Bathroom Safety Updates for Seniors Aging in Place

Many older adults wish to remain in their homes as they age, but it’s essential to consider the safety of the home. Making the entire home safer is important if you want to age in place, but no room deserves more attention than the bathroom. It’s the most dangerous room in the home, especially for those who are 65 or older. Falls are common in the bathroom and can result in hip fractures and hospitalizations. However, your bathroom doesn’t have to be a source of stress or potential danger. Here are bathroom updates for all budgets that can help you create a safe, senior-friendly home so you can safely age in place.

Free or low-cost bathroom updates

You don’t need a full bathroom remodel to make your current bathroom safer. Here are bathroom updates that cost next to no money.

Reorganize bathroom supplies

Reaching for items in high places can cause you to stretch a muscle, lose your balance, or fall. Reorganize your bathroom so important items are within reach.

• Store items you use regularly, like perfume, lotion, and makeup, on reachable shelves or in cabinets between waist and shoulder height so no bending or overhead reaching is needed.
• Install shower shelving at appropriate heights for items like shampoo, conditioner, and soap.
• If you have enough available space, place storage containers on countertops instead of using under-the-counter storage.
• Use hooks or shower bars that keep towels within reach instead of using over-the-door hooks.

Use a shower chair

Standing for long periods of time can cause fatigue and increase the likelihood of slipping or falling. A shower chair is one of the best bath and shower aids, making bathing safer and more comfortable for people with mobility, balance, or endurance issues. 

There are a few things you’ll want to look for in a shower chair:

• Make sure the chair is completely waterproof and rust-proof. Look for a chair made of aluminum or plastic with mesh or antimicrobial upholstery.
• You may want to opt for a chair with handles to help you sit down and stand up. 
• Some shower chairs straddle the tub wall, which allows users to sit down while outside and swing their legs over into the shower, eliminating the need to climb over the tub wall.

If you decide to use a shower chair, it can also be helpful to switch your showerhead to a handheld option. Look for one with a long enough hose to easily reach the shower chair but not get tangled when returning it to its base.

Mitigate fall hazards

Falling in the bathroom is a common occurrence due to slippery surfaces and trip hazards. Here are a few free or inexpensive ways to help prevent falling in the bathroom:

• Make sure there are no towels on the floor. Install hooks or racks for towels.
• Use rug tape to secure area rugs or eliminate them altogether.
• Install inexpensive suction grab bars in the bathtub and near the toilet.
• Use a nightlight to help with navigating the bathroom at night.

Budget-friendly bathroom updates for seniors

If you have a little money to spend, here are a few bathroom updates that can make your bathroom experience safer and more comfortable.

Use nonslip bath mats

The bathtub is a slippery place, and the bathroom floor can also get wet, increasing your chances of slipping and falling. Nonslip bath mats and other nonslip surfaces can help you stay steady on your feet.

Here are a few things you’ll want to consider when adding nonslip surfaces to your bathroom:

• Choose a mat with a water-resistant surface that can provide solid traction even when wet.
• Look for a mat with sturdy corners that won’t curl up and a nonslip underside that keeps it from sliding around on the floor.
• Some bathtub mats can become unsecured and potentially cause falls. To reduce the risk of slipping in the bath, you may want to consider using nonslip stickers that add texture to your tub’s surface and do not slide around.

Use a raised toilet seat with handles

Bathing can be dangerous, but using the toilet can also be a challenge. Toileting products like a raised toilet seat can make it safer and easier.

The benefits of using a raised toilet seat include the following:

• The distance between standing and sitting is shorter, which makes it easier to get on and off the toilet for people who struggle with balance, mobility, or strength.
• Many raised toilet seats have grab bars, providing additional stability.

Install a medical alert system help button in the bathroom

A medical alert system can help keep you safe in your home. Many wearable help buttons are waterproof, which means you can use them in the bath or shower, but it can also be helpful to install a separate help button in the bathroom. If you experience a fall or another emergency in the bathroom, push the button to connect with an agent who can send emergency services to your location.

A wall-mounted help button can be installed within easy reach of the bathtub or toilet. You also might consider installing multiple buttons throughout the bathroom to ensure you can reach one from different locations. Just be sure to verify that the button is waterproof if you’re installing it in the shower. 

Senior-friendly bathroom renovation ideas

Some of the best bathroom updates require more involved renovations, but they may be well worth it if you have the budget. Here are a few senior-friendly bathroom renovation ideas.

Install permanent grab bars

Installing grab bars can help prevent slips and falls in the bathroom. Although suction grab bars are an inexpensive option, if you can afford to install them, permanent grab bars can provide even more security. Installing them requires some forethought because they must be secured to a stud in the wall. Grab bars should be installed:

• On the side wall of the tub or shower area, approximately 34 to 36 inches from the floor.
• On the back wall of the shower, about 9 inches above seat height for people who use shower chairs.
• Vertically on a side wall, about 18 inches from a back wall, if there’s a built-in shower seat.
• Along a side wall and along the back wall by the toilet.

You will want to consider whether grab bars should be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. Length is also an important consideration. It’s a good idea to work with a licensed contractor who will not only consider your unique needs but also make sure your grab bars are ADA-compliant.

Install a walk-in tub

One of the best things you can do to make your bathroom safer is to install a walk-in tub. There are many different walk-in tubs to choose from, but they can all provide you with benefits that include a decreased risk of falling and ease of use for those with mobility needs. Walk-in tubs have senior-friendly safety features that may include:

• Built-in seat.
• Low-step entry.
• Slip-resistant surfaces.
• Swinging door.
• Grab bars.
• Handheld showerhead.
• Therapeutic features, like jets and aromatherapy.

Many walk-in tub installations don’t require a full remodel. Some are even designed for small spaces, so you may be able to add one to your bathroom without removing your existing shower.

Install a walk-in shower

A walk-in shower with a low entry threshold can prevent trips and falls in the bathroom. These showers eliminate the tub wall, which can be difficult to climb over for people with balance or mobility issues. They can also accommodate seating, which can make bathing safer and more comfortable.

Senior-friendly bathroom updates for every budget

Bathroom updates that allow you to age in place don’t have to break the bank. Choose senior-friendly updates, and modify your bathroom over time as your needs change. With the right planning, you can create a safe, stress-free bathroom that works for you.