The Basics

No Cost Suggestions:

1. Move slowly. Don’t rush when stepping into or out of tubs or showers.

2. Handy supplies. Make sure you don't have to reach for routine supplies.  No bending or stretching for shampoo bottles!

3. Clear drains.  Ensure tub and shower drains free from clogs. Standing water increases slip risk.

4. Remove mold & soap scum. These can create slippery conditions.

5. Remove floor rugs.  If you must use a floor rug, choose one with rubberized backing, avoid loose, fluffy rugs that slide and never use a bath towel as a rug.  Mop puddling up immediately.

6. Consider your pets.  Remove all pet toys and loose pet accessories from the bathroom.  Shut the door when you are using the bathroom to prevent surprise visits from pets. 

Low Cost Ideas:

7. Wear anti-slip footwear. Slippers with grippy soles or bath shoes can prevent falls.  Check out our blog on footwear ideas.

8. Treat underfoot surfaces.   Use bath mat or decals inside the tub or shower. Choose textured surfaces and suction-backed options. Consider spraying non-slip coating on floor and shower tile. 

9. Raise toilet height. To ease sitting down and standing up, use a raised seat or, if you can, install a comfort-height toilet.

10. Add grab bars. Position grab bars near the toilet, inside the shower, and beside the bathtub.  If you can not afford professional installation consider floor standing options.

11. Avoid glass. Use plastic containers for shelf and counter storage.  If you can, consider mounting shower storage to the wall.

12. Use a shower chair.  Shower chairs are especially useful so you can sit while cleaning your feet and for unanticipated dizziness.  Consider have a professional install  permanant a seat in the shower.

13. Improve lighting. Install bright light bulbs to improve visability.  Place bathroom lights on a motion-activated switch for nighttime visits.  Check out our blog post on lighting options. 

Do These If You Can:

14. Secure towel bars. Have a professional repair mountings, use towel bars for towels only, not for balance—grab bars are designed for that purpose.

15. Install a handheld shower wand.  Shower wands can help you reach those hard-to-reach places as well as make shower cleaning easier, consider magnetic attachment for ease of use.

16. Ease tub transitions.  Consider installing a walk-in shower, walk-in tub or tub cut to ease entering into and out of the tub   

17. Hire professional services. For dependable and routine cleaning, considering hiring a cleaning service.