Within the comfort of our homes, a silent threat looms for millions of seniors – the risk of bathroom falls. As we age, the bathroom – once a sanctuary for comfort – becomes a danger zone.
Bathroom falls among older adults can lead to serious injuries, affecting their independence and quality of life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls among adults age 65 and older are the leading cause of injury death. Studies show most falls happen at home in the bathroom.
As we age, our bodies undergo changes that can increase the risk of falls. Factors such as balance issues, reduced muscle strength, poor vision and certain medications can make seniors more vulnerable to falls. Environmental factors like poor lighting, uneven floors or nonslip mats can also increase the risk.
“Stepping over a large lip into a tub or shower, visiting the bathroom at night without good lighting or walking on bathroom floors that are slippery and often damp can easily lead to a slip, trip or fall,” said Jennifer Lawless, director of the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center. “Even unusual movements, such as reaching for your shampoo on the shower floor or lowering yourself onto a low toilet seat, can also be a real risk.”
Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce bathroom falls at home. With the help of Lawless, we share simple and cost-effective ways to reduce the risk of you or a loved one experiencing a fall in the bathroom.
Ten bathroom safety tips to reduce your fall risk
1. Get a home assessment: Get a professional to check your bathroom and home for fall risks.
“Many non-medical home care companies, local fire stations and others will come out to your home – often for free – and look for fall hazards,” Lawless said. “I really encourage families to attend these meetings so you can help make the changes that these professionals suggest for creating a safer home.”
2. Clear clutter: Keep the bathroom floor clear of clutter, including loose rugs, towels and electrical cords, which can be tripping hazards. Designate storage areas for toiletries and other items to maintain a tidy and organized space.
3. Put down non-slip mats: Place non-slip mats or adhesive strips on the bathroom floor, inside and outside the shower and tub, to provide traction and reduce the risk of slipping on wet surfaces. “You don’t want a mat that moves easily on a wet floor,” Lawless noted.
Bathroom falls among older adults can lead to serious injuries, affecting their independence and quality of life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls among adults age 65 and older are the leading cause of injury death. Studies show most falls happen at home in the bathroom.
As we age, our bodies undergo changes that can increase the risk of falls. Factors such as balance issues, reduced muscle strength, poor vision and certain medications can make seniors more vulnerable to falls. Environmental factors like poor lighting, uneven floors or nonslip mats can also increase the risk.
“Stepping over a large lip into a tub or shower, visiting the bathroom at night without good lighting or walking on bathroom floors that are slippery and often damp can easily lead to a slip, trip or fall,” said Jennifer Lawless, director of the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center. “Even unusual movements, such as reaching for your shampoo on the shower floor or lowering yourself onto a low toilet seat, can also be a real risk.”
Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce bathroom falls at home. With the help of Lawless, we share simple and cost-effective ways to reduce the risk of you or a loved one experiencing a fall in the bathroom.
Ten bathroom safety tips to reduce your fall risk
1. Get a home assessment: Get a professional to check your bathroom and home for fall risks.
“Many non-medical home care companies, local fire stations and others will come out to your home – often for free – and look for fall hazards,” Lawless said. “I really encourage families to attend these meetings so you can help make the changes that these professionals suggest for creating a safer home.”
2. Clear clutter: Keep the bathroom floor clear of clutter, including loose rugs, towels and electrical cords, which can be tripping hazards. Designate storage areas for toiletries and other items to maintain a tidy and organized space.
3. Put down non-slip mats: Place non-slip mats or adhesive strips on the bathroom floor, inside and outside the shower and tub, to provide traction and reduce the risk of slipping on wet surfaces. “You don’t want a mat that moves easily on a wet floor,” Lawless noted.
