The bathroom can be scary for seniors, especially if they have balance issues or mobility challenges. Many bathroom hazards, such as slippery floors, low lighting, and hard-to-reach fixtures, can all contribute to accidents and injuries.
A qualitative study on the perspectives of seniors on bathing found that the participants felt the need for improved assessment tools and interventions to match their preferences and goals for bathing. The study revealed that one of the challenges is to help seniors remain independent before the onset of disability.
The best way to create a safe and comfortable environment for your loved one is by identifying common hazards in the bathroom and looking for ways to avoid them. Freedom Showers offers a wide range of products to help you create an accessible bathroom enabling your loved one to age independently. Learn more about common bathroom hazards and how to avoid them with our extensive collection of accessible products.
Common Bathroom Hazards for Seniors
The first step toward creating a safer environment for your loved one is identifying potential risks. Consider the following bathroom hazards when living with a senior.
Slippery Surfaces
Bathroom floors and surfaces are often slippery for various reasons, and this is one of the most common hazards, as it increases the risk of slips and falls. Water is the most common source of slippery surfaces as it can accumulate on floors and surfaces, especially in showers and bathtubs where water splashes. When mixed with soap, shampoo or other cleaning products, the surfaces can become even more slippery, as the residue of these items can reduce traction.
Challenging Bathtub or Shower
A challenging bathtub or shower refers to a difficult bathing area to enter or exit due to a high threshold. Seniors may struggle to step over high bathtubs or navigate slippery shower floors, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
If there are no grab bars or handrails in the bathroom, the difficulty level is increased as your loved one will have no support to enter or exit the shower or bathe comfortably. The inconvenience of a challenging bathtub or shower can negatively influence your loved one’s independence, comfort, and confidence when using the bathroom.
Many commercial facilities use an ADA bathroom with shower to avoid hazards in the bathroom, but residential properties aren’t obligated to follow ADA guidelines. However, you can still make your bathroom accessible with the right products that suit you and your family’s needs.
Insufficient Lighting
Another common hazard in the bathroom is insufficient lighting, which may contribute to the overall aesthetics of the space, but can be challenging for seniors to navigate. Poor lighting in the bathroom can make it difficult for seniors to see potential hazards and navigate the area safely. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), the eyes and vision change with age, and as you grow older, you need more light to make tasks easier.
Difficult-to-Reach Fixtures & Storage
Some fixtures and storage can be challenging to reach for seniors, especially if they have limited mobility. When everyday items like toiletries, towels, or cleaning supplies are stored in high or low cabinets, and there are no home accessibility products used in the bathroom, your loved one is at risk of straining themselves or losing their balance while trying to access them, leading to accidents and injuries.
How to Avoid Common Bathroom Hazards for Seniors
Once you’ve identified common hazards in the bathroom that could impact your loved one, it’s important to take the proper steps to avoid the issues.
Change Bathroom Layout
The first step to avoiding common bathroom hazards is changing the layout to accommodate your loved one’s needs. If your loved one uses a wheelchair or any other mobility device, it’s essential to create a wheelchair accessible bathroom that allows them to navigate the space safely, comfortably, and independently. This typically involves a doorway that’s a minimum of 36 inches and a clear turning radius of at least 60 inches within the bathroom for maneuverability.
Another critical step when creating a wheelchair accessible bathroom is the removal of any obstructions or unnecessary fixtures that get in the way. For example, pedestal sinks can be replaced with wall-mounted or wheelchair-accessible alternatives, while a bathtub can be replaced with a roll-in shower with a barrier-free entry.
Install Grab Bars
Grab bars play a significant role in keeping seniors safe, as they can help you avoid many bathroom hazards that could lead to falls and injuries. Freedom Showers offers custom grab bars for bathrooms to help you create a safer environment according to your unique needs. Our grab bars reduce the risk of falls by providing stability and support, ensuring your loved one has something to hold on to, whether in the shower or getting up from the toilet seat. Grab bars also make it easier to reach fixtures and storage, as they offer a reliable handhold for individuals with limited mobility.
Provide Shower Seats
One common hazard in the bathroom is the risk of slips in the shower that can lead to significant injuries. You can reduce this risk by creating a comfortable shower arrangement with Freedom Showers products. Our accessible shower seat meets ADAAF guidelines of 250 lbs. weight capacity for handicapped accessibility, ensuring that the seat meets general requirements.
Alternatively, you could also opt for our bathroom bench seat with a hinged support bracket, allowing you to fold them up and take them out of the way when not in use. You can count on our dedicated customer service team to help you choose the ideal products from our large selection of wall-mounted folding shower seats that best suits your needs, bathroom size, and style preferences.
Add Floor Support
Proper floor support helps prevent accidents and falls by providing stability and structural integrity to the bathroom. Some seniors may rely on walking aids or have balance issues, and a sturdy floor can minimize the risk of slips and trips.
Enhancing bathroom safety by using non-slip mats and shower bases with a low-step threshold is important. We offer an accessible roll-in shower pan with no more than a 1” high threshold. We offer ADA shower bases for commercial installation that meet ADA requirements for maximum threshold height and inside dimensions.
Switch to Brighter Lighting
Insufficient lighting is one of the most dangerous bathroom hazards for seniors, as limited vision can make it challenging for your loved one to use the space safely. You can avoid accidents in the bathroom due to limited lighting by switching to brighter lighting sources.
Adequate lighting reduces the risk of falls by improving visibility and allowing seniors to navigate the space more confidently. Better lighting will also help your loved one identify potential hazards, such as wet floors or obstacles, and take necessary precautions to avoid them.
Contact Freedom Showers to Get Started
Many bathroom hazards are putting your loved ones at risk when they enter the space. Getting familiar with and learning to avoid risks is key to creating a safe and comfortable bathroom for your family.
The accessibility professionals at Freedom Showers can help you create a more welcoming bathroom by assisting you on your journey from discovery to delivery.