7 Tips For A Safer Bathroom

Bathrooms are one of those places where we can enjoy our privacy at its best and relax. However, we often forget that it is also one of the most injury-prone places on the planet. Most of these injuries happen in the shower and near the toilet.

Although seniors are more prone to injuries near the toilet, young adults tend to have more shower-related accidents. But that’s not all. People can slip on mats, or slip on water-spilled areas or might trip because of poor lighting.

So to reduce your chances of having an accident in your own bathroom, we’ve made a list of the most insightful strategies to give you some heads up:

1. Don’t Let Water Accumulate on the Floor

Some people have a bad habit of leaving their bathroom floors wet after taking a bath or using the sink. This is especially dangerous if another person walks right in after it’s already been used where chances of slipping or even electrocution are very likely. To avoid this problem, keep floors dry by using a mop.

2. Install Grab Bars for Extra Support

Grab bars are an ideal solution for seniors who have trouble sitting, standing or getting in and out of the tub. Some people think that the towel racks that hang on the walls are enough, but they aren’t as they are not designed to hold the weight of a human.

Grab bars help seniors stay balanced and provide support as they sit or stand off the toilet or even enter/exit shower. What you should do is install the grab bars near toilets or bath entrances for extra safety. Grab bars are usually permanent fixes that are attached to the wall, but you can even buy bars with strong suction cups that affix to shower walls.

3. Ensure Bath Water Isn’t Scalding

Don’t take water for granted for it can lead to third-degree burns especially when it’s at a temperature of 133 degrees F. If you feel that the water you’re getting through your bathroom’s plumbing is hotter than usual, turn down the levels of your water heater. You should especially be extremely mindful of this especially if you have a baby or small child to attend to in the bathtub. We suggest getting a digital faucet or an anti-scald device that remembers your desired temperatures.

4. Give Your Bathroom Proper Lighting

A well-lit room is easier to navigate around, especially when it comes to the bathroom. It is especially easier to step in and out of the bathtub when you can clearly see where you’re going.

Think about getting a nightlight for when it turns dark. It makes it easier for you and everyone else in your family to find their way to the bathroom and the main light switch, even when one is groggy and not completely awake.

5. Turn Your Shower or Tub Into a Walk-in Tub

Turning your shower or tub into a walk-in is arguably one of the most beautiful upgrades to give your bathroom, especially for seniors. There are greater chances of falling and having an accident when stepping in or over the tub wall. But a walk-in tub removes that step.

And if no one in your family uses the tub for bathing, they should consider replacing it with a walk-in shower, which is easily accessible.

6. Ensure Medications Are Kept Out of Reach

If you have kids and there are medicine cabinets in your bathroom, be sure that the former is kept out of reach because at times they can get curious and try to take your medicines, especially when you’re not looking. Keep them out of sight and out of reach.

7. Add Non-slip Mats

Bathrooms tend to get slippery especially with shampoos, soaps and soap scum lying around. With such slippery floors, it’s easy for one to lose their balance and slip. For seniors who have trouble with balance and mobility, a simple slip can turn into a serious accident.

There are some tubs that have built-in non-slip surfaces, but not even those can get slippery. That’s why we recommend adding non-slip mats to tub and shower floors for extra safety.