4 Tips for Bathroom Safety

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every four older adults will fall each year in the United States.See Disclosure ¹ Studies also show that when compared to other areas of the home, falls in the bathroom are more common and more than twice as likely to result in injury.^{2, 3} With such a high probability of slips and falls, the bathroom has become an important place to prioritize safety.

Whether you’re an older adult or an individual with balance issues, you can explore the following bathroom safety tips to get the assistance you need.

Adding grab bars for stability and balance can be especially helpful for bathroom safety. These supports come in a variety of styles, so you can add an extra handrail wherever you need it. Many people like to use grab bars for shower or bathtub areas for added support when standing up or stepping out.

When it comes to installation, you can find suction cup grab bars that you can move and securely attach to any necessary location. Or, if you have one specific area on the wall where you want extra support, you can also find more permanent wall mount grab bars. You can even use grab bars for toilets to make sitting down and standing up an easier experience.

Upgrading your bathroom to have more accessible and comfortable seating can help you with activities that may feel strenuous. If standing in the shower isn’t an option for you, freestanding bath safety items like shower chairs allow you to bathe from a more comfortable and stable position.

You can also make improvements to your toilet seat. For instance, if you have difficulties standing up from the toilet, you may want to explore raised toilet seats that add height and cushion to your porcelain throne. Best of all, many of these bathroom safety essentials are HSA/FSA/HRA eligible products, which provides reimbursement for your purchase within qualifying health care plans.