What Makes The Bathroom Dangerous (And How to Lower the Risk)

Of all the rooms in a home, the bathroom presents its own unique set of dangers, and I don't just mean the random smelly odor. As we age, previously innocent parts of our homes become challenges. The bathroom holds the worst culprits, thanks to limited space and slippery surfaces. If you have an aging loved home living alone, it may be time to consider making modifications to their bathroom to help support their independence and safety.

Install Grab Bars

Falls are the number one cause of injury for seniors and these falls usually happen in the bathroom. Grab bars can mitigate fall risk when:

• entering or exiting the shower

• standing from the toilet

• walking on potentially slippery floors

Structures like towel racks become dangerous when they are used in place of a grab bar. Towel racks are not made to support the weight of a human. Grab bars are specifically created to support body weight and need to be secured into wall studs.

Upgrade to a Walk-in Shower

Mom or Dad probably thought that big bathtub was a major selling point when they first purchased their home. Unfortunately, bathtubs should be avoided by seniors. Stepping over the sides of a tub can lead to falls, and once seated, it can be difficult to stand up again. Grab bars can help with tubs, but the best modification is to upgrade to a walk-in shower.

Walk-in showers feature a barrier-free design, allowing for a seamless transition from the floor to the shower area. These showers can also be equipped with built-in or foldable benches to allow seated showering. They are also designed with textured specially-coated tiles to prevent slips.

Switch to a Comfort Height Toilet with a Safety Frame

When it comes to toilets, older adults are more likely to fall while sitting on or standing up from them. A comfort height toilet is typically 17 to 19 inches tall, while a standard toilet is 14 to 16 inches. Those few additional inches help those with mobility or joint issues safely sit.

A safety frame is another important toilet modification. A safety frame is a supportive device placed around a toilet that provides arm rests for balance and ease when standing and sitting. This modification can lower the risk of falls of those with joint, mobility or balance issues.

Where to Begin?

While this short list might seem like a lot to change, it's really only a small fraction of the available modifications that can support an older adult's independence. Not to mention, we're only touching on the bathroom. There's an entire world outside that room, full of risks and dangers of its own.

If your loved one is aging in place at home, you may be feeling overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. Seniors Fix can help. We are licensed to perform accessibility upgrades, including ramps, stairlifts, grab bars, and tub conversions. To book your free call to learn more, please reach out with our contact form.