How to Improve Safety in Your Bathroom Area

To many of us, the bathroom is our favorite room, and it is often referred to as the soul of the home because it's a good space where we can retreat to decompress and have some self-reflection, especially if you had a bad day at work and need to disconnect from the world a little.

However, it can also be the most dangerous room for older adults and kids, as research shows that approximately each year, the latest survey from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that 230,000 Americans suffer injuries in their bathrooms. Statistics indicate that among older adults, falls stand as the primary cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries, resulting in expensive fractures, head injuries, hospitalizations, potential loss of independence, and, in severe cases, fatalities and sometimes death. To ensure maximum bathroom safety, read on to learn about the causes and ways to improve safety in your bathroom.

Bath Safety

Causes of Bathroom Slips and Falls

  • Wet and slippery floors
  • Broken tiles or showers
  • Inadequate lightening
  • Risk of tripping over bathroom towels
  • Reaching difficult spots
  • Standing up or sitting down on a toilet or bathtub
  • Tripping over bathmats, towels, or other objects
  • Mold, mildew and bacteria growth in old grout and not properly sealed tubs or showers.

Ways to Improve Safety in Your Bathroom Area

  • Install Grab Bars: Properly installed grab bars have proven highly effective in preventing bathroom accidents. As sturdy support, they facilitate gripping when maneuvering in and out of the tub or rising from the toilet. Additionally, they offer a secure handhold to prevent falls. Prioritize your loved one's safety by securely anchoring grab bars into studs—steering clear of suction cup alternatives that could loosen under pressure. Count on us for a steadfast commitment to your peace of mind.
  • Bath Replacement and Space Optimization: A clear walking space is essential in the bathroom. Optimizing the space in the bathroom is an important factor in designing a functional and efficient bathroom free from accidents. Proper storage ensures that all your toiletries, towels, and other bathroom accessories are arranged and stored neatly in their correct positions without lying recklessly on the floor. They are easy to access when needed.
  • Improve Visibility With Lights: Accidents can happen in the dark, especially with older adults. Installing lights or keeping the bathroom well-lit can serve as a means of injury prevention. A well-lighted bathroom increases the visibility of items in the bathroom or rounded corners from the walkway to the bathroom; adequate lights should be bright enough to assist with walking through, as most people usually wake up by midnight to use the bathroom, significantly easing themselves. Efficient lighting in the bathroom will aid in injury prevention or hazards that generally happen in the dark.
  • Use Non-Slip Mats or Rugs: Slip and fall accidents are prone to happen on wet floors, as the Health and Safety Executive stated. Hence, the significance of using non-slip rugs and mats in your bathroom cannot be overstated. Placing a bathroom mat strategically, such as beside the shower and bath and near the toilet, prevents excessive water from making the floor slippery.
  • Unplug Electric Appliances: Make sure to unplug electric razors, hairdryers, and any other electrical appliances from grounded outlets, primarily those close to the sink when they are not being used, to prevent the potentially dangerous mix of air and electricity, as they are both used in the bathroom daily.

Implementing these adjustments in your bathroom can guarantee safety and comfort. These steps offer assurance that safety is a priority for you and your loved ones. By following these suggestions, your bathroom becomes a secure space for bathing and cleaning, free from concerns about accidents. With various options available, you can customize these modifications to suit specific requirements, opting for both practicality and aesthetics that enhance the overall look of your bathroom.

If you're looking for a place to start, contact Bath Planet of Jacksonville. We aim to assist homeowners in accessing exceptional customer service while reducing excessive remodeling costs. Our skilled team of technicians is well-trained and experienced in delivering swift, cost-effective renovation services tailored to homeowners like you.