Bathroom Safety Checklist for Older Adults

Among older adults, falls are a leading cause of injuries, both fatal and non-fatal. Experts report that the bathroom is the most dangerous place for accidents: seniors experience more falls there than in any other room of the home.

In an effort to keep all seniors safe in their living spaces, The Cottages, a memory care facility with locations throughout Texas offer a few tips to help you conduct a bathroom safety audit of a family member’s home and identify any potential hazards.

·       Make sure the space outside the bathroom is well lit with nightlights and that the lights in the bathroom are easy to get to in the dark.

·       Pocket doors and doors that open outward make it easier to reach your loved one in an emergency.

·       A step-free shower lowers fall risk immensely. If that’s not possible, a tub transfer bench can be a great tool and gives your senior a place to sit if they are unstable on their feet.

·       Check the shower door: safety glass or plastic are the safest choices for materials in case your senior loved one falls against it.

·       Add non-skid mats in the shower to reduce the chances they will slip. Make sure to prevent slippery floors as well.

·       Check the doorknobs, shower handles, and faucets. Are they easy to operate with arthritis or decreased hand strength?

·       An adjustable shower head attachment can help a senior shower from a seated position and can prevent them from having to twist or stretch.

·       If your family member has difficulty getting up and down a raised toilet seat with side grab bars is inexpensive and can make things much more comfortable and safer.

·       Make sure there are strategically placed grab bars in the bathroom where they are needed. In the shower and near the toilet are useful to aid in balance.

Lastly, if your family member has challenges with balance or dizziness get them an emergency alert pendant so they can quickly call for help in case of a fall.