If you’re wondering how to make your bathroom safer, we have one word for you: prevention. Slips and falls getting in and out of the shower or tub are the most common way to get hurt. Accident-proofing your bathroom is an effective way to protect yourself, your family, and your guests.

You can minimize slips and falls and other bathroom hazards by following a few simple steps. Not only do these tips increase your safety, but they also boost your home’s value.

What makes a bathroom unsafe?

When you fill your bathtub with hot water and bubble bath, the last thing on your mind is a trip to the emergency room. Yet, that’s exactly what can happen if you’re not careful. What was meant to be a relaxing experience can turn into an accident requiring medical attention.

Slipping and falling are the number-one cause of residential bathroom accidents. Bathtubs are the perfect environment for slipping and falling because they’re a wet and slippery surface. Most tubs require you to step up and over to get in or out of them, which is an added hazard.  

Slips and falls also can happen if you get your foot caught on a loose bathmat or extension cord, both of which are common in many bathrooms.

Does the risk of bathroom injuries increase with age?

Absolutely. Age is one of the key risk factors for all types of falls, including those that happen in a bathroom. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that for every second in the day, an older adult suffers a fall. Several factors contribute to the increased danger.

Decreased endurance and strength

Muscle loss begins around age 30. By the time you reach age 65, your muscle mass has decreased by about 12%. Combined with the weaker bones and decreased endurance that also come with age, falls become more likely. Lacking adequate strength means you also might have a more difficult time safely navigating in and out of the shower or tub.

Declining eyesight

Your vision worsens with age. It’s just a fact of life. Declining eyesight ups your chances of falling because you may not see obstacles in time to avoid them. Diminishing vision can be especially risky in a bathroom, where you may need to spot and avoid slick surfaces or judge how high to lift your leg before clearing the side of the tub.

Loss of flexibility

You may not realize how much flexibility you need to get in and out of the tub until you’re no longer able to command your body to do what you want it to do. Health conditions like arthritis and some metabolic syndromes can reduce your dexterity, making it more difficult and even dangerous to bathe. When you’re less flexible, you’re more prone to falling.

Strategies for improving bathroom safety

Every year, more than a million Americans slip, trip, and fall in their bathrooms, according to the CDC. Don’t become a statistic in the next CDC report about bathroom safety. Use some of the following strategies to decrease your likelihood of suffering serious injuries.

Install grab bars

Grab bars aren’t just for older people. They can come in handy for anyone who wants to safely maneuver in and out of a bathtub or shower. You can request a tub and shower conversion project that specifically includes grab bars in key areas to prevent slips and falls. Don’t forget about the toilet area. Grab bars are a safer way to get up and down for people with limited mobility.

Leave the door unlocked

Everyone likes their privacy. Locking the bathroom door might seem like a smart move to ensure you’re not disturbed while soaking in the tub. A locked bathroom door presents an obstacle if you should need assistance. Avoid the need to bust down the bathroom door by leaving it unlocked. Consider putting a “do not disturb” sign on the outside of the doorknob instead.

Modify your bathtub or shower

Walk-in bathtubs are an effective way of reducing slip and fall hazards in the bathroom. Standard bathtubs have high sides, which increases the risk of accidents for adults and children. Most walk-in tubs are fully customizable. You can request options like whirlpool jets and built-in seats for easier mobility once in the tub.

Stay connected

Even when you take all the necessary precautions, bathroom accidents can happen. Consider installing a life alert safety device or system in your home. If you do fall in your bathroom and are home alone, you can call for help using the device. Not all home medical alert devices work the same way. Make sure the one you choose has superior battery life and best-in-class fall detection technology.

Toss out the throw rugs

Throw rugs may look nice in your bathroom but they are a major trip and fall hazard. Getting rid of them entirely is the most effective way to boost bathroom safety. If you just can’t live without them, then at least buy ones with non-slip backing so they don’t slide out from under you.

Upgrade your lighting

Avoid stumbles and falls by investing in some LED nightlights and other upgraded light fixtures for your bathroom. Nightlights can keep bathrooms well-lit for those middle-of-the-night bathroom visits. Lighting the hallways and other areas that lead to your bathroom adds an extra measure of security.

Improving safety in Pittsburgh bathrooms and beyond

Just Bath has the installation experience and superior product availability to improve the safety of any Pittsburgh bathroom and beyond. From our high-quality walk-in tubs to our Just Safe safety alert devices, we give you confidence in the safety of your bathroom. Call today to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with one of our bath conversion specialists. All virtual appointments receive a 20% discount on our services.