How to Improve Bathroom Safety

Whether your physical capabilities are changing due to age, illness, injury, or surgery recovery, bathroom safety should be a priority. Due to slick surfaces and the high risk of falling in and around the toilet, the bathroom is considered the most dangerous room in the house. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk of falls and make navigating the bathroom independently safer for either you or a loved one. Keep scrolling to learn what dangers to look for and the safety precautions you can implement.

Bathroom Safety Checklist for Seniors

Use this checklist when evaluating your bathroom space to ensure appropriate measures are taken to optimize safety. Click here to download and print this checklist for free.

Shower & Bathtub Safety

• ☐ Install secure grab bars (not towel racks or glass doors)

• ☐ Use a non-slip bath or shower mat or adhesive strips

• ☐ Consider a shower chair, stool, or built-in bench

• ☐ Install a handheld shower head

• ☐ Use long-handled bathing aids to avoid bending or twisting

• ☐ Keep toiletries in a reachable shower caddy or wall dispenser

• ☐ Dry off before stepping out of the tub or shower

Entering & Exiting the Tub or Shower

• ☐ Install a bathtub or shower rail for support

• ☐ Use a transfer bench if stepping over the tub wall is difficult

• ☐ Add a bath step if extra height is needed

• ☐ Ensure floors are dry and clear before exiting

Toilet Safety

• ☐ Install grab bars near the toilet

• ☐ Use a raised toilet seat if needed

• ☐ Add toilet safety rails for additional support

• ☐ Ensure toilet height allows safe sitting and standing

• ☐ Keep toilet paper and hygiene items within easy reach

Mobility & Access

• ☐ Keep walking aids (cane, walker) easily accessible

• ☐ Ensure clear, wide pathways to and within the bathroom

• ☐ Consider a bedside commode if reaching the toilet is difficult

• ☐ Use non-slip socks or footwear instead of loose slippers

Lighting & Visibility

• ☐ Install motion-sensor night lights along the path to the bathroom

• ☐ Use night lights inside the bathroom

• ☐ Install a toilet bowl light for nighttime use

• ☐ Make sure light switches are easy to reach and operate

• ☐ Replace burned-out bulbs promptly

Slip, Trip & Clutter Prevention

• ☐ Clean up water spills immediately

• ☐ Remove throw rugs or secure them with non-slip backing

• ☐ Store products to prevent spills and leaks

• ☐ Keep floors free of clutter, cords, and pet items

• ☐ Regularly clean floors to prevent mold or mildew buildup

Doors, Layout & Fixtures

• ☐ Replace glass shower doors with curtains if needed

• ☐ Ensure doors can open easily and do not block access if someone falls

• ☐ Verify thresholds are smooth and easy to step or roll over

• ☐ Use lever-style handles for easier operation

• ☐ Ensure sinks and vanities are not relied on for support

Water Temperature & Plumbing

• ☐ Test water temperature before use

• ☐ Use anti-scald devices or temperature gauges if sensation is reduced

• ☐ Keep drains clear to prevent standing water

Medical & Emergency Preparedness

• ☐ Keep a phone or emergency call button within reach

• ☐ Avoid locking the bathroom door if fall risk is high

• ☐ Be aware of medication side effects that may increase fall risk

• ☐ Protect wounds, casts, or surgical sites with waterproof covers

• ☐ Schedule assistance for bathing if needed

Renovations & Accessibility (If Needed)

• ☐ Consider a curbless or walk-in shower

• ☐ Install a built-in shower bench

• ☐ Widen doorways or bathroom layout for mobility aids

• ☐ Modify sink height and mirror placement for seated use

• ☐ Explore funding or assistance programs for home modifications

Care & Follow-Up

• ☐ Reassess bathroom safety regularly as needs change

• ☐ Consult a healthcare provider or occupational therapist if needed

• ☐ Ask for caregiver support during higher-risk activities

Dive deeper into why these checklist items are important and learn more ways to improve the safety and functionality of your bathroom throughout this article.

Shower & Bathtub Safety

The shower and bathtub are particularly high-traffic areas that can pose a health risk, regardless of one's state of health. They are an essential part of personal hygiene and are associated with wet slippery surfaces; thus, finding and implementing safety solutions is crucial.

Bathroom Safety Tips for Entering and Exiting the Tub

Traditional bathtub and shower combinations have a high edge to step over and clear every time you need to get in and out. This requires good single-leg balance and leg flexibility, and strength to consistently stay safe with this movement. Otherwise, you will find yourself unable to safely enter and exit. Being able to maneuver well is important for maintaining independence and confidence while keeping good personal hygiene. Here are some recommended solutions to help make getting in and out of the shower or tub easier.

Slips and Falls

For those with limited balance, mobility, and/or strength, showering while standing increases the risk of injuries. Slips and falls can occur unexpectedly with simple maneuvers while washing or fatigue upon standing, often resulting in serious injuries or even hospitalization. While the risk of slips and falls in the shower or bath is high, fortunately there are ways to help minimize the dangers.

