Safety in the Bathroom: Warning signs that you may fall

From The Phoenix newsletter

Warning signs that you may fall

Warning signs that you may fall
Recommendations

Toilet:

  • Difficulties getting on/off
  • Lose balance while adjusting clothing
  • Grab bars – wall mounted
  • Safety rails – attached to toilet using existing hardware of seat
  • Raised toilet seat - 2 inches can make a difference!  Some models have armrests attached
  • Modify clothes for easy on/off

Tub:

  • Lose balance when stepping in/out
  • Fearful
  • Fatigue when bathing
  • Scalding water
  • Bathmats and Non-skid surfaces.   Some bathmats have an integrated temperature sensor to provide visual feedback of dangerous water temperatures (* Bathmats are considered universal precautions and are recommended for all age groups, with or without mobility, sensory or cognitive impairments.)
  • Grab bars or a bath safety rail
  • Bath chair – there are many different styles
  • Bath board or transfer bench – eliminates the need to step over the edge of the tub and allows safe and independent entry.
  • Use an anti-scald device (including bathmat as described above) and/or turn down hot water thermostat. 
  • Hand held shower

Sink:

  • Fatigue or dizziness
  • Sit on a stool
Difficulty seeing
  • Adequate lighting
  • Clear plastic shower curtain
  • Mirror magnifier
  • Contrasting colours