A slippery tub edge, a low toilet, or a wet tile floor can create a serious fall risk. Bathrooms are a common place for falls at home. Simple changes can improve bathroom safety for seniors, and many are affordable and easy to install.
Grab Bars: The One Non-Negotiable
Grab bars are a practical part of bathroom safety for seniors and provide extra support during everyday tasks. Install one beside the toilet at a height that lets a senior push up from a seated position. Add another inside the shower or tub where the senior can reach it while stepping over the threshold.
Skip suction-cup grab bars because they can come loose under pressure. Secure grab bars to wall studs or use properly rated toggle bolts.
Flooring, Mats, and Toilet Adjustments
Wet floors can increase the risk of falls, so the right mats are also important for bathroom safety for seniors.
Use a non-slip mat with suction cups inside the shower or tub and check the grip before each use. Outside the shower, use an absorbent mat with a rubber backing to keep it from sliding. Remove loose throw rugs from the bathroom entrance, as they can create a tripping hazard. A non-slip mat is a safer choice.
A raised toilet seat with side arms can provide extra support for seniors with knee or hip problems. Most models cost $30 to $75 and attach without permanent changes to the toilet.
Lighting, Handles, and Small Upgrades
Bathrooms often have some of the poorest lighting in the house, so better lighting is a good place to start.
A motion-activated nightlight can improve visibility after dark. Brighter, warmer LED bulbs can also help if the current lighting leaves the room dim. Lever-style doorknobs and faucet handles are easier to use with a forearm, elbow, or closed fist when hands are wet or affected by arthritis.
A shower bench can also help seniors who have trouble standing safely for a full shower. Aluminum models typically cost $60 to $120.
Bigger Modifications Worth Considering
For older adults planning to stay in their home long-term, a walk-in shower may be worth considering. Replacing a tub with a curbless shower and built-in seat can cost several thousand dollars, but it can make bathing safer and easier for seniors with mobility concerns.
A comfort-height toilet, which is taller than a standard toilet, is another useful upgrade. Most plumbers can install one in a couple of hours.
For a more complete approach to bathroom safety for seniors, a professional assessment can also help. An occupational therapist can walk through the room and point out potential hazards or accessibility concerns that may be easy to miss.
Let Us Help Make Homes Safer for Seniors
Bathroom safety for seniors is one of those projects that can easily get pushed aside. Make a few changes before a fall happens. A weekend of simple updates can make the bathroom safer and easier to use long-term.
Senior Helpers The Wasatch Mountain works with families across Ogden, Layton, Kaysville, Farmington, Syracuse, and Morgan on home safety, in-home care, and daily support that keeps seniors independent at home. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home senior care services.