With slippery surfaces and hard fixtures everywhere, the bathroom is certainly one of the most hazardous areas in the home for seniors.
It’s also likely the last place most of us want to have a fall, considering the personal nature of what goes on in there.
And there’s no denying that ensuring bathroom safety is key when it comes to maintaining senior independence in the home.
Fortunately, there are plenty of bathroom safety products that can significantly reduce these risks and enhance accessibility for seniors.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the most helpful bathroom safety products available for seniors and how they can be used to contribute to a safer home environment.
1. Grab Bars and Handrails
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent falls in the bathroom is to install grab bars and handrails in key locations.
The most appropriate locations for these safety bars can vary depending on bathroom layout and personal need, but the most common spots include:
- Inside/outside of showers
- Near the toilet
- Near the bathroom door
The goal is to ensure seniors have a stable place to grab whenever they’re getting in/out of the shower, bathing, accessing the toilet, or doing any other activity in the bathroom.
- Key Features
- Provides stability and support while standing or sitting.
- Available in various materials and finishes to match bathroom decor.
- Some models have textured grips for added security.
- Installation Tips
- Ensure they are securely anchored into wall studs for maximum strength (no suction cups!).
- Position them at a comfortable height for easy reach.
Grab bars come in a wide-range of sizes and styles, but you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get quality options.
For example, these Moen Grab Bars on Amazon work great and are very reasonably-priced.
2. Non-Slip Bath Mats and Rugs
Getting in/out of the shower or tub is only half the story though – we also have to ensure safety while actually bathing.
Slippery surfaces are a major concern in the bathroom, making non-slip bath mats and rugs a must-have safety feature.
These simple devices provide a more secure surface to stand on, reducing the chances of a slip or fall in the tub.
And a non-slip rug makes for a safe, dry surface to step out on when wet.
- Key Benefits
- Provides traction and reduces the risk of slipping.
- Available in various sizes and materials to fit different bathroom layouts.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- What to Look For
- Mats with suction cups for better grip.
- Machine-washable and mildew-resistant materials.
Make sure you know what size you need for your shower/tub before buying because these mats come in a ton of different sizes.
Amazon has a great selection of affordable mats/rugs to choose from.
3. Shower Chairs and Benches
Seniors who have a hard time getting in the shower (or who need a place to sit while in there), may benefit from shower chairs and benches.
These devices are easy to install and can instantly provide a secure seating option while bathing.
And in case you aren’t familiar, shower chairs and benches are actually two different devices.
Shower chairs are small chairs that sit entirely in the tub/shower, while shower benches extend out over the tub wall, allowing folks to sit on them and slide into the tub.
Shower benches are great for seniors who struggle to step over the wall of the tub, but they take up more room (so they don’t always fit well in smaller bathrooms).
Shower chairs, on the other hand, are smaller and fit nicely into the tub, but you have to be able to step over the tub wall to access.
- Advantages
- Reduces fatigue and fall risks during showers.
- Adjustable heights to accommodate different users.
- Some models have backrests and armrests for added support.
- Choosing the Right One
- Look for non-slip rubber feet for extra stability.
- Check weight limits before deciding.
- Consider comfort features like backrests, etc.
Amazon has a nice selection of both shower chair and shower benches to choose from.
4. Raised Toilet Seats and Safety Frames
Getting on and off the toilet can be challenging for some seniors and struggling to do so can increase fall risk in the bathroom.
Raised toilet seats and toilet safety frames make this task easier and safer.
These devices come in a variety of styles, but it really boils down to whether or not you want the commode seat raised higher (raised toilet seat) or if you simply want handles to use during the transfer (safety frame).
Personally, I think the 3-in-1 commode is the best option for most seniors struggling with toilet transfers because it serves both functions.
It comes with handles and an adjustable height seat, but it also comes with it’s own frame (and bucket), allowing it to be placed in the bedroom to serve as a bedside commode.
- How They Help
- Increases toilet height, reducing strain on knees and joints.
- Provides handrails for additional support.
- Types Available
- Padded and contoured seats for extra comfort.
- Models with adjustable heights and armrests.
5. Handheld Shower Heads
A handheld shower head offers greater flexibility and control while bathing, making it ideal for seniors with limited mobility.
These shower heads can function as a classic shower head, but they can also be pulled off the rack and be used as a handheld model, which comes in incredibly handy for seniors who need to sit down while bathing.
