Bathroom Safety for Elderly Adults

You probably think of the bathroom as a place to relax. You get privacy and you can soak in a relaxing bubble bath or solve the world’s problems during your hot shower. For seniors, though, the bathroom can actually be a dangerous place.

One in four adults over age 65 report falling at least once per year, and many of these falls happen in the slippery bathroom. Focusing on bathroom safety for seniors is crucial to keep your loved ones safe as they age and prevent the dreaded slip-and-falls.

Download Our FREE Path to Care Guide

Six Tips for Senior Bathroom Safety

1. Install grab bars and safety equipment. Grab bars in the shower are the first and easiest item that should be added to help your loved one stay safe and balanced while they bathe. You can also get a shower seat for ever more comfort and stability. Rails can be added around the toilet seat to assist with sitting and standing. You may also want to consider installing a tub with a door so your elderly loved one does not need to step over the side of the tub to enter the shower. 
2. Skidproof surfaces. Make sure you are using slip proof tub and shower mats and all the rugs in the bathroom have rubber backing. Secure rugs in place so they do not become their own slipping hazard. 
3. Ensure adequate lighting, especially at night. Having enough light, especially at night, is so important for elderly bathroom safety. Also make sure the path from the bedroom where your senior loved one sleeps to the bathroom is free of tripping hazards and has a night light so it can be safely navigated in the dark. 
4. Check bathroom access. You can’t ensure bathroom safety for your elderly loved one if you can’t get in. While we all want privacy in the bathroom, installing a door lock that can be unlocked from either side of the door makes sure that if your loved one does fall, you can assist them quickly and will not be locked out. 
5. Make sure the hot water heater is set to 120-degrees or lower. As our loved ones age, they may have a harder time sensing heat on their skin due to medical conditions, some medications, or neurological challenges. Because our skin gets thinner as we age, we have to be especially mindful that the water is not too hot. 
6. Consider hiring help to assist your loved one with hygiene. While many of us are willing to do a lot of things for our loved ones, assisting them in the bathroom is generally not at the top of the list. It can be awkward and embarrassing for both you and your loved one. Hiring someone to come in and help just for morning and evening hygiene activities can make that process easier and more comfortable for everyone. You will also have the relief and security of knowing your loved one is safe in the bathroom. 

Elderly bathroom safety must be a number one priority whether your loved one is staying in their own home or living with you. Many of the improvements you will make to your bathroom for your senior loved one are also beneficial to you and the rest of the family and are also relatively inexpensive. It also reduces the risk of accidents and enhances the all-important peace of mind. 

To learn about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.