How to prevent falls in the bathroom

The bathroom is among the most hazardous areas of the home due to wet floors and slippery surfaces. The dangers can be all the more pronounced if the user has limited mobility, as a lack of balance can increase the risk of falling.

As a result, it is essential to implement safety measures to prevent accidents. Age Co works with Handicare, their trusted provider of mobility solutions, and this guide offers ideas for how to prevent falls in the bathroom for less mobile people.

Upgrade to walk-in baths or showers

Installing a walk-in bath or shower is one of the best tips for bathroom fall prevention. Regular baths and showers can be a tripping hazard, but walk-in alternatives are designed to help those with mobility issues stay safe and independent. By upgrading your tub or shower, you can bathe in comfort while reducing the risk of falls.

Benefits of walk-in baths

• Low entry point for easy access.
• Non-slip surfaces to minimise slipping.
• Comfortable built-in seating for a safe bathing experience.
• Optional features such as thermostatically controlled mixer taps for safe water temperatures.

Walk-in baths

Benefits of walk-in showers

• No-step or low entry to eliminate tripping hazards.
• Slip-resistant bases for improved bathroom safety.
• Built-in floor-to-ceiling posts for added safety.
• Ample bathing space for users and caregivers for safe manoeuvring.
• Optional extras like shower chairs for added safety and comfort.

Walk-in showers with seats

Explore Age Co’s range of walk-in baths and showers for more information and to find the best solution for your needs.

READ ALSO: What are the different types of walk-in showers and baths?

Add accessible bathroom accessories

One of the best ways to prevent slips or falls in the bathroom is to utilise a range of mobility accessories to improve the room’s accessibility. Several helpful tools and items can make a bathroom safe for those with limited mobility.

Grab bars

Install grab bars near the shower, bath, and toilet and mount them securely to hold a person’s weight. Grab rails or bars are an effective prevention measure for anyone who is unsteady or needs extra support.

Shower seats

Shower seats can make life much easier for those with limited stability, balance, or strength. Showers can become slippery, so having the option to sit down safely while bathing will prevent accidents and ensure a much more comfortable shower experience.

Non-slip mats and rugs

Consider placing non-slip mats inside the bath or shower to reduce the risk of slipping on wet surfaces. Water also tends to splash out of the bath or shower, making the floor slippery. So, place a non-slip bath rug or mat on the floor next to the bath or shower.

READ ALSO: Tips for creating accessible bathrooms for both disabled and non-disabled users

Declutter and remove tripping hazards

A key cause of falls in older age or due to limited mobility can be clutter and poorly organised floor space. So, to prevent accidents, ensure that you declutter and remove tripping hazards from the bathroom. Here are a few key steps to follow:

• Organise Essentials: Install wall-mounted shelves or caddies to reduce floor clutter and store toiletries within easy reach to prevent overstretching or bending.
• Clear the Path: Ensure your bathroom has clear pathways, free of loose items such as laundry baskets and towels. Also, take time to check for and repair uneven tiles.
• Lighting Improvements: Improve visibility in the bathroom by installing bright, even lighting that eliminates shadows. You could also consider motion-sensor lighting that activates when you enter the room, making nighttime bathroom visits much safer.

Regular maintenance and safety checks

Another important way to guard against bathroom falls is to regularly inspect the area and have a professional perform maintenance jobs.

• Inspect bathroom fixtures and safety accessories, such as grab bars, rails, and shower seats, to ensure they are safe and secure.
• Check for general wear and tear in the shower and bath, and that old non-slip mats are replaced if they are no longer fit for purpose.
• Ensure walk-in baths and showers are correctly sealed to avoid water leakage, which can lead to slippery floors.

Consider professional assessment and installation

To make your bathroom safer, consult a professional for a safety or accessibility assessment. It is essential to have a professional install grab rails or walk-in baths and showers so that they operate safely.

Age Co can facilitate a free home consultation to assess your needs and recommend tailored mobility solutions. If you go ahead with any mobility products after your home visit, we will arrange for an engineer to install them expertly.

Make bathroom safety a priority

The importance of reducing the risk of falls in the bathroom cannot be underestimated. Improving bathroom safety can bring renewed peace of mind and quality of life.

Explore the range of walk-in baths & showers and bathing aids available through Age Co for a safer and more accessible bathroom.

Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can help make your bathroom safer.

This article is brought to you by Handicare, in partnership with Age Co, offering a wide range of home mobility products, including stairlifts, homelifts, and bathing solutions.