Keeping your bathroom organized is one of the easiest ways to avoid falls and other accidents. The more cluttered a room is, the higher the risk of losing your balance. For example, if you keep decorative items around the tub, you may trip over one of them when it's time to take a bath.
Toiletries are another potential hazard, as they take up a lot of space around the edge of the tub or shower. If you start to lose your balance, you may end up grabbing a bottle of shampoo or a can of shave gel instead of the side of the tub, leading to a serious fall. Buying in bulk may be a little cheaper, but if you're concerned about shower and tub safety, it's worth it to buy smaller bottles. Small bottles take up less space, leaving you with a less cluttered — and less hazardous — shower or tub.
It's also helpful to keep certain items within easy reach. If you have to reach from the shower to the counter, for example, there's a good chance you'll lose your balance. Consider putting shampoo, conditioner, soap and related items in a caddy you can easily move from one spot to another. This is also a good way to keep shower and tub clutter to a minimum.
Traditional bath mats can easily slip out of place, causing you to fall when you step out of the shower or tub. They also tend to bunch up, increasing the risk of tripping when you're moving around the bathroom. To avoid these hazards, look for bath mats with nonskid backing. This type of backing material keeps mats in place, reducing your risk of injury.
Another simple trick is to add more lights to your bathroom. If you can't see where you're going, you're much more likely to trip over something, lose your balance or stub your toe on the edge of the tub. The good news is that you don't have to hire a contractor or install permanent fixtures. Simply add a night-light or look for bulbs with a higher wattage. Just don't exceed the maximum wattage listed on each light fixture.
In 2021, researchers from the University of Toronto and KITE Research Institute published the results of a study designed to test the effectiveness of grab bars in bathrooms. They had 63 adults perform a "hazardous bathtub transfer task," which involved stepping from a slippery bathtub to a dry surface. About half of the participants had grab bars available, while the other half had no grab bars. The research team reports that the participants with grab bars were nearly 76% more likely to recover their balance, demonstrating the importance of installing these safety features.
If you already have grab bars, use them consistently. When you're getting in the tub or shower, use the bar closest to you for support. If you love to take baths, be sure to use the lower grab bar to pull yourself up from a seated position. You can also use this grab bar to help maintain your balance as you prepare to get out of the bathtub. If you don't already have grab bars installed, contact a trusted provider.
Flimsy shower curtains allow water to drip on the floor around the shower enclosure, creating a serious slip-and-fall hazard. To prevent water from leaking onto the bathroom floor, try a weighted shower curtain instead of a standard one. This type of curtain has weights in the hem, causing it to lie flat against the edge of the enclosure.
If you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to stand for more than a few minutes at a time, consider using a shower chair. This type of chair gives you a place to sit and rest if you're feeling tired or weak. If you don't already have a shower chair, look for one with a plastic seat and a frame made from stainless steel or another durable material.
When you shower or bathe, you typically use at least one product that leaves behind a slippery residue. This increases the risk of falls, especially when you're trying to stand up from a seated position or step over the side of the bathtub. Shower and tub decals have lightly textured surfaces, giving you extra traction as you move around.
Bethesda Gardens Loveland, Colorado, offers spacious floor plans, housekeeping services and a variety of amenities to help you maintain your quality of life. Whether you choose a private or semiprivate assisted living apartment, you'll also have access to a 24-7 emergency call system, regular health assessments and other services to keep you safe and healthy. If you have questions about how to apply these safety tips, we're here to help.
