Feeling Safe in the Bathroom: Prevent Falls with MobilityHQ’s Safety Guide

The bathroom can be one of the most hazardous spaces in the home for the elderly and those with mobility issues. Falls are most common in areas with slippery surfaces, wet floors, and limited space for movement. However, by taking the right preventative measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of falls and increase safety in the bathroom. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips and essential products to help make your bathroom a safer space.

 

Why Is Falls Prevention in the Bathroom So Important?

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, particularly in the bathroom, where water and slippery tiles make the surroundings extremely hazardous. For those with mobility issues, a fall can lead to serious injuries like fractures, broken bones, or head trauma.

Taking some simple and proactive steps to ensure that the bathroom is safe enables older people, or those with mobility concerns to remain safely in their own home.

 

How to Make Your Bathroom Safer

 

1. Installation of Grab Rails for Stability

Grab rails are one of the most effective ways to provide support and stability in the bathroom. They can be installed next to the toilet, in the shower, or around the bathtub to help safely move between standing and sitting positions.

 

2. Use Non-Slip Mats and Flooring

Slippery tiles are a major falls hazard in bathrooms. Installing non-slip mats inside and outside of the shower or bath, next to the bath, and near the sink can help prevent potential accidents. These mats provide traction, even when wet, reducing the risk of slipping.

 

3. Invest in Shower Chairs and Bath Boards

For those who find it difficult to stand for long periods of time, using a shower chair or bath board is an excellent way to reduce the risk of falls in the bathroom. These products allow individuals to sit comfortably while bathing, which avoids the need to stand on slippery surfaces.

 

4. Install a Handheld Shower Hose

A handheld shower hose provides greater flexibility and control whilst bathing. It allows for seated washing, which reduces the risk of slipping or losing balance in the shower. This simple small change can greatly increase the safety and comfort of showering for the elderly or those with mobility concerns. It is also great for cleaning the shower!

 

Additional Strategies to Prevent Falls in the Bathroom

 

5. Improve Bathroom Lighting

A poorly lit bathroom can make it difficult to see potential hazards. Ensuring that the bathroom is well-lit, especially at night, is essential for falls prevention. We recommend installing brighter bulbs or motion-sensor night lights to illuminate the safest path to the bathroom.

 

6. Keep Clutter-Free Bathroom 

Having too many, or unnecessary items in the bathroom can lead to trips and falls. Organising the bathroom by removing unnecessary items and using wall-mounted holders or shelves for storage is a great way to declutter the bathroom, and to store essentials out of the way.

 

7. Use Elevated Toilet Seats

Sometimes standard toilet seats can be too low, which makes it difficult to sit down and get up without assistance. The use of an elevated toilet seat with armrests can make this process much safer and easier, and also reduces the strain on muscles and joints.

 

What Are the Benefits of Falls Prevention Products?

Investing in falls prevention products can improve safety, boost confidence, and can preserve the independence for those at risk of slipping or having a fall in the bathroom. By making small, and often easy and cost effective adjustments to the bathroom, you can create a more comfortable and secure environment.

 

By taking some proactive steps and having greater awareness of potential hazards and risks, falls that occur in the bathroom can be significantly reduced. Installing and using safety products such as grab rails, non-slip mats, and shower chairs can all increase safety, independence and confidence in the bathroom, and can help reduce the risk of a slip or fall in this part of the home. 

 

 

Visit MobilityHQ’s Falls Prevention Page to explore our comprehensive range of bathroom safety products which have been developed to reduce the risk of falls and increase safety in your home.