5 Products For Improved Bathroom Safety For Seniors

Bathroom safety products can help older adults maintain independence and reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Bathroom safety is a key to independent living for seniors. Finding products that help make the bathroom safer is essential.

Here are some recommended products for improved bathroom safety for seniors.

1. Grab Bars and Handlebars

Adding bathtub grab bars and handlebars is a good first step toward better bathroom safety. These supports provide stability and can be placed in several locations, with at least one on each side of a shower or tub where practical so there is something sturdy to grab when needed.

2. Shower Benches and Chairs

Sitting while showering can be safer for seniors. An adjustable-height shower chair can help anyone who has difficulty standing for long periods, and a shower bench can also make soap and shampoo easier to reach.

3. Non-Slip Bath Mats

Non-slip bath mats are important in any bathroom, especially for older adults. They provide greater traction and stability in the bathtub or shower and can also be used in other areas of the bathroom where a wet floor creates a fall risk.

4. Bath Lifts

A bath lift raises and lowers a person into and out of the bathtub. Some use remote controls and others are operated manually. A bath lift may be an option for seniors who have significant difficulty entering a tub, and it can reduce the amount of lifting a caregiver needs to do.

5. Walk-in Bathtubs

A walk-in bathtub is designed so a person can enter without stepping over a traditional high tub wall. A lower entry can be helpful for people with mild to moderate mobility concerns while still allowing bathing or showering.

Another option is to modify the existing bathtub. A CleanCut tub cutout kit can create a lower step-through opening in just a few hours and can be installed as a DIY project or by a professional installer.