Bathrooms combine wet, slippery floors with hard surfaces and frequent sitting and standing, which makes them one of the riskiest rooms for falls. A few changes, most of them inexpensive, can make a big difference.
Install grab bars
Grab bars give you something sturdy to hold when you step into the tub or shower, sit down, stand up or use the toilet.
- Where: on the wall inside the tub or shower, next to the tub or shower entrance and beside the toilet.
- How: grab bars must be screwed into wall studs or installed with anchors rated for grab bars. They need to support your full weight.
- Height: horizontal bars are often placed about 33 to 36 inches above the floor, but the best height depends on you. A vertical bar at the tub entrance helps with stepping in and out.
- Finish: choose bars with a textured grip, and a color that contrasts with the wall so they are easy to see.
Make surfaces less slippery
- Use non-slip mats or adhesive strips inside the tub or shower.
- Use a bath mat with a rubber backing outside the tub, or remove mats that slide.
- Wipe up water on the floor right away.
- Consider non-slip flooring if you remodel.
Sit down when you can
- Shower chair or tub transfer bench: lets you sit while bathing. A transfer bench straddles the side of the tub, so you can sit outside and slide over instead of stepping over the tub wall.
- Handheld shower head: lets you shower while seated and rinse more easily.
- Raised toilet seat or toilet safety frame: makes sitting down and standing up easier on the knees and hips.
Light the way
- Use a night light in the bathroom and along the path from your bedroom.
- Make sure the light switch is easy to reach from the doorway.
Prevent burns
Set your water heater to 120°F or lower to reduce the risk of scalds. Consider anti-scald valves for showers and faucets.
Bigger changes to consider
If you are remodeling or planning to stay in your home long term, consider:
- A walk-in or roll-in shower with no curb, instead of a tub.
- A comfort-height toilet.
- A wider doorway, or a door that swings outward, so someone can get in to help you.
- Lever-style faucets that are easy to turn.
See aging in place: home modifications worth considering.
Get advice and help with costs
An occupational therapist can visit your home and recommend equipment and changes that suit your needs and abilities. Medicare may cover occupational therapy when your doctor orders it.
Original Medicare generally does not pay for bathroom safety equipment such as grab bars, shower chairs or raised toilet seats. Some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid programs and Area Agencies on Aging help with these items or with home modifications for older adults with limited incomes. Veterans may qualify for VA home improvement grants.