This is why handheld shower heads are often paired with shower chairs or tub benches.
It’s actually pretty difficult to bath from a seated position without one of these shower heads – the water just kinda smacks you in the head/face the whole time…
These shower heads are often affordable and really easy to install too, making them a smart choice for seniors and caregivers.
- Benefits
- Allows users to direct water flow where needed.
- Easier to rinse off while seated on a shower chair.
- Reduces unnecessary movement, lowering fall risk.
- Reduces water spilling out from shower while using tub bench.
- Features to Consider
- Adjustable water pressure settings.
- Long hose for extended reach.
6. Walk-In Bathtubs
For seniors with significant mobility challenges, walk-in bathtubs offer the highest level of safety and accessibility.
These self-contained units come with a door that allows easy access to the tub, removing the need to step over the tub wall.
These baths also come with easy to access seats and plenty of other nice features, including jets, handheld shower heads, massagers, and more (depending on model of course).
These baths can be a senior’s best friend, but on the downside, they aren’t cheap – between the cost of the tub and professional installation, a walk-in tub can be a pretty substantial investment.
But for seniors looking for a safe, comfortable soaking experience, it could be worth it.
- Why They’re Great
- Eliminates the need to step over high tub edges.
- Many models include built-in grab bars and anti-slip surfaces.
- Some feature hydrotherapy jets for muscle relaxation.
- Installation Considerations
- Professional installation is typically required.
- May require modifications to bathroom layout.
7. Bath Tub Steps
If going all in on a walk-in bath is out of the question and you still want to enjoy soaking in the tub, a set of bath tub steps could be an affordable alternative.
These steps just make it easier to step over the tub wall, making the tub more accessible for seniors with mobility issues.
These steps are affordable and come in various shapes and sizes, but the best options (like the Step2tub) will include safety rails for added safety.
- Why They’re Great
- Eliminates the need to step over high tub edges.
- Many models include built-in safety rails.
- Can make it easier to step out of tub as well.
- Features to Consider
- Size and height of step.
- Look for non-slip step surface and again, safety rails are highly recommended.
8. Emergency Call Buttons and Alert Systems
Having an emergency call button or alert system in the bathroom can be lifesaving in case of an accident.
As mentioned, the bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house and one of the most common places for falls to occur.
And I’ve heard some horror stories about patients being stuck on the bathroom floor for hours… awful.
But having a dedicated emergency call button in the bathroom can provide some peace of mind for seniors who live alone or don’t have a caregiver available during bathing.
Many medical alert devices are water resistant, meaning they can be worn in the shower, and many also offer automatic fall detection as well.
And in case of a fall or injury, emergency medical staff (and/or caregivers) can be called without having to find access to a phone.
Medical Care Alert is a top provider of emergency response systems and they offer different options depending on what you’re looking for.
- How They Work
- Wearable or wall-mounted options available.
- Some systems connect to emergency services or caregivers.
- Waterproof designs ensure functionality in wet conditions.
- Choosing the Best One
- Look for systems with two-way communication.
- Check battery life and reliability.
Additional Tips for Bathroom Safety
Beyond investing in essential safety products, here are a few additional tips to help improve bathroom safety for seniors:
- Keep the floor dry: Wipe up spills immediately and ensure proper drainage.
- Ensure proper lighting: Bright, even lighting reduces fall risks.
- Use contrasting colors: Helps seniors with vision impairments distinguish between different bathroom elements.
- Declutter the space: Remove unnecessary items to prevent tripping hazards.
Final Thoughts
The bathroom is likely the most dangerous room in the home when it comes to accidents and falls, but there are plenty of changes and devices that can make this room safer for seniors.
And luckily, most of these safety products are affordable and easy to install for caregivers.
Investing in bathroom safety items can make a big difference, but using good old fashioned common sense can reduce fall risk too.
Keeping the bathroom clean and knowing your limits goes a long way.
And seniors, please don’t be afraid to ask for assistance – I understand asking for help in the bathroom can be uncomfortable, but the last thing we want is a fall.
When in doubt, reach out to a caregiver and let them know you could use a little assistance when necessary.
I hope you found this guide helpful and if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
And if you’re still uncertain about any bathroom safety products or improving safety in the bathroom in any way, reach out to your family physician and ask about getting a PT or OT referral for personalized guidance.
