September is Fall Prevention Awareness
The bathroom, a place of relaxation and rejuvenation, can also be a potential danger zone. Slippery surfaces, wet floors, and awkward movements can lead to painful slips and falls. It is crucial to prioritize your safety while using this space in your home. September is the month for Fall Prevention. There was a National Fall Prevention Awareness Day and a National Fall Prevention Awareness Week. Although those dates have passed and the month is ending, falls can happen anytime of the year, especially in the bathroom.
I was reading in the August 2023 issue of Consumer Reports about bathroom safety and decided to write this post. I have fallen and slipped in the tub myself. Not a good thing. It can happen to the best of us regardless of vision and physical ability. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission older adults have had 97,000 bathroom injuries each year between 2016 and 2020. That's almost 100,000 falls annually! Ouch, that's a lot of painful accidents.
So, I have even more reason to write this post and explore practical ways to avoid mishaps in the bathroom. Below are essential tips for preventing slips and falls. By implementing these measures, you can create a safer environment for yourself and your family.
10 Bathroom Safety Methods
- Make sure all surfaces are skid proof. Water and tile can be a slippery situation. Consider using a mat for the entire bathtub surface. Use floor rugs with rubber backing to stay rooted in place. Also, use cleaning products that don't leave a residue.
- Install grab bars next to the toilet, shower and bathtub. When installed properly and securely, grab bars are key to bathroom safety. They help with balance when you stand or sit and give you something to grab onto if you slip. They come in a variety of lengths, textures, and modern styles so your bath doesn't look like a hospital room.
- Check for adequate lighting. Are you stumbling in the dark to make that 2 a.m. bathroom run? This is an accident waiting to happen. Add targeted task lights over darken areas, and nightlights or adjustable dim lights for a safe yet beautiful bath.
- Install a handheld or adjustable shower head. These shower heads let you maneuver the water where you want, minimizing your movement. Also, you can use it while sitting safely on your bath seat or bench. They also make cleaning easier because you can use them to rinse off walls and shower doors.
disabled shower chair for elderly or disabled people with handle bar in senior home, safety concept closeup
- Add a Shower bench or chair. If standing is uncomfortable or difficult shower chairs or benches can provide relief while bathing. They are also an effective alternative when sitting in the tub is no longer manageable.
- Switch out those traditional bath and sink faucet knobs. Instead use lever controls. They are easier to grab than turning a knob. They make adjusting water temperature better and simpler with a slight movement.
- Get a comfortable height toilet that is easy to sit down on and stand up from. The best way to figure this out is to actually sit on one and be sure you are comfortable and your feet touch the floor. I recently had these installed in my bathrooms. It was an excellent investment because they are safer and easier on my arthritic knee. Whether you install one yourself or hire a professional be sure it is ADA compliant.
- Clear the clutter. Is your bathroom filled with too much stuff? Avoid falls and accidents by organizing and clearing your space. Use decorative bends or baskets for extra towels and toiletries. Remove items that are not needed in the bath. Used organizers to create a neat and tidy space.
- Avoid electrical shock. Hair dryers, curling irons and electrical razors all need electricity to operate and are often used in the bathroom. Some have long dangling cords so keep them far from water and store away safely when not in use.
- Got a loose vanity or medicine cabinet? Make sure they are securely attached. Towel racks, toilet paper holders, mirrors, grab bars and any shelving or cabinetry should be installed firmly. Nothing should be lose.
Reevaluate Your Bathroom
Your bathroom should be a place of relaxation and well being. Still, without proper safety measures this cleansing sanctuary can be filled with safety hazards. Take some time to reevaluate your tub and bathroom so you can continue to enjoy it without harm.
