As we age, home becomes more than a place of comfort – it becomes a key factor in our health, independence, and peace of mind. Everyday spaces that once were effortless to navigate can quietly introduce new risks – making home safety essential, rather than optional. Taking steps to create a safer living environment helps prevent injuries, supports mobility and confidence, and allows us to continue aging with dignity in the place we love most: home. Because January is National Bath Safety Month, below we’ve compiled a list of key bathroom safety tips for older adults and dementia caregivers.
More than any other room in your house, the bathroom can pose serious risks for aging adults, especially those with Alzheimer’s or another related dementia. An estimated 80% of falls for people over the age of 65 occur in the bathroom. With tiled floors, wet surfaces, tight space, and everything made of hard materials, it can be overwhelming to know where exactly to start making this space safer and more comfortable.
Thankfully, many bathroom safety hazards can be easily addressed with simple adjustments. It’s important to regularly evaluate the bathroom to assess any evolving concerns, especially as mobility and physical needs change over time. The list below contains ten simple, actionable tips from aging experts on how to reduce fall risk and make the bathroom more accessible. You can use these tips as a checklist for identifying problem areas and making a plan to fix them.
Bathroom Safety Tips for Older Adults
1. Getting to the Bathroom
Check to make sure the walking path to the bathroom is properly lit and clear of any major obstacles, such as bulky furniture or other objects that clutter the hallway and home. Check the width of the doorway to the bathroom, making sure anyone with walking assistance, such as a walker or wheelchair, can enter easily.
2. Walking on the Floors
If the bathroom floor is slippery tile, you may want to consider having the floor replaced or covered with a less dangerous material, such as vinyl or bamboo. Non-slip mats to cover the floor will work as well, but you must ensure that any new mats don’t pose a trip or fall risk. Run the bath, sink, and shower to check for any major leaks or areas where water gathers on the floor. Address any of these concerns to ensure the floor stays dry at all times.
3. Using the Shower
Start off by assessing the physical shower space to see if it is possible to step in and out with ease. You may need to install a grab bar outside and inside the tub to increase accessibility. If the shower is enclosed with doors, you may want to consider replacing the glass with safety glass or plastic to avoid further injury in the case of a fall. Slipping in the shower is another scary issue you want to avoid, and you can do that by installing a non-slip mat in the bath or shower.
4. Using the Bathtub
Investigate the area around the bath and clear away any unnecessary clutter, especially any electric devices that could fall into the tub while someone is bathing. If the bathtub is used often, it may be a good idea to install a grab bar and possibly even an emergency button to call for help. Put non-slip suction mats or rubber silicone decals in the bottom of your tub to prevent falls. Use a non-skid bath mat outside the tub for firm footing.
5. Transferring From The Shower or Bath With a Bench
For seniors who have difficulty stepping into the shower or bathtub, a transfer bench can be a great solution. This bench allows the user to sit outside the tub and safely slide into the shower or bath without having to lift their legs over the edge. The added stability from the bench helps reduce the risk of falling while transitioning in and out of the bath or shower. Make sure to choose a bench that is sturdy, adjustable, and has non-slip feet for added safety.
6. Ensuring Safe Water Temperature
Install a thermostatic mixing valve or an anti-scald device to regulate the water temperature and prevent sudden temperature changes that could cause burns. Make sure the water heater is set to a safe temperature (no higher than 120°F) to minimize the risk of burns during showers or baths. Regularly check the water temperature to ensure it’s within a comfortable and safe range.
7. Using the Toilet
For someone with increased difficulty getting up and down from the toilet, installing a raised toilet seat and grab bars can greatly reduce chances of falling. When selecting grab bars, make sure to use heavy-duty, non-slip grab bars designed for bathroom use. The bars should be installed at the proper height, typically about 33 to 36 inches from the floor, to ensure they are easy to grasp while seated or standing. Portable bidets may also help eliminate the need for seniors to bend, twist, or reach awkwardly while cleaning themselves on the toilet.
