Bathroom Safety for Seniors: 4 Simple Tips

Bathroom safety for seniors is a top concern

Did you know that people use the toilet 7 times a day on average? That’s why bathroom safety for seniors is especially important.

Balance issues, muscle weakness, frailty, and cognitive issues like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can make a simple activity like using the toilet difficult or even dangerous. 

As challenging as using the toilet might be, it’s also important to help your older adult preserve as much dignity and independence as possible.

We share 4 simple tips and modifications that make going to the bathroom safer, easier, and less tiring for seniors.

Why bathrooms are dangerous

Bathrooms are dangerous because they’re small spaces with lots of hard surfaces and corners. 

On top of that, sitting down and standing up can cause dizziness or unsteady balance for seniors because of blood pressure changes or muscle weakness.

That could easily lead to a devastating fall.

4 simple tips to improve bathroom safety for seniors

1) Keep walkways and floors clear, smooth and well-lit, day and night

• Remove clutter or objects along the path.
• Add automatic nightlights or motion sensor stick-on lights.
• Remove any fluffy rugs or slippery floor mats. It’s too easy to trip or slip on them. Instead, use low-profile, non-slip, absorbent floor mats.
• If the bathroom door has a raised threshold, consider replacing it with a low-profile doorway threshold or mark the raised area with colored tape to help your older adult notice and step over it – reducing the chance of tripping.

2) Consider 3 types of grab bars for extra support when sitting and standing

Toilet safety frames with arms (like these) give seniors a helpful guide and support. They typically install easily with no tools and are easily removed.

Floor to ceiling pole grab bars (like these) provide support, even in awkward spaces. They can be placed exactly where they’re most helpful, installed easily with no tools, and removed easily.

Wall-mounted grab bars (like these) provide secure support, but do require correct positioning and permanent installation to be effective and safe.

3. Add a raised toilet seat with arms

Raised toilet seats with arms (like these) increase safety by reducing the distance and effort needed to sit and stand. They install easily with no tools and are easily removed.

4. Make cleaning up easier for greater independence and dignity

Bending and reaching behind to wipe after going to the bathroom can become difficult.

Toilet tissue aids (like these) make wiping easier for increased independence and dignity as well as improved hygiene. Consider using these with moist wipes to even more cleanliness and comfort.

Recommended for you:

• 8 Useful Bathroom Aids for Seniors Make Everyday Tasks Easier
• Home Modifications for Seniors: A Room-by-Room Guide for Safety and Independence
• 7 Sources of Home Repair Assistance for Seniors

By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Images: Amazon, Handicapped Equipment, Apartment Therapy, Amazon, Amazon

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About the Author

Connie Chow

Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.