Bathroom Safety for the Elderly: 11 Tips to Keep You or Your Loved Ones Safe
Hard surfaces, tight spaces, wet, slippery floors; add climbing in and out of the tub or shower to the list, and the bathroom can be a hazardous place for anyone — especially senior adults.
Here are our top tips for reducing the risk of falls and making the bathroom a safe place for yourself or the senior you love.
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How Can I Make A Bathroom Safe for Seniors?
There are many things that can be done to improve bathroom safety for elderly people, such as:
- Updating lighting
- Adding grab bars safety rails
- Getting organized
- Installing a walk-in shower
- Using a shower chair
- Keeping everything handy
- Using non-slip mats
- Raising the toilet
- Adjusting water temperature
- Using a help button
10 Tips for a Senior-Proof Bathroom
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-in-four elderly people fall each year.
That’s why it’s so important to provide safe spaces for seniors — and the bathroom is the perfect place to start.
Here are a few tips that are great for any home where a senior is living, but they’re especially helpful for a senior who is living alone.
At Senior Services of America, safety is a top priority. We offer a home-like environment that inspires residents to live to their full potential while providing a full range of senior living options to accommodate all levels of care.
#1: Update Lighting
One of the first steps to take to provide bathroom safety for elderly individuals is to install proper lighting.
Poor lighting in the bathroom increases the risk of falls.
Lighting should be bright enough for the person to see what they are doing, but not so bright that it dazzles their eyes — which could result in making them dizzy and throwing them off balance.
Night lights are also a wonderful option, both in the bathroom and on the path between the bathroom and bedroom.
#2: Add Grab Bars and Safety Rails
Safety rails and grab bars are must-haves when it comes to bathroom safety for elderly individuals.
Grab bars and safety rails are available for the toilet, bathtub, and shower.
Toilet grab bars are placed on either side of the toilet to provide assistance and support for getting on and off the toilet.
Shower safety rails and grab bars help seniors maintain their balance as they step in and out of the tub or shower.
Grab bars and safety rails should be installed, so they are easy to reach, and at a height that allows the individual to grab hold without having to reach too far up or down.
#3: De-clutter & Organize
Lotion, shampoo and conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste — while each of these things is considered necessary items, having too many can increase the risk of falls in the bathroom.
If showers and bathroom counters are always full of products, there’s a strong likelihood of something getting knocked to the floor — and when this happens, the individual has to bend over to pick it up.
But seniors frequently struggle with achy, stiff muscles and joints. Couple that with a decreased level of mobility that can make bending over difficult, and you have the perfect recipe for a fall.
De-cluttering and organizing the products throughout the bathroom, and keeping out only those items used daily, will be a helpful step in bathroom safety for elderly individuals.
#4: Install a Walk-In Shower & Hand-Held Shower Head
Having senior-friendly shower equipment is necessary in promoting shower safety for elderly individuals.
A bathtub can be difficult for anyone to navigate.
For older adults, stepping in and out of a bathtub is especially hazardous.
If possible, consider replacing an existing bathtub with a walk-in shower. Easy access showers are a perfect solution for people with limited mobility, and can even be edgeless to make it less challenging for a walker or wheelchair to roll in and out. Some models even come with a built-in corner chair.
Installing a flexible, handheld shower wand is also helpful, and some are specially made with settings and features that are easy for older users to navigate.
#5: Add a Shower Chair or Transfer Bench
Many senior adults have difficulty standing and balancing, especially on wet surfaces.
A simple solution is to use a shower chair or transfer bench in the tub or shower.
These waterproof, plastic chairs have a metal frame, come in a variety of sizes, and may be taken in and out of the tub or shower as needed. For extra safety, a non-slip mat can be added to the floor.
#6: Keep Items Within Easy Reach
A quick and easy way to improve bathroom safety for elderly people is to make sure that everything is handy and easily accessible.
Everything should be between waist and shoulder height if possible, so that no bending or overhead reaching is necessary.
Shower caddies are a helpful organizational tool for:
- Bottled soap
- Shampoo; and
- Conditioner
Bath towels can be stored on a short, over-the-toilet shelf, while plastic storage drawers can be placed on the counter as a solution to under-the-counter storage.
Some shower chairs also have safety features, such as seat belts, armrests, or a footrest.
#7: Use Non-Slip Mats & Ditch Throw Rugs
Bathroom rugs, bath mats, and toilet mats may help the bathroom feel warm and cozy when you get out of the shower — but they are a huge hazard for seniors.
Remove any mats that do not have a non-slip backing. Replace them with rubberized, non-slip floor mats that won’t slide when they’re stepped on.
All mats used in the bathroom should be as thin as possible, so they don’t interfere with senior’s ability to use a walker in the bathroom.
#8: Raise the Toilet
Getting on and off of the toilet can be tricky and scary for older adults.
One solution to this problem is to install a raised toilet seat. These seats are easy to install and cheaper than replacing a complete toilet.
Another option is to install an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) approved raised-height toilet.
ADA-approved toilets feature:
- A raised toilet seat
- Tool-free removable arms
- Added height: about 17-18 inches higher than a standard toilet
- Wider toilet seat
#9: Test the Water Temperature
Another factor that is often overlooked when determining how to make a bathroom safe for seniors is making sure the temperature of the water coming out of their faucets is set to a safe temperature.
If the water is too hot, it can cause an excessive flow of blood to the skin, which can lead to a strain on the cardiovascular system — a highly dangerous situation for older adults who suffer from heart conditions.
On the other hand, if the water is too cold, it can reduce blood flow to the skin, internal organs, and heart. This, too, could lead to heart strain.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), most injuries and deaths involving tap water burns occur among the elderly and children under age five.
One way to minimize the danger of hot water injury is by lowering the hot water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. The ideal temperature for hot water coming from the faucet is 97 to 98 degrees.
An anti-scald pressure-balancing valve can also be installed to provide an added layer of protection. This special device is built into the shower handle and regulates the water pressure from the hot and cold water lines to prevent sudden, extreme temperature changes.
#10: Make Sure Help Is “A Button Away”
A medical alert necklace is a wearable device that enables seniors to call for emergency help by simply pressing a button.
Not only does a help button make it easy to call for assistance, but it also provides an added measure of peace of mind for senior citizens.
Medical alert necklaces can be purchased as part of either in-home or on-the-go (mobile) medical alert systems. Home systems include a base station that plugs into the wall or uses cellular service to connect to a centralized emergency monitoring location.
When the button on the necklace is pushed, a signal is sent to the response center. Operators are available to assist 24/7 and help the individual decide if they need the help of a loved one — or if emergency services should be contacted.
Some medical alert necklaces are voice-activated and come with an automatic fall detector that can call for help even if the individual is unable to push the button.
When It Might Be Time to Consider a New Living Solution
If falls are a major concern or are happening frequently, contacting an assisted living community to discuss what’s going on may be beneficial.
They may be able to suggest helpful solutions such as independent living, an occupational therapist, or durable medical equipment to help prevent falls.
Or it may be possible that assisted living is the best next step for keeping yourself or a loved one safe.
Senior Services of America: Caring for Seniors by Providing a Safe Environment to Promote Independence
At Senior Services of America, we’re familiar with each step of the aging process — and we know the precautions to take to keep seniors safe.
From independent living to assisted living to memory care, we are proud to offer home-like communities that support senior adults’ physical, emotional, and social needs.
Our team of caring professionals empowers seniors to maintain their independence and continue living as normally as possible — while offering assistance when it is needed.
When you’re ready to learn more about our communities, we’re here to help you explore all the options — simply click the button below. Interested in learning more about our communities? Find your nearest community today.