Bathroom Safety After 50: Simple Changes That Help Prevent Falls
The bathroom is a place where small slips can matter. Floors get wet, surfaces are hard, and we often stand up or step over a tub edge while holding nothing at all. The good news is that a few low-cost changes make this room much safer, and most can be done in an afternoon.
This guide draws on fall-prevention advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recommends grab bars, non-slip surfaces and good lighting as simple home safety steps.
Add Grab Bars Where You Need Support
The CDC advises installing grab bars inside and beside the tub or shower, and beside the toilet. A grab bar is made to hold your weight, so it needs to be fastened securely into the wall structure.
A towel bar is not a grab bar. It can pull right out of the wall if you lean on it. If you are not comfortable with tools, ask a licensed contractor or a handy family member to install the bars, and make sure they are anchored properly.
Make the Tub and Shower Floor Non-Slip
- Place a non-slip rubber mat on the floor of the tub or shower, or apply self-stick non-slip strips.
- Check the mat often. Replace it if it curls, peels or feels slick.
- Use a mat with a rubber backing on the floor outside the tub, or skip the rug entirely. The CDC suggests removing throw rugs or securing them with double-sided tape or non-slip backing.
Light the Way, Especially at Night
Many bathroom trips happen in the dark. The CDC suggests putting a nightlight along the path from the bed to the bathroom, and says motion-activated or dusk-activated lights work well. Brighter bulbs in the bathroom itself also help, and so does replacing any burned-out bulbs right away.
Keep the Floor Clear
- Pick up items from the floor and keep them off it.
- Coil or tape cords along the wall, away from where you walk.
- Move frequently used items to a place you can reach without bending or stretching.
A Simple Bathroom Safety Routine
- Turn on the light before you step in, even for a quick visit.
- Dry your feet before you step onto a hard floor.
- Hold a grab bar when you step in or out of the tub.
- Stand up slowly from the toilet or a seat, and pause a moment before you walk.
- Wipe up spills right away.
Talk to Your Doctor and Pharmacist Too
The CDC also recommends asking your doctor to check your fall risk, and asking your doctor or pharmacist to review all your medicines, including over-the-counter ones, for side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. Strength and balance exercises and a yearly eye check are other steps the CDC lists for lowering fall risk.
If you ever fall and cannot get up, a way to call for help matters. Our guide to medical alert systems explains the types and features, so you can decide what fits your home.
This article is general home safety information. Talk to your doctor, or a licensed contractor for installation, about your own situation.
More on Seniors Tips
- A Room-by-Room Checklist to Help Prevent Falls at Home
- Medical Alert Systems Explained: Types, Costs, and Questions to Ask
