Bathroom safety
Seats, bars and small changes for a room with hard floors and wet surfaces.
The bathroom has hard surfaces and wet floors. A few well-chosen items make routines steadier and more private.
Steps
- Start with the floor. Put non-slip mats inside the tub or shower and a non-slip rug outside it. Wipe up water right away.
- Add grab bars the right way. Grab bars must be screwed into wall studs or proper anchors. Professional installation is recommended. Suction-cup bars are not for holding body weight.
- Sit to shower. A shower chair lets the person sit while washing. A tub transfer bench lets them sit down outside the tub and slide across.
- Make the toilet easier. A raised toilet seat or toilet safety frame gives height and something to push against when standing.
- Check the water. Test the water temperature with your hand or wrist before the person steps in.
- Keep things in reach. Put soap, shampoo and a towel where they can be reached while seated. A hand-held shower head helps too.
- Light it at night. Use a night light in the bathroom and on the way there.
Checklist
- Non-slip mats in and outside the tub
- Grab bars mounted into studs
- Shower chair or transfer bench in place
- Raised seat or safety frame at the toilet
- Water temperature checked before every shower
- Soap, towel and shower head within seated reach
- Night light on
Health plans, including TRICARE, often treat bathroom safety items as convenience items, and grab bars as a home change. Intake will talk through options honestly before anything is ordered.
Equipment in this guide
Follow the instructions from your doctor and the equipment maker.