The bathroom can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the house, especially for seniors and people with mobility issues. Wet floors, slippery surfaces, and limited space create a high risk for falls, which are a leading cause of injury among older adults.
Making simple yet effective modifications allows individuals to continue their personal care routines safely, privately, and independently. This guide covers the essential steps and equipment you can use to create a safer bathroom environment.
Why Bathroom Fall Prevention is Crucial
A fall in the bathroom can lead to serious injuries like fractures or head trauma, impacting a person's confidence and ability to live independently. Proactive measures not only prevent accidents but also empower older Australians to remain comfortably and safely in their own homes for longer. Most falls happen during common activities like getting in and out of the shower, using the toilet, or using walls and sinks for balance.
Simple Modifications for Immediate Safety
Many bathrooms can be made safer with simple, non-permanent assistive equipment. These are excellent first steps for improving safety.
- Use Non-Slip Mats Slippery tiles are a major hazard. Place high-quality non-slip mats with rubber backings inside and outside the shower, and near the toilet and sink. This provides crucial traction, even when the floor is wet.
- Install a Shower Chair or Bath Board For anyone who finds it tiring or difficult to stand for long periods, a shower chair is essential. It provides a secure place to sit while bathing, reducing the risk of dizziness or losing balance on a slippery surface. For bathtubs, a bath board or bath seat allows for safe transfers and a supportive place to sit while washing.
- Use an Over Toilet Aid or Elevated Seat Standard toilets can be too low, making it difficult to sit and stand without straining muscles and joints. An over toilet aid is a frame positioned over the existing toilet that raises the seat height and provides sturdy armrests for support.
- Add a Handheld Shower Hose A handheld shower head offers greater flexibility and control, allowing a person to wash thoroughly while seated. This simple change significantly increases comfort and safety, and can often be installed easily into the existing shower.
More Permanent Bathroom Modifications
For long-term safety, you may need to consider more permanent changes involving fixtures and surfaces.
- Install Fitted Grab Rails Grab rails are one of the most effective safety additions, providing firm support next to the toilet, in the shower, and around the bathtub. While suction-cup rails are available for temporary use, professionally installed rails that are bolted directly into wall studs offer the most secure and reliable support.
- Create a Walk-in Shower If the existing shower has a lip or step, it can be a significant trip hazard and an obstacle for mobility aids like shower commodes or walkers. Converting it into a level, walk-in shower allows for seamless access and removes a common barrier.
- Widen Doorways Standard doorways may not be wide enough for a wheelchair or walker to pass through easily. Widening the bathroom doorway can dramatically improve accessibility for mobility aid users.
Funding and Assistance
Bathroom modifications can sometimes be funded through government programs like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). It's worth contacting these schemes or speaking with an occupational therapist to see if you or your loved one are eligible for support.
Medihub is an experienced provider of high-quality bathroom safety equipment. Partner with us to offer your clients NDIS-approved solutions, or browse our range to make your home safer today. With same-day delivery in Sydney metro, we can help you get the support you need, fast.