Slips and falls, and other accidents can happen anywhere, but wet and slippery surfaces can make them more likely – especially for older adults and people with mobility issues. This makes the bathroom one of the most common places for accidents to occur in the home. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to dramatically increase the safety in your bathroom. Here are 8 tips.
Install grab bars.
One of the simplest things you can do to make your bathroom safer is to install grab bars. Grab bars can be installed anywhere you might require a little extra support and stability. They can be installed next to toilets and bathtubs to make it easier to get up and down safely or in the shower to provide support while standing.
Use non-slip mats and rugs.
Having non-slip mats in areas that are likely to get wet – such as next to the shower and beside the toilet – will go a long way toward preventing slips and falls. It’s important that the underside of these mats have some sort of non-slip coating so that they stay securely in place when you step on them.
You can even get rubberized mats to place inside your bathtub or shower to make it less slippery.
Choose flooring with a non-slip surface.
Since bathroom floors can quickly become wet, it only makes sense when choosing your flooring to choose something with a non-slip surface. There are many options for bathroom flooring, such as vinyl or rubber, that will give you extra grip and stability.
Install a shower bench or chair.
For those with mobility issues or those that have trouble standing for extended periods of time, consider installing a shower bench or chair. These devices provide a safe and comfortable space that allows the user to shower while sitting down. For extra support, choose a model that has backrests and armrests.
Install a taller toilet.
While the standard toilet height is 15 inches, you may want to choose a taller model if there are members of your household with mobility challenges. A higher toilet seat will make it easier to get up and down, reducing the risk of falling. You can also easily add height to your existing toilet by installing a toilet seat riser.
Install a walk-in shower or bathtub.
If you are doing more extensive renovations to your bathroom, you might want to consider installing a walk-in shower or tub. Walk-ins have wide doors that allow the user to walk in easily without having to step over any ledges.
Control the water temperature.
In addition to slip and fall hazards, bathrooms can also pose a danger from scalding water. To prevent scalding, make sure that your water heater is set to 120 F or lower.
Remove clutter.
Bathrooms are usually fairly small, and this means they can quickly become cluttered if you aren’t careful. By keeping your bathroom free of clutter and keeping it tidy, you’ll be reducing tripping hazards.
Contact Brant Arts Mobility today.
Brant Arts Mobility provides a wide range of items to make your home safer and more accessible, including items like grab bars and shower seats. To learn how we can help you increase the safety of your bathroom, contact us today.