Select Page
The bathroom is the high-risk area of our home, because of the hard and slippery surface. Especially for children’s and elderly, there is always a risk of falling or slipping. Follow safety tips for bathroom mentioned below to decrease the risk of bathroom injuries.
Slipping and falling in the bathroom is not limited to people with mobility issues or running kids. It can happen to anyone if your bathroom lacks the proper safety and design. The good thing is it is very simple to minimize such accidents in the bathroom by simple steps. Most accidents happen in the bathroom because of slippery surface or rugs.

Apart from that if the bathroom is small and overcrowded can also increase the chance of injuries. From little changes to major renovations mentioned below, you can make your bathroom much safer for every occupant of the house.

What are the common causes of injuries in the bathroom?

Slippery bathtub or shower floor

Most of the injuries happen in the bathroom because of the slipping or falling. Have you noticed how slippery is bathtub or even shower floor is after having the bath? All that use soap and shampoo makes it slippery and increase the risk of slipping.

This is especially dangerous of kid, elderly or individuals with the mobility issue. Without any safety measures and with slippery surface there is always the risk of falling for anyone.

For elders, the risk of falling increases because of lack of balance or coordination. With kids its mostly because they are always in hurry.

Lack of Safety measures

Often when we enter or exit from the bathtub, we need something to hold for support and balance. Grab bars are the easy and simple solution for this.

People often use towel bars which is not advisable because they are not sturdy and do not have the strength to hold the body weight. Instead of that Install grab bars which are stronger and designed for this purpose.

Installing grab bars and rails in the shower and bathtub makes it safer especially for the elderly. Buy quality grab bars with better grip surface bars and can be fixed to the studs of the wall tightly.

For additional safety, you can install a tension pole near the bathtub or shower from floor to the ceiling.

Inadequate Lighting in the bathroom

Good lighting is must in the bathroom whether it is from a natural source or electrical source. There should be proper and sufficient lightening in the bathroom always.

Proper lighting in the bathroom also transforms your little private space into a luxurious and relaxing corner. Also, make sure to use waterproof high-quality sockets in the bathroom. As in the bathroom, we use a lot of water in a different task.

Over decorated bathroom

Too many decorations can limit your movement in the bathroom and increase the risk of accidents. Try to limit products in the bathroom which you really needs. This is especially important in small bathrooms.

How to make your bathroom safer?

With simple change mentioned below, you can minimize the risk of any accidents in the bathroom. These measures will make your bathroom make safer and secure for you and your family.

Non-slip mats and rugs for the floor

A non-slip mat in the shower and a non-slip rug on the floor is an efficient and low-cost option to prevent any slipping.

You can use non-slip mats or tiles in the bathtubs and in the shower to help prevent slipping and falls. Use non-slip rugs near the toilet and outside of bathtub and shower to eliminate the risk of falling because of wet floors.

The temperature of the Water Heater or Geyser

Most manufacturers set water heater or geyser temperature to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You should adjust the water heater temperature/geyser below 120 degrees or less. This temperature is recommended by The Department of Energy.

With Hot water their risk of getting burnt as well as wastage of energy. This is especially very risky for children’s and seniors because of their thin skin.

Use Anti-scald technology to control the flow of hot water to prevent any accidental burns. Some shower heads and faucets have a temperature control system with a digital display which shows heat of the water.

Hand-held shower head

Handheld Showerhead makes bathing easier for those who are unable to stand for the longer period. This shower head is usually situated at the front of the tub.

An ADA compliant sidebar with hand shower holder gives easier access to the showerhead while seated.

Shower Chairs and Shower Bench

Shower chair makes the shower much easier and comfortable. Buy the shower chair which has rubber tips on the chair legs which avoid sliding and give stability and balancing.

Shower Bench is Similar to the shower chair with extra security. They are more beneficial for the elderly and for the individual with less mobility.

Raised Toilet Seats

Raised Toilet Seats are non-slippery, easy to use and more hygienic. Seniors require raised seats of the toilet with handles or nearby handrails so they can use it easily.  Raised seats are also removable so kids can use it easily.

Toilet Safety Frame is safer and more comfortable because of it having armrests and additional support which make easier to get up and sitting.

Which type of Bathtub is safest?

Walk-in bathtub is designed keeping safety in mind. This type is bathtub is the perfect solution for a home with seniors. Some of the safety features of the walk-in bathtub are mentioned below:

  • Low step entry: Walk-in tubs have low threshold height with the swinging door for easy and safe usage.
  • Built-in seat: Walk-in bathtubs have the built-in sitting seat for a comfortable and long relaxing bath. The seats are covered with the textured surface which helps to prevent slipping off from the seat. Rising from these seats is easier than from a standard tub floor.
  • Anti-slip tub floor: Nearly all walk in bathtub models includes anti-slip textured floor surface to prevent slipping.
  • Wide door opening: Some walk-in bathtubs like Bariatric model have wide door entry for easy usage for an individual on a wheelchair or obese person.
  • Sanitary coating: Walk in tubs comes with the interior coating of gel which prevents the growth of molds and bacteria’s. This also makes cleaning of tub an easy task.

Check out the pros and cons of the walk-in bathtub, with our guide here. 

Some Additional safety tips for bathroom

  • Put Medical Alert Emergency wall communicator in or near the bathtub or toilet area for the emergency.
  • Put essential items which you use regularly within easy reach.
  • Keep all products such as soap, detergent, hair gel, and other products in their proper places after use to avoid any spills.
  • Install a small basket on the wall near the power source to keep electrical appliances like a shaving machine, hair dryer etc. for easy use.
  • Install suitable features such as a shower door or curtain to avoid any water spill outside the shower area.
  • Use a secure small step stool or a step ladder to reach high points out of reach.
  • Be sure to keep the bathtub clean fortnightly to counteract slippery soap scum or mold.

Checklist for the Bathroom safety

  • Is your bathroom floor slippery? If you observe any part floor is slippery, then put non-skid mats or rugs over the area.
  • Is your toiletry (shampoo, shop, oil etc.) stored in an organized way and easy to reach?
  • Does your bathroom have proper lighting? Whether it is day or night bathroom must be brightly lit always by daylight or electrical light.
  • Are faucets of the bathtub, shower, and sink easy to use? Install lever handles on bathtub, shower and sink faucets.
  • Is setting of the water heater thermostat under 120 degrees or lower? Put geyser/water heater which has a controlled system in the thermostat.
  • Have you stored electrical appliances (shaver, hair dryer) properly?
  • Put razor blades, scissors, nail polish, perfume, hairspray, and other sharp edge products properly which children’s cannot access.
  • Have you installed grab bars in the bathtub/shower and toilet areas?