The bathroom is often the first place you might discover you need a little help.
It’s also a need you probably don’t want to discuss with friends or family.
But, when it comes to your safety at home, you should focus on your bathroom setup. Make sure even the slightest chance of falling is eliminated.
In research conducted by the CDC, if you are between the ages of 65 and 85, you have double the risk of getting an injury in the bathroom than the average Joe. After age 85, you are more than likely than not to have an injury in the bathroom.
But, there are many steps you can take to improve your safety in the bathroom.
I hope you find these guides helpful. If you have any questions about what you read, please leave a comment at the end of the guide.
Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS
Look for a safe bath or shower mat that securely sticks to the tub surface, has a textured surface to reduce slipping, drains well, fits your tub or shower, and is antibacterial and machine washable for easy cleaning. Even better, choose a mat that also is BPA-free! Avoid soft, fabric mats and any bathroom rugs.
Bedside commodes are portable toilets that you can move where needed in your home. The best bedside commodes are adjustable to fit the user, easy to clean, easy to move, and durable.
The right shower head can make showering easier and safer. The best shower heads for the elderly have long hoses that don’t kink up, easy to operate switches and buttons on the head itself, variable spray patterns, and are also lightweight.
Shower chairs, aka bath seats or shower seats, are important products for reducing falls in the tub and shower because they give you a place to sit while showering. Look for a shower chair with a back and arms for support, adjustable height legs, and that dries quickly. Here are the best shower chairs based on my experience.
Bathtub lifts, aka bath lifts, tub lifts, or bath lift chairs, are battery-powered devices that lower you into your tub and raise you out again. The best bath lifts for seniors are rustproof, with floating hand controls, safety lockouts, suction cupped feet for stability, and transfer flaps.
Shower transfer benches, aka shower benches and tub transfer benches, help you get in and out of the tub easier because you don’t have to step over the tub wall. Instead, you sit on the bench outside the tub, then scoot or slide into the shower area. The best bath transfer benches have sliding bath seats with arms and backrests for support and safety.
There are lots of shower options for the disabled and elderly who need bathing help. Bed baths and shower chairs can help without remodeling. But, sometimes, renovating an existing bathroom is necessary.
Before buying this type of equipment, think about what your needs are. Are you having trouble using the toilet? Are showers becoming more difficult? Do you miss taking a bath? Are arthritis and weakness affecting your ability to care for yourself? You should discuss your needs and choices with your doctor too.
It’s not a secret: the bathroom can be a dangerous place for seniors. Here are some important bathroom accessories for seniors to make the bathroom a safer place.
The bathroom is a dangerous place for elders – especially the shower. Use these shower safety tips to make the shower a safer place to keep your independence – and privacy!
Look for shower shoes that have lightweight materials, non-slip but flexible soles, fit snugly, and drain easily. Stay away from items that are made of fabric or foam, fit loosely, or are overly expensive.
Tall toilets have seats that are 16″ to 20″ from the floor to help elderly people get off the toilet easier. Before buying a new toilet, know how much space you have, how tall you need it to be, what style of bowl you prefer, the flushing system needed, and what your price range is.
Some easier and cheaper options to replacing a toilet are using elevated toilet seats, installing a riser under your existing toilet, using a toilet safety frame, putting a commode chair over the toilet, or even using a powered toilet lift.
Seniors may not want to bathe often because of a fear for falling or even embarrassment over needing help. Here are some practical tips to learn why they may not want to bathe and ways to encourage them too.
