Bathroom Safety for Seniors: 12 Ways to Reduce Fall Risk

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for older adults. Hard surfaces, water, and the need to get in and out of tubs and showers create a high risk of falls. According to the CDC, bathroom falls are especially likely to cause serious injuries like hip fractures.

The good news is that most bathroom falls are preventable. Here are 12 modifications that can make a bathroom significantly safer.

1. Install Grab Bars

Grab bars are the single most important bathroom safety improvement. Install them:

• ✓Next to the toilet, for help sitting and standing
• ✓Inside the shower or tub, at two heights for different needs
• ✓Just outside the shower or tub, for support when stepping in and out

Grab bars must be anchored to wall studs, not just drywall. A towel bar is not a grab bar and will not support a person's weight. If you cannot install grab bars into studs, there are floor-to-ceiling poles that provide similar support.

2. Use a Non-Slip Mat

Place a non-slip mat inside the tub or shower. Rubber mats with suction cups work well. Alternatively, apply non-slip adhesive strips or decals to the tub floor.

Also place a non-slip bath mat with a rubber backing on the floor outside the tub. Fabric mats without backing can slide and cause falls.

3. Add a Shower Chair

A shower chair lets your loved one sit while bathing, which is much safer than standing on a wet, slippery surface. Choose a chair with:

• ✓Non-slip rubber feet
• ✓A backrest for support
• ✓A weight capacity that fits your loved one
• ✓Adjustable height

A transfer bench is another option. It sits partially inside and partially outside the tub, so your loved one can sit down outside the tub and slide in.

4. Install a Handheld Showerhead

A handheld showerhead lets your loved one direct the water where needed while sitting. This makes bathing easier and more thorough. Look for one with a long hose and an easy-to-use on/off switch.

5. Raise the Toilet Seat

If your loved one has difficulty sitting or standing from the toilet, a raised toilet seat can help. These add 3 to 5 inches of height, reducing the effort needed. Some models include built-in armrests for extra support.

Alternatively, install a toilet safety frame that surrounds the toilet and provides armrests for pushing up.

6. Improve Lighting

Bathroom lighting is often too dim for older eyes, especially at night. Install brighter bulbs and add a night light that turns on automatically. Motion-sensor night lights are especially helpful because they come on without reaching for a switch.

7. Remove Loose Rugs

Loose bathroom rugs are a common tripping and slipping hazard. Remove them or replace them with rugs that have thick rubber backing that grips the floor.

8. Keep the Floor Dry

Wipe up water on the floor immediately. If the shower tends to splash, use a shower curtain that reaches below the tub edge, or a shower door that seals properly. A bath mat outside the tub absorbs drips when stepping out.

9. Consider a Walk-In Shower or Tub

If stepping over the tub edge is difficult, consider replacing the bathtub with a walk-in shower. This is a larger investment but eliminates one of the biggest bathroom fall risks. Walk-in tubs are another option, though they require sitting while the tub fills and drains, which some people find uncomfortable.

10. Adjust Water Temperature

Set the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent scalding. Older adults may have reduced sensation and may not realize water is too hot until a burn has occurred. Anti-scald devices for showerheads and faucets are inexpensive and provide an extra layer of protection.

11. Keep Essentials Within Reach

Store soap, shampoo, towels, and other essentials at waist or shoulder height. Reaching up or bending down to retrieve items can cause loss of balance. A shower caddy or shelf inside the shower keeps everything accessible from a seated position.

12. Add a Medical Alert Device

Even with all these modifications, a fall can still happen. A waterproof medical alert device worn in the bathroom ensures your loved one can call for help if they fall and cannot get up. Many devices are designed to be worn in the shower.

When to Get Help With Bathing

If your loved one has significant difficulty with bathing, or if bathing has become a source of conflict, a caregiver can help. Our caregivers are trained in dignified personal care, including bathing and hygiene. They help at a pace that respects your loved one's comfort and modesty.

For more on this topic, see our article on helping an aging parent with personal hygiene.

Getting Started

You do not need to make all 12 changes at once. Start with grab bars and a non-slip mat, which provide the most protection for the least cost. Then add a shower chair and handheld showerhead. Work through the list as time and budget allow.

If you would like help assessing your loved one's bathroom safety or arranging in-home care, Healthy at Home offers a free care assessment.