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.

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.

Elderly bathroom safety must be a number one priority whether your loved one is staying in their own home or living with you. In addition to the above, caregiver assistance in the bathroom can help decrease falls and injuries in the bathroom. To learn more about how our services can help, please visit our website at Greater Temecula Providing Caregivers | Griswold (griswoldcare.com), call/text 951-346-1352, or email nolan.chandler@griswoldhomecare.com.