Shower Safety Tips for Seniors

Did you know that 33% of seniors that suffer an accidental fall in the bathroom end up being hospitalized as a result? Fortunately, most of the most common bathroom accidents are preventable, if you know the right steps to take. Whether you’re concerned about bathroom safety for yourself or for an older loved one, preparation is the best thing you can do and you’re taking the first step by reading this shower safety tips guide. 

Read on to learn about the most important shower safety tips to remember for seniors. 

Rearrange the Items in Your Shower

First things first, take a moment to evaluate the items that you have in your shower. Are your shampoos, soaps, etc., in easy-to-reach places? If not, you might find yourself having to reach awkwardly for them. Within a matter of seconds, you could slip and fall just from trying to grab something that’s out of reach. 

Help prevent that by rearranging everything in your shower so that it’s easier to grab safely. You can incorporate hooks and shelves to make it even easier to keep all of your bathing supplies organized. 

Install Grab Bars

If you want to give yourself more stability in the shower, consider installing grab bars on the walls. These durable, heavy bars are specifically designed to offer extra support when you’re climbing into or out of the shower. They’re also great to use while you’re bathing, so you don’t have to worry about slipping. 

Here at Bathroom Buddy Remodeling, we’re proud to offer safety features like grab bars to help keep you safe while you’re bathing. Don’t hesitate to ask our team about different options that are available to you. 

Take Advantage of Non-Slip Accessories

Perhaps the most dangerous part of showering is slippery, wet surfaces. You can help combat them by using non-slip accessories in and around your shower. 

For example, in the shower, you can install non-slip decals on the floor, helping to give you more traction when you’re bathing. Outside of your shower, you can also put down a non-slip rug that will absorb water when you step out of your shower. 

Both of these items are relatively inexpensive, but they can help you stay upright and give you peace of mind every time you use your shower. 

Add a Comfortable Seat

As we get older, it can be hard to stand up for longer periods of time. Instead of worrying about whether you’ll be able to stay standing while you’re bathing, consider adding a comfortable seat to your shower. 

This will give you the option to sit down while you bathe, helping you to feel more stable and maintain your independence. There are a variety of different styles and sizes of shower seats on the market, so you can find something that perfectly suits your needs. 

Consider Converting Your Bathtub to a Shower

If you currently have an older bathtub, you know the danger that comes with stepping over the tall ledge every time you bathe. You can eliminate the risk of tripping over it by hiring the Bathroom Buddy Remodeling team to convert your bathtub into a safe, new shower. 

During our tub-to-shower conversion process, we’ll take out your old bathtub and replace it with a standing shower, complete with any accessibility options you need like a low-entry threshold, grab bars, and more. 

Remember These Shower Safety Tips as You Age-in-Place

After reading through these shower safety tips, we hope you feel more confident about how to bathe safely and maintain your independence as you get older. If you’re caring for an older family member, remind them of these tips as well. 

If you’re ready to make your shower a safer place, look no further than Bathroom Buddy Remodeling. Schedule an appointment with us today to tell us about your shower concerns and to learn more about how we can update your bathroom so that every member of the family can use it safely.