in order to minimize the risk of such incidents. Below are some key measures that can be taken to improve the safety of the bathroom:

Make the Lighting in the Bathroom Brighter

Installing proper lighting is extremely important to provide safety for elderly individuals as poor lighting increases the risk of falls. The lighting should be bright enough so that seniors can see what they are doing but not to be too bright for their eyes so that it makes it more difficult to see. Installing night lights also helps for safer late night trips to the bathroom.

Add Grab Bars and Safety Rails

If they are not in the bathroom already, make sure to install grab bars and safety rails near the toilet, bathtub, and shower. Grab bars should be installed on either side of the toilet to make it easier for your loved ones to lift themselves on and off. Shower safety rails will help them with balance when they step in and out of the shower. Whenever you install grab bars and safety rails, you should ensure that they are easy to reach, so your loved ones do not have to reach too far up or down.

Organize the Bathroom Space

All items that are in the bathroom such as toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, conditioner, and shower gel should be organized and items that are not used should be removed. If there are too many items on the counters, there is a chance that they will fall on the floor and force your loved one to bend down to pick them up. Seniors who have limited mobility or flexibility are more likely to fall when bending down to pick things up. Therefore, only items that are used every day should be kept in the bathroom.

Install Walk-In Showers with Handheld Shower Heads

Promoting safety during showering for elderly individuals helps prevent falls. Traditional bathtubs pose challenges for seniors due to the difficulty of stepping in and out. This is why it is recommended to replace bathtubs with walk-in showers, providing a more accessible option for individuals with limited mobility or those using a wheelchair or walker. Additionally, installing a handheld shower wand with various features can improve ease of use.

Adding a Shower Chair or a Transfer Bench

It is crucial to consider the safety of seniors who may struggle with standing and balancing, particularly on slippery surfaces. For this reason, it is recommended to use a shower chair or transfer bench within the tub or shower area. Shower chairs are made from waterproof plastic with a sturdy metal frame, making them durable and suitable for wet environments. Available in different sizes, they can easily be moved in and out of the shower as required. To further enhance safety, a non-slip mat can also be added to the shower floor.

Keep Items in the Bathroom Close

One of the best ways to improve safety in a bathroom for seniors is to keep important items within reach. These items should be kept between the waist and shoulder height if possible, so they do not have to bend or reach overhead. A shower caddy can be helpful for storing soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Towels can be stored on an over-the-toilet shelf and you can use plastic storage drawers on the counter instead of using under the counter storage.

Remove Throw Rugs and Use Non-Slip Mats

Bathroom rugs and bathmats can make a bathroom look nice, but they can be a tripping hazard for seniors. All mats used in the bathroom should have non-slip backing, that way they do not slide when stepped on.

Raise the Toilet

It can be very daunting for seniors to get on and off the toilet. One solution is to install a raised toilet seat that is about 17-18 inches higher than a standard toilet seat. Installing grab bars on either side can help seniors get on and off a raised toilet.

Water Temperature Test

Maintaining a safe water temperature in the bathroom is crucial for the well-being of seniors. Excessively hot water can increase blood flow to the skin, posing a risk to those with heart conditions. Conversely, water that is too cold can reduce blood flow and strain the heart. To prevent the danger of hot water injuries, it is recommended to set the hot water thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The ideal temperature for hot water from the faucet should be maintained between 97 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can also install an anti-scald pressure balancing valve. This is a device that is built into the shower handle regulates the water pressure from the hot and cold-water lines so that extreme temperature changes can be prevented.

Use a Medical Alert Button

A medical alert necklace provides the elderly with the ability to call for help in case of an emergency, offering peace of mind to both the individual and their family. These necklaces are available as part of in-home or mobile medical alert systems. In-home systems typically include a base station that connects to an emergency monitoring center either through a wall plug or cellular service. When the senior activates the button, a signal is sent to the monitoring center where operators are available 24/7 to assist and contact emergency services if necessary.

There are medical alert necklaces available that are voice-activated and even come with automatic fall detection so they can call emergency services even if the individual is unable to push the button.

Consider a New Living Solution

If frequent falls become a significant concern, it is imperative to explore alternative living arrangements such as assisted living facilities. Additionally, consulting with healthcare professionals to connect with an occupational therapist can assist in ordering durable medical equipment to prevent falls and enable seniors to remain independent in their own homes. Professional home care is another great option to ensure the safety of seniors who would rather continue to live at home.

Senior Home Care from Assisting Hands

The bathroom is one of the most hazardous areas of the home for seniors, which is why it is important to make modifications that improve the safety of the bathroom. If you are concerned about the safety of your loved ones while using the bathroom, talk to them about your concerns and what can be done to make the bathroom safer. Together with your loved ones, you can modify the bathroom in a way that best suits their specific needs.

Even after modifications are made, there is still a risk that your senior loved ones could experience a fall or injury. You can help ensure the safety of your loved ones as they use the bathroom, and throughout their home, with professional senior home care services. Our licensed caregivers provide complete in-home care that includes help with personal care activities as well as assistance with transportation, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. We can provide as much help as needed when it comes to bathing and toileting to ensure that your loved ones are safe while in the bathroom.

For more about our senior care services, call Assisting Hands Home Care at (954) 859-2271.

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