Bathroom Safety for Elderly Loved Ones

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in the home for elderly loved ones. Seniors are up to 80 percent more likely to fall in the bathroom than anywhere else. Fortunately, there are many products on the market to make it safer for seniors to use the restroom.

Grab bars, especially around the tub and commode, can help seniors stay stable as they move in/out of the tub or toilet. They also provide a place for your loved one to anchor themselves in case they fall, helping them get back up and avoid injury.

Proper lighting and door placement can also contribute to a safer bathroom environment. Often, poor lighting can cause a glare that could blind seniors and lead to a fall.

Convenient shelving or dispensers are a great way to reduce clutter and ensure your loved one can easily reach their soap, shampoo, and other items. These can be mounted to the wall and can be refilled by your loved one or their caregiver.

Bath mats and rugs are another important safety upgrade. They help prevent seniors from slipping while showering or tripping on the side of the bathtub as they exit.

Remove scatter rugs that can be easily stepped on and replaced with non-slip mats, which will make the bathroom safer for your loved one to use. They can be placed in the shower to help soak up any water dripping, or outside the bathtub on the floor for your senior to stand on as they exit the tub. Personal Alarms