How to make the bathroom safer for bathing?
I'm worried my husband will slip during his bath. What adaptations should I make to the bathroom to reduce the risk of falls?
The bathroom is one of the places with the highest risk of falls at home, especially for people with dementia, who may have difficulties with balance, depth perception, or spatial orientation. The good news is that small adaptations, many of them inexpensive, significantly reduce this risk and make bathing more peaceful for both the person being cared for and the carer.
Why the risk is higher here
Wet surfaces, changes in flooring, limited space to manoeuvre, and the need to bend down or stand up make the bathroom particularly dangerous. Added to this is orthostatic hypotension, common in older people, which can cause dizziness when getting up quickly from the bath or shower.
Essential adaptations
- Grab rails: install next to the toilet, inside the shower or bath, and at the entrance, fixed to the wall and not with suction cups, which can give way.
- Non-slip mat: place inside the shower or bath and also outside, in the area where the person steps when getting out.
- Shower chair or stool: eliminates the need to stand throughout the bath, reducing fatigue and the risk of imbalance.
- Remove loose rugs: any rug without non-slip backing should be removed from the path to the bathroom.
- Adequate lighting: ensure sufficient light, including a night light for bathroom trips during the night.
- Water temperature: always test first, ideally between 37°C and 38°C, to avoid thermal shocks that cause sudden reactions.
"After we installed the grab rail and shower stool, my father stopped clinging to me with so much fear. It was a small investment that completely changed the experience."
What NOT to do
- Do not leave the person alone in the bathroom during bathing, even if they seem independent.
- Do not wear open slippers or socks to enter and exit the shower — opt for closed footwear with non-slip soles.
- Do not rush the person to get up immediately after bathing; let them sit for 1 to 2 minutes to avoid dizziness.
When to seek professional help
If falls or near-falls have already occurred, or if the person has great difficulty with balance, ask for an assessment from a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, who can recommend specific adaptations and balance exercises. Your GP can also refer you for subsidised technical aids.