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 the 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.

Shower & Bathtub Safety

The shower and bathtub are particularly high traffic areas that can pose a health risk, no matter the state of your health. They are an essential part of personal hygiene often associated with wet slippery surfaces, thus finding and implementing safety solutions is crucial.

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 who have limited balance, mobility and/or strength, showering while standing increases the risk of injuries. Slip 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 some things you can do 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 safely 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:

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.
• Tools like a wipe assists or bidet can aid in ensuring proper hygiene when it's difficult to balance, twist or turn.
• 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. 

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.

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 minimize the risk of falling when sitting down. These attach to the bowl and illuminate the toilet when motion is sensed. They're also helpful for males who still stand to use the restroom.
• Use long lasting LED light bulbs in fixtures to reduce the amount of burnt out lights.
• Make sure light switches are easily accessible so that they can be turned on before entering the bathroom.

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.

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.

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.

Optimizing Your Bathroom for Safety

When it comes to maintaining your safety at home, the range of options is pretty wide. Ultimately, find what fits your specific impairments, budget, and keeps you safe. It’s important to remember that not all accidents are preventable, unexpected medical episodes can happen with no warning. Heart attacks, stroke, changes in blood sugar levels, and respiratory distress can increase the risk of injury at any moment. However, you can significantly decrease your risk of health issues by taking necessary safety precautions.