Toilet Safety

Using the toilet becomes increasingly difficult with decreased energy, coordination, and strength, but performing this task is essential for maintaining independence and good hygiene at home. Some of the most difficult challenges faced in the bathroom involve getting on and off the toilet and actually getting to the restroom on time in a safe manner. Here are some things that can help.

Transferring On & Off the Toilet

Being able to get on and off the toilet safety is crucial for self-care. If you are unable to control your ascent and/or descent onto the toilet, you risk straining your body, falling off the toilet, or even getting stuck. Check out the recommendations below to make toilet transfers easier at home:

Sink & Vanity Optimization

Mobility Needs

Another big concern for toileting involves the process of actually getting to the bathroom due to limited mobility and/or urgency issues. If you're injured, recovering from surgery, or require assistance to get out of bed, set yourself up for success.

• Make sure you have a nearby walking aid close to your bed; like a walking cane or walker.
• Install a bed rail to help assist you out of bed
• Consider the use of a commode to eliminate distance to the toilet.
  
• Use incontinence pads in the bed, couch, or recliner. If you or your loved one is unable to get to the restroom in time, these will protect fabric surfaces that are difficult to clean; making an accident way less of a big deal. Diapers are also another option, but they're less discreet. 

Comfort

Using a toilet cushion adds comfort and support during toileting, making restroom use safer and more tolerable for individuals with limited mobility, sensitive joints, hemorrhoids, or those recovering from injury or surgery.

Other Common Bathroom Hazards

While the toilet and shower or tub are the most common places of injury, there are several other bathroom hazards you should take into consideration. Check out these commonly overlooked situations and evaluate your space to minimize risk.

Nighttime Visits

Nighttime bathroom visits create high-risk fall scenarios due to poor lighting, urgency, low blood pressure, and fatigue.

Poor Lighting

Being able to see where you are going is an essential part of safely getting around your home. Walking in dim or dark lighting significantly compromises balance. Adequate lighting (especially at night) is not only important in the bathroom but also along the route you take to get there. Here are some tips:

• Set your path up with motion sensor night lights that activate when you approach them or turn on when the lights are off. These can be easily plugged into wall outlets along the way.

• Use night lights in the bathroom as well.

• Install a toilet light to minimize the risk of falling when sitting down. These attach to the bowl and illuminate the toilet when motion is sensed. 

• Use long-lasting LED light bulbs in fixtures to reduce the number of burnt-out lights.

• Make sure light switches are easily accessible so that they can be turned on before entering the bathroom.

• Consider voice-activated or smart home lighting

Low Blood Pressure

Blood pressure naturally drops while sleeping, which can increase dizziness and falls. To reduce the risk of injury, stay properly hydrated, gradually exit the bed, and consider sleeping with your head slightly elevated. 

Fatigue

Limiting bathroom trips at night can significantly reduce the risk of a fall or injury. Try limiting liquids before bed, emptying your bladder fully (consider double voiding), and incorporating pelvic floor exercises to improve bladder strength.

Slippery Surfaces

Bathrooms are notorious for slippery surfaces due to slick tile floors, tub and shower surfaces. Built up water, mold, dirt, or product are typically the main culprits. To avoid slippery floors, try these tips:

• Clean up excess water immediately
• Use a shower caddy to hold soaps and shampoos to cut back on product leaking from bottles and onto the ground.
• Store hair care, lotion and other products away in cabinets or closets so they do not spill.
• Do not apply lotion or creams to the bottoms of your feet.
• Regularly mop floors to keep them free of dirt, mold, or mildew.
• Dry off before exiting the tub. Install a towel rack or hook inside the bathing area. Just make sure that it's not difficult to reach and that the rack cannot be accidently used for support or balance.
• Wearing non-slip socks rather than bulky slippers can give you better traction in your home.
• Install non slip strips or use a non slip mat on the shower or tub floor.

Tripping Hazards & Clutter

Removing tripping hazards is essential for decreasing fall risk. This means getting rid of risky items such as throw rugs and general clutter in addition to being extra aware of any pets you may have. Solutions include towel hooks for hanging things, purging unnecessary items around the home, and safely organizing items into bins, shelves, closets, and drawers.

Clean out medicine cabinets and organize daily medications into pill organizers to reduce bottles.

Towel Racks

Towel racks are a great way to reduce clutter in your bathroom. However, they can be a hazard when used for anything other than hanging or organization. They are not made to support weight, like a bathroom handle or rail. Remove any towel racks in areas of the bathroom that you are tempted to reach for. This will prevent unnecessary safety hazards from loss of balance or even a fall.

Doors

Opening and shutting doors can lead to loss of balance or cause injury. Take extra care with maneuvering doorways, especially with glass door panels that may break.

• Remove or replace shower glass doors with curtains to reduce the temptation to use these as a support.

