7 bathroom safety tips for seniors

Bathroom safety is critical for aging seniors. According to the CDC, over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury. Many of which can be largely attributed to bathroom accidents. If one is not careful, bathrooms can pose serious, and sometimes fatal, risks. 

Follow these tips for bathroom fall prevention:

1. Add grab bars

Bathroom grab bars can help an older person or those with physical limitations lift or lower themselves from the tub or toilet. Install these securely by anchoring them to the studs in your walls. 

2. Raise the toilet seat

For those experiencing mobility issues, a raised toilet seat can make it easier to use the bathroom. Raised seats with built-in arms provide additional leverage. 

3. Improve lighting

Many people need to use the bathroom throughout the night. Install nightlights in the bathroom and adjacent hallway to ensure seniors can see their way around.

4. Lower barriers

Replace traditional tubs with a walk-in shower or tub. Walk-in tubs allow users to enter the bath via a door, without having to lift their legs over a high threshold.

5. Use a chair

For those with balance or dizziness issues, a plastic chair with non-skid legs may be an appreciated addition to the shower. 

6. Prevent slips

No-slip bath mats and tub decals are a recommended safety tool for people of any age. But these become particularly important as we age and become less steady on our feet. 

7. Accommodate visiting seniors

If you have older relatives who visit regularly, consider purchasing toilet safety rails. Some systems screw into the wall, but portable models are available so you can fold and hide the rails away after a visit. 

Visit a home medical store to learn about other bathroom safety aids. Your local charity shops also may have donated equipment in stock. Or, look for home modification programs in your area.