As a Physical Therapist, my job often involves recommending adjustments and equipment for the bathroom. Adding simple features like a non-slip mat or a shower chair can make a significant difference in preventing falls. Surprisingly, a large percentage of falls among the elderly occur in the bathroom—up to 80%, according to the National Institute on Aging. To address this, let’s explore strategies to create the safest possible bathroom.
1. Lighted Pathway to and in the Bathroom:
- Illuminate the ground, especially at night, to prevent trips while walking to the bathroom.
- Use motion-activated lights or timers for convenience.
- Use rope lights attached to the baseboards for long hallways leading to the bathroom.
2. Low-Profile, Super Absorbent, and Non-Slip Bath Rug:
- Choose a bath rug with a non-slip back, low profile, and high absorbency.
- The Gorilla Grip Bath Rug with an extra absorbent microfiber mat is a good example that meets these basic requirements.
- Remove any rugs that slide and are too thick as they can be a tripping hazard.
- Place this rug close by if not right where you step out of the shower.
3. Horizontal Rail on Wall Next to Toilet:
- Install a horizontal handrail at a height that is easily reachable from the seated position.
- This allows a person to remain steady when both sitting down and standing up from the toilet.
4. Stand Alone Handles Surrounding Toilet or Toilet Seat Riser:
- Provides handles for additional support when getting on and off the toilet.
- A toilet seat riser with handles is ideal for toilets that are lower than standard height (17-19”).
- If toilet seat height is not an issue, stand alone toilet handles will suffice.
5. Walk-In Shower is Best. Small Threshold Step is Next Best:
- Aim for a walk-in shower to eliminate the need to step over a threshold.
- If not possible, choose the smallest threshold or lowest tub to minimize the height a person has to lift their legs. The higher the lift, the more a person has to stand on one leg – this is difficult for those who have balance issues.
6. Vertical Handle Located Chest Height at Threshold Shower Step:
- Install a vertical grab bar on the opposite wall across the shower head for stability when entering and exiting the shower.
- Make sure not to hang your towel on this grab bar as it should be free from anything loose hanging on it.
7. Diagonal Handle Located on Side Wall of Shower:
- Place a diagonal grab bar for stability during standing or repositioning when in the shower.
- This should be in reach slightly in front of your seated (if using shower chair) or standing as reaching behind for a grab bar is unsafe.
8. Shower Chair or Bench:
- Use a shower bench for tubs, allowing safe entry and exit as a person can lift their legs into the tub from a stable seated position.
- Opt for a shower chair if you have a small threshold or walk-in shower as a bench is not needed and would unnecessarily take up too much room.
9. Handheld Shower Head:
- Direct water flow precisely with a handheld shower head to reduce unnecessary body movements such as turning and rotating.
- This option is less suitable for individuals with restricted arm use and thus an overhead shower would be needed instead.
10. Towel Hook Within Reach from Shower Chair:
- Position a towel hook outside the shower within easy reach from a seated position if using a shower chair.
- Allows for initial drying off while in shower.
- Find a towel with a hood (shower cape)
11. Anti-Slip Shower Adhesive Strip Decals:
- Apply adhesive strips for a secure footing without the hassle of cleaning mats which get grimy and even slippery when not cleaned frequently enough.
- Ensures a firm footing in the shower.
12. Keep Bath Products (Soap, Shampoo) at Lower Levels to Avoid Excessive Bending:
- Arrange products within easy reach from a seated position to minimize unnecessary bending.
- Consider attaching soap dispensers within reach for ease of use.
These alterations may not be possible for all bathrooms. Regardless, try and implement as many of these strategies as possible to enhance bathroom safety. A safer bathroom significantly reduces the risk of falls, allowing you to enjoy life to the fullest. Thank you for reading!
Stay strong and keep moving!