Insights
the blog of Porter HillsBathroom Safety
I have been an Occupational Therapist for nearly 3 decades and over the years I have asked my fracture patients this question: “Where did you fall?” The most common answer is always, “in the bathroom.” We won’t count the woman who fell while standing on the toilet seat trying to hang a curtain on a window.
Bathrooms ARE slippery when wet and have a lot of real estate crammed into a small area. So, what can we do to keep ourselves safe?
Safety Tips for the Bathroom:
- The bathroom floor and shower should have non-skid matting or strips to decrease fall risks there.
- Grab bars should be placed in the shower, by the shower and by the toilet.
- A high toilet or raised toilet seat with a grab bar near, or a commode over the toilet, is a great help to prevent falls.
- A shower chair or tub transfer bench allows one to shower in a seated position, eliminating the need to step over the tub side. A hand held shower is an additional help in the shower.
- Make sure lighting is adequate and without glare; night lights should be in place in the bathroom and in hallways leading to it.
- Clean up water and other spills immediately.
- Don’t wax the floor.
- Place frequently used items within easy reach; don’t bend down or reach up in the bathroom.
Realize that some medications may lead to dizziness, especially in a steamy bathroom. This can increase your chances of falling so be aware of the side effects of your prescriptions.
Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe is crucial to ensuring ultimate health and wellness. Being aware of and implementing these safety tips will help you live your best life and ward off those inconvenient trips to the hospital.