8. Adding Accessible Features
Accessible features such as grab bars and shower chairs are key elements of bathroom safety for elderly people. You may consider removing the bathtub completely if stepping over is too much of a risk. A barrier-free shower may be ideal for someone who uses a wheelchair or a walker. You can explore the option of installing an emergency call button in the bathroom. For older adults who are living alone and experience a fall, they will have access to an emergency line within reach.
9. Keeping Supplies Nearby
Ensure all the bathroom necessities are well within reach. This includes towels, toilet paper, extra toilet paper, washcloths, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Instead of storing supplies somewhere that requires reaching overhead or using a step stool, find a new place to store toiletries or install new shelving solutions that are safer.
10. Seating Outside the Shower
If the bathroom is big enough, consider an additional stool or seat that can make getting ready every day easier. If the bathroom is tight quarters, though, an additional seat will only create an additional tripping hazard, so be sure the space is big enough. Alternatively, you can reorganize a bedroom or other living space to include a vanity or other area to get ready in the morning and unwind at night. This can help declutter the bathroom and create a more comfortable and safe place to finish up any hygiene routine.
While some of the items listed above require tools and skill, most of these are quick and easy steps anyone can take to make the bathroom safer. It can be immensely helpful to have detailed discussions about these safety issues and check on them frequently to ensure the bathroom environment is free of dangerous clutter, leaks, or mold. If you’re unsure whether something needs addressing, you can always ask your health care provider for a referral to an occupational therapist. The occupational therapist can visit your bathroom and make safety recommendations.
Additional Considerations for Dementia Caregivers
There may be additional concerns for those caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The bathing process can be a particular challenge, as both you and your loved one may be uncomfortable with such an intimate activity. Your person may not perceive a need to bathe or may find it an uncomfortable experience. If they regard bathing as scary, embarrassing, or unpleasant, they may communicate their discomfort by verbally and/or physically resisting attempts to bathe, which could escalate and become unsafe and upsetting.
Here are some things those caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s may want to consider:
- Prepare the bathroom in advance- Encourage the person to do as much as possible, but be ready to assist when needed. Gather bathing supplies within reach before you tell the person that it’s time to bathe and take steps to make the room comfortable and pleasant.
- Help the person feel in control- Give them choices. For example, ask if they would like to bathe now or in 15 minutes, or take a bath or a shower. Fill the tub with 2 to 3 inches of water. Then assess the person’s reaction to getting in. It may be better to fill the tub after the person is seated.
- Be sure the person has a role in the bathing process- For example, have them hold a washcloth, sponge or shampoo bottle.
- Be aware that bathing may be perceived as threatening- If your person is resistant, it may be helpful to distract them and try again later. Have activities ready in case they become agitated. For example, play soothing music or sing a favorite song together.
- Always protect the person’s dignity, privacy and comfort- Consider covering them with a bath towel while undressing to decrease feelings of vulnerability.
- Consider bathing alternatives- Your preferences regarding bathing may not match the needs or realities of the person for whom you are caring. Sponge baths or non-rinse soap products may be good alternatives. You can also consider having a trained caregiver or nursing assistant come to the house to help with bathing activities.
- Prioritize after-bath care- Check for rashes and sores, especially if your person is incontinent or unable to move around. Make sure they are completely dry. Pat them dry instead of rubbing. Gently apply lotion to keep skin soft. Use cornstarch or talcum powder in the creases and folds of skin.
Taking steps to make the bathroom a warmer, more comfortable environment, and adjusting the bathing routine to the needs of your loved one, can help make this challenging task a little more manageable. To find a list of potential hazards and repairs in the bathroom and throughout the rest of the home, the National Institute on Aging has a Home Safety Checklist worksheet that can be accessed here.
For more caregiver tips and advice from dementia and aging professionals, sign up for e-news blasts on the Illinois Cognitive Resources Network home page.
Sources: The Alzheimer’s Association, National Library of Medicine, and the Elder Care Alliance.
