Bathroom Safety

Why is bathroom safety important?

Bathrooms are a particularly dangerous part of the home. Common bathroom accidents include scalds, fainting from heat, falls on slippery floors, poisoning, and head injuries from falling against bathroom fixtures.

Bathroom floors

Linoleum or tile on bathroom floors can be slippery even when dry. A loose rug, sock, or soft slipper can easily slide on it. Bathroom floors can be especially slippery if they get wet. It is not always easy to see the wet area.

• Nonslip floors in the bathroom will help prevent slips and falls.
• Do not have loose rugs on bathroom floors.

The bath and shower

Getting in and out of a bathtub or shower stall can get more difficult as you get older, especially if you are overweight. Don't lock the bathroom door, in case you need help. There are things that can make your bath and shower safer.

• Nonslip pads or strips on the bathtub or shower floor help prevent falls.
• Grab bars provide stability and a strong handhold. They must be long and wide enough to grasp easily, with a nonslippery grip. Grab bars should be strong enough to withstand the stress of leaning on them.
• Bathtub safety rails help you get into and out of a tub safely and eliminate stooping. Bathtub safety rails must be clamped firmly to the bathtub. They must provide a firm, nonslippery grip.
• Bath and shower stools or seats and transfer benches are helpful if you have a balance problem or weak muscles. Shower stools must have rigid seats and backs. Legs should have rubber tips.
• Handheld showers can be used to direct water over your body while remaining comfortably seated on a stool or in a tub.

The toilet

It can be difficult to get on and off a low toilet. Special toilet seats are available that will fit over a regular seat to make it higher. A grab bar will also help. Many falls occur when a person is rushing to get to the toilet. It is easy to skid on a wet floor or a loose mat around the base of the toilet. To help lessen the chance of a fall:

• Do not use a towel bar as a grab bar.
• Install a grab bar close to your toilet.
• Avoid rushes. Use the toilet before it becomes a matter of urgency.

Water temperature

Water does not have to be boiling to cause a scald.

• Have your hot water heater thermostat set below 120°F (49°C).
• Always test the temperature of the bath or shower water with your hand before you get in.

The heat from the hot water in the bath or shower could make you lightheaded.

• Don't stay in the water too long.
• Keep a small chair or stool in the bathroom so you can sit down if you become dizzy or lightheaded.

Electrical safety and lighting

• Don't have a plug-in radio, a compact disk player, or a cassette tape player near your bath or shower.
• Don't allow electric cords to trail where someone could trip on them.
• Always have good lighting in your bathroom.
• Have a night light in your bathroom.

Medicine safety

Do not store medicines in a bathroom. The heat and humidity in the bathroom may damage the medicine. Discard any medicines you are no longer using. Also discard any medicine if you can no longer read its label or if it is outdated.