Safety in the bathroom
Creating a safe bathroom environment is essential to making those daily tasks as pleasant as possible.
Bathroom safety is not just about using mobility aids; it’s also about making the experience positive for you or your parent. Some things you can do to make bathing and showering safe are:
- mopping up excess water and other spills immediately with a cloth to avoid slips
- setting the hot water temperature to 40C to avoid scalds
- making sure the bathroom is well lit, especially at night
- placing shampoo, soap and other toiletries where they can be reached easily
- keeping the floor clear of clothes, towels, bathroom scales and other items
- establishing a routine for showering or bathing, and avoiding difficult tasks while tired, rushed or stressed
- eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent falls caused by fatigue and dehydration
- maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, with plenty of movement and exercise to keep your muscles strong and flexible
- making sure any clothing you wear in the bathroom isn’t too long, which could cause a trip hazard
Specific modifications, additions and accessories can also be used to make showering and bathing safer and more comfortable.