Ensuring Bathroom Safety for Seniors

Bathrooms are well-known for posing hazards to seniors. With already slippery tiles that become even slicker when wet, bathrooms are high-risk areas for falls and other injuries. While it’s fairly straightforward to increase bathroom safety, you have to know where to focus, and that’s where Next Day Access can help.

Why Bathroom Safety is a Top Priority for Seniors

Bathrooms are extremely functional, but they’re not always designed for safety. Most bathrooms are composed of hard surfaces that turn into skating rinks when wet, metal attachments with sharp edges, and tight spaces that restrict movement. These conditions are especially dangerous for older adults with mobility challenges — according to the CDC, falls are the #1 cause of injury for adults 65 and older.

However, it’s easy to install bathroom safety products for seniors that help reduce the risk of injury and make the bathroom a safer place to be. Here are five simple tips for improving bathroom safety for seniors:

Tip 1: Install Grab Bars and Safety Poles for Stability

Grab bars and safety poles can dramatically improve bathroom safety for seniors. A grab bar can play different roles, but it’s most commonly used as a toilet safety rail to help users sit down and stand up more easily. By contrast, a safety pole is typically used to aid in getting in and out of bathtubs. Together, grab bars and safety poles can provide support and stability, making bathroom navigation much safer.

Tip 2: Upgrade the Tub and Shower Area

Since the bathtub/shower area gets the wettest, it can often be the most hazardous. Thankfully, there are many ways you can modify this area for safety. Here’s a closer look at some common tub and shower modifications:

• Walk-in tubs eliminate the need to step over a high tub wall.
• Tub-to-shower conversions allow you to trade your existing tub for an accessible shower.
• Shower seats provide extra stability and safety when showering.
• Portable showers can be beneficial for seniors who use wheelchairs or other mobility equipment.

Tip 3: Consider Non-Slip Surfaces

Installing slip-resistant flooring is another way to enhance bathroom safety for seniors. In some cases, having a bathroom mat or two might suffice. For seniors with more pronounced mobility challenges, it can be better to fully replace tile flooring with non-slip materials.

Tip 4: Improve Lighting

Bathroom lighting needs to hit a sweet spot. Lighting that’s too dim can obscure a user’s vision, but lighting that’s too bright can overwhelm and also create vision problems and even dizziness. Opt for balanced lighting, and consider utilizing nightlights and/or motion-activated lights.

Tip 5: Hire a Professional Installer

Installing bathroom modifications for maximum security and user safety can be challenging, which is why hiring a professional installer is so helpful. A pro team will not only install modifications but also help you understand how to properly use them.

Get Expert Advice on Bathroom Safety for Seniors

Your bathroom should be a place of comfort and security, not risk. Our high-quality bathroom safety products for seniors can help. We’ll connect you with the right products for your needs and install each one to give you the peace of mind you deserve. Find a Next Day Access location near you or contact us today to get started!