How to Make a Bathroom Safer for an Older Relative

Wet floors, hard surfaces and the effort of standing up and sitting down make the bathroom a common place for falls. The good news is that a few simple changes can make it much safer, often without any building work.

Start with a walk-through

Stand in the bathroom and picture your relative using it, step by step. Notice:

• Where they reach for support (a towel rail or sink edge is not built to hold weight)
• Where the floor gets wet
• Whether they step over a raised shower edge or into a bath
• How low the toilet is
• How bright the room is at night

Ask them what feels hard. They often know exactly where they feel unsteady.

Grab rails

Grab rails give a firm hold where it is most needed, such as beside the toilet and inside the shower. Fixed rails must be screwed securely into a solid wall. If you are unsure about the wall, ask a fundi with experience.

Suction rails are easier to fit but need checking before every use, as they can loosen. They are best for light support, not for taking full body weight.

Non-slip mats

Place a non-slip mat inside the shower or bath and another on the floor outside. Choose mats with suction cups or a rubber backing, and lift and dry them regularly so they stay clean and grip well.

Shower chairs and stools

Sitting down to wash takes away the strain of standing on a wet floor.

• A shower stool is small and suits a narrow space.
• A shower chair with a back and arms gives more support.
• A bath board sits across the bath so someone can sit and swing their legs in.

Check the stated weight limit and make sure the legs have rubber feet.

Raised toilet seats and frames

Getting up from a low toilet can be difficult, especially after a hip or knee operation. A raised toilet seat adds height. A toilet frame gives armrests to push up from. Measure your toilet before ordering to make sure the seat fits.

Light and small things

• Use a brighter bulb, and leave a small light on at night.
• Keep soap, towels and toiletries within easy reach so there is no stretching.
• Use a long-handled sponge for washing feet and back.
• Fit a lever tap if twisting is hard.
• Make sure the door can be opened from outside in an emergency.

Water heaters and hot water

If the home has an instant shower heater, check the water before your relative steps in. Older skin can burn more easily, and some people feel heat less well, including many people living with diabetes.

When to get advice

If your relative has fallen before, feels dizzy when standing, or is recovering from a stroke or operation, speak to their doctor. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can suggest the right equipment for their needs.

We stock a range of bathroom safety equipment, from mats to shower chairs. If you are unsure what will fit your space, send us your measurements and we will help you choose. See delivery details.