Did you know that the bathroom accounts for over 70% of falls in the home? That’s right, it may be one of the smallest rooms in the house, but with its abundance of wet, smooth surfaces, it can also be one of the most dangerous. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older Canadians and responsible for 85% of injury-related hospitalizations among this age group. Falls can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of independence, and even death.

The good news is, making a few simple adjustments or additions to your home can help make it a lot safer, so you and your loved ones can live confidently at home for years to come. Find some of our top picks below.

Non-slip bath mats

These rubber bath mats are an essential for anyone looking to make their bathroom safer. They are attached to the floor of the bathtub or shower via suction and provide a non-slip surface while bathing or showering.

Who they’re good for

• Everyone! Whatever your age or level of mobility, these bath mats can help reduce slips and falls in the bathroom.

What are the benefits?

• Non-slip bath mats are a cost-effective, quick, and easy way to make your bathroom surfaces safer and reduce your chances of falling.

Grab bars

Grab bars are usually installed next to the toilet, shower, or bathtub, and provide a stable place to hold onto while getting on and off the toilet or in and out of the bath or shower. Some options can be attached using suction cups and can be removed and placed elsewhere if needed. Others need to be screwed into the wall and provide more stable assistance.

Who they’re good for

• Grab bars are ideal for people who are able to use the toilet, bath, and shower independently, but need a little extra help with stability.

What are the benefits?

• Grab bars are a cost-effective way of improving your balance and stability in the bathroom.
• They’re relatively easy to install and don’t require major changes to your bathroom.
• They can offer peace of mind and confidence to those who are worried about falling.
• They can help you maintain your independence for longer as they reduce the need for assistance while using the bathroom.

Shower/bath seat

A bath or shower seat is exactly what it sounds like – a seat that is placed in your bath or shower to provide somewhere to sit while you’re washing.

Who they’re good for

• Anyone with mobility issues that make them less steady on their feet.
• People who struggle to stand in the shower for extended periods of time.
• People who find it difficult to sit all the way down in the bathtub.

What are the benefits?

• Shower and bath seats help you avoid falls by providing a safe place to sit while you bathe.
• They can help you maintain your independence and boost self-esteem by making it easier to wash unaided.
• They can be useful for post-injury care by allowing you to shower without putting strain on a particular body part that’s healing.
• If you lack stamina and find it tiring to stand for longer periods of time (such as while showering), using a shower seat can help reduce fatigue and conserve energy.
• Most models are portable and lightweight, allowing them to be packed away when not needed or taken while travelling.
• Options are available both with and without a back, providing support for the back if needed.

Raised toilet seat

A raised toilet seat is a piece of equipment that’s attached to the toilet to raise the height of the seat. They come in various heights, ranging from around 2” to 6” and some also come with arms.

Who they’re good for

• If you find it hard to get on and off the toilet, a raised toilet seat might be for you. Most toilet seats are lower than the height of a chair, and since we lose muscle strength as we get older, getting up and down from such a low position might get trickier.
• You may need to use a raised toilet seat when recovering from certain operations, such as a hip replacement.

What are the benefits?

• A raised toilet seat can make it easier to go to the toilet unassisted, giving you or your loved one an increased sense of privacy, dignity, and independence.
• For those recovering from an operation or injury, a raised toilet seat can help aid the healing process by taking strain off the affected area.
• They can be more comfortable for those with conditions that cause pain when sitting down or standing up.
• They can help you avoid falls by decreasing the distance and effort required to stand up and sit down, reducing the likelihood you’ll lose your balance.

Staying safe in the bathroom is a key part of maintaining your independence and aging in your own home on your own terms.

You can browse the wide range of bathroom safety equipment on our website or visit your local Wellwise by Shoppers™ location, where our knowledgeable team will be happy to help you find the products you need. You can also contact our Home Services Team (only available in Ontario), who will be able to arrange a home consultation with you to discuss bathroom modifications.

The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information in this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Resources

https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/falls-prevention-seniors-research-healthcare-injuries-1.5012356#:~:text=And%20one%20of%20the%20main,who%20also%20researches%20fall%20prevention.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/aging-seniors/publications/publications-general-public/seniors-falls-canada-second-report/seniors-falls-canada-infographic.html