  Additionally, doors that swing into the bathroom to open can be hazardous. If you or a loved one do fall, the person may unintentionally block the entrance into the bathroom. Making it nearly impossible for someone to get in to help.

• Solutions include installing doors that swing outward, removing certain doors completely or installing handles that are easier to use.

Water Temperature

If your skin sensation is compromised, you are at risk of burning yourself with hot water when using the sink or shower. Consider getting a temperature gauge or having someone assist you with water use.

Major Renovations

If minor additions or changes just aren’t enough or the issues you are having are more chronic, here are some bigger options for your home. Renovations can sometimes be funded by grants, volunteer programs, or insurance. Discuss your options with your family, a social worker, or other community members to determine the best possible option for you.

Location

Consider adjusting your home so that everything you need is on the first floor. This will minimize fatigue and allow you to avoid the use of stairs. This may involve adjusting or moving bedrooms, bathrooms, and a laundry room to the first floor.

Lifts

If you simply don’t have the strength, even with modification, to get on or off the toilet, in and out of bed, or in and out of the tub with bathing, you may need to have a lift installed. Lifts can be electric or mechanical and come in many sizes to accommodate different body types. There are both movable, versatile options and stationary options. Talk to a medical equipment specialist to choose what’s right for you. These are not recommended for independent use and will require the help of a caregiver.

Curbless Shower

A walk-in shower can minimize the energy and lower body flexibility needed to enter. You can choose to install a built-in shower bench with the shower; otherwise, you will probably still want a stand-alone shower or transfer bench.

Widening Spaces

Some homes are simply not designed with adaptive equipment in mind. Widening hallways, doorways, and room size may be necessary to accommodate any equipment you need for safe mobility and functioning at home.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Other options for increasing wheelchair accessibility include:

• Creating space underneath the vanity to roll up in a wheelchair
• Lowering counter height so that items can be safely reached and hygiene adequately completed
• Lower mirrors in accordance with the counter
• Walk-in/roll in bathtub/shower

Other Considerations

Bandages, Casts & Post-Op Wounds

When bathing or showering, be sure to protect any healing wounds, bandages, or surgical scars that you may have. Cast covers are reusable, act as a waterproof barrier to keep area dry, and allow you to keep up with your hygienic needs without compromising the integrity of bandages or casts. They will also help to prevent infection while protecting the covered area.

Existing Conditions

Cognitive Impairment

Existing conditions often cause cognitive impairment, making visits to the bathroom higher risk for injury, especially during the night. If your loved one suffers from Dementia, Parkinson’s, or post-stroke changes, it’s important to take further precautions for safe bathroom use. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• Confusion with unfamiliar layouts

• Difficulty interpreting visual cues

• Wandering or unsafe independent bathing

Medication Effects

Those with underlying health conditions are typically prescribed medications which introduce additional safety risks that should be considered. Any common medications can cause:

• Dizziness

• Lightheadedness

• Drowsiness

• Blurred vision

• Low blood pressure

• Delayed reaction time

All of which increase the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, some medications may also increase urinary urgency or frequency, leading individuals to rush to the bathroom. Making it all the more important to proactively adjust the bathroom environment and reduce the risk of injury.

Moving into a New Home

If renovations are just too big to take on, consider moving to a more manageable home. This might mean moving into a smaller home, one with larger or more equipped bathrooms, moving in with family, or going somewhere that provides assistance as you find you need it. Ultimately, choose the option that you are most comfortable and happy with while staying safe.

Getting a Caregiver

Whether it is a friend, family member, or hired care, if you’re struggling with home care and feel unsafe, consider asking for help. For higher risk activities, consider scheduling time to have someone available for showering and personal hygiene. They can also help you stay on top of your home’s cleanliness to reduce clutter and other fall risks. The person doesn’t necessarily have to be standing next to you and watch you shower the entire time (unless your doctor recommends it). Just make sure that someone is in the house and within vocal distance to assist you if you do fall. If someone will be home with you, you can also consider getting a wireless call button.

Dive into our caregiving resources to learn more about providing safe and effective home care.

Rehabilitation

If your risk for falling is due to health or medical changes, consult with your doctor about rehabilitation services such as physical and occupational therapy. Make endurance and strength your goals for rehabilitation so that you can perform showering/bathing tasks on your own with less fatigue.

Emergency Fall Response

What happens if a fall does occur in the bathroom? Implementing these tips and having a plan in place can make all the difference. Not all accidents are preventable, but being proactive about these safety precautions can significantly decrease the risk of unfavorable outcomes. For prompt and effective emergency fall response, remember these crucial steps:

• Include waterproof emergency buttons inside the bathroom or on persons

• Never lock bathroom doors; consider removing them altogether

• All doors should be outward swinging to avoid entrances being blocked

• Download and complete the Bathroom Safety Checklist provided

Remember, not all solutions fit every person. Individuals’ needs and abilities are different. When possible, consult a medical professional or occupational therapist.