Adding Bath Safety Features for Seniors

Older adults are especially vulnerable to accidents in the bathtub and shower. Many people do not consider the dangers of showers and bathtubs until there is an incident or a near-miss. When patients are recovering from an injury or surgery, doctors frequently recommend adding special safety features in the home to avoid falls and further injury. Senior care providers helping those that need assistance bathing or walking may also suggest special bathroom safety features as well.

Grab Bars
Grab bars are specially constructed bars usually made of stainless steel that are mounted on the wall for those unsteady on their feet. The bars can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. They should be professionally installed so that they will not pull out of the mounting when grasped. While towel racks are available in most bathrooms, they are not a substitute for safety bars. They are not built to support at person’s weight and can come free from the wall if used as a grab bar.

Transfer Seats
Transfer seats and benches are used to help people get in and out of the bathtub. This is especially useful for people with difficulty sitting down in the tub. One type of transfer seat is mounted on either side of the bathtub and stretches across the middle. Another type resembles a bench seat and extends out on one side. In either case, the patient can transfer from a standing position or wheelchair and slide across the bench. This makes it possible to still take a bath and enjoy regular hygiene. Having a family member or in-home eldercare professional helping with transfer and bathing activities may be recommended by the patient’s doctor.

Shower Chair
When standing for long periods of time is difficult without someone losing their balance, shower chairs offer stability and safety. The chair’s legs should feature non-skid tips. Using an old folding chair or lawn chair is not advisable, as they are not sturdy enough and may slide or scratch the shower surface. Shower chairs are waterproof and may also have extra holes or slats in the seat for drainage.

Hand-Held Showerhead
A hand-held showerhead is practical for seniors using a shower chair or bench seat. It helps to prevent incidents while reaching to move the nozzle or leaning over to feel the stream of water. It makes showering or bathing possible for those who have mobility and balance problems and would likely require a sponge bath in bed instead.

Curtains and Doors
Install watertight doors to limit splashes onto the bathroom floor. Changing to a sliding door or adding weather stripping to an existing model will prevent leaks. For open showers and bathtubs, use curtains with weights on the bottom. This will prevent the curtain from blowing open and allowing water to leak out onto the floor.

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