Bathroom Safety FAQs
Making Your Home's Bathroom Safer
If bathroom safety is a concern in your home, it’s important to work with professionals to make it safer. The staff at ThedaCare At Home have the knowledge and expertise to perform a safety assessment of your home’s bathroom. Whether it's installing grab bars for support, bath mats to prevent slipping or heavy duty equipment to help you get in and out of the tub, our experts will help you choose the right equipment and make sure everything is installed correctly. Below, you'll find the most common questions we receive about bathroom safety. If you would like to learn more about the bathroom safety equipment we offer, please reach out to us and speak with our team.
What is the Difference Between a Shower Chair and a Transfer Bench?
Both shower chairs and transfer benches are focused on improving safety for seniors and individuals with limited mobility in their home’s bathroom. Both allow you to bathe more safely and maintain your independence. A shower chair is a type of seat that is designed to be used inside a shower or bathtub that is typically made of plastic or metal and is equipped with non-slip feet to keep it in place. Some shower chairs have wheels or casters, which can be helpful for people who need to move around while they shower, but they are not designed to be used as a means of transferring in and out of the shower.
A transfer bench, on the other hand, is a type of bench that is designed specifically for use as a means of transferring in and out of a shower or bathtub. Transfer benches have a long, flat seat that extends outside the shower or tub, and at least one leg positioned inside the shower or tub. They are typically used by people who have difficulty standing or balancing, and need to sit down to get in and out of the shower. Transfer benches are usually wider and more stable than shower chairs, and are designed to be used as a means of transferring weight from one leg to the other.
How are Grab Bars Installed?
ThedaCare At Home has different grab bar options available for you, depending on the needs of your home. If you’re looking for a temporary solution, we offer portable grab bar that is equipped with suction cups that will stay securely in place while you’re using it, but can be moved when necessary. We also offer grab bars that are permanently installed by drilling into a stud to make sure they are securely fastened. Permanent grab bars can be installed into a variety of surfaces, including:
- Drywall
- Tile
- Fiberglass
- Stone
- Concrete
- Paneling
- Wood
Where Should Grab Bars be Placed in the Bathroom?
Grab Bars should be placed in locations where they can provide support and stability when getting in and out of the bath or shower, or when using the toilet. Some common locations for grab bars in the bathroom include:
Next to the toilet: A grab bar can be placed on the wall next to the toilet to provide support when sitting down or standing up.
In the shower or bath: Grab bars can be placed in the shower or bath to provide support when getting in and out of the tub or shower, and to help prevent falls while bathing.
Near the sink: A grab bar can be placed near the sink to provide support when washing hands or brushing teeth.
It is important to ensure that grab bars are properly installed and securely anchored to the wall to ensure their stability and effectiveness. They should also be positioned at an appropriate height for the user, taking into account their height and reach.
What Products Should Be Removed from the Bathroom to Make it Safer?
A lot of the aspects surrounding improving bathroom safety can be done by eliminating clutter in the bathroom. Your home’s bathroom likely already has a lot of slippery surfaces, so adding more clutter will only increase your risk of sustaining a fall. Here are some simple ways you can improve safety and also reduce clutter in your home’s bathroom:
- Eliminate loose rugs
- Make sure any bathmats are secured with suction cups
- Make sure corded items like hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners or electric razors are stored away when not in use
- Make sure any bottles can’t be kicked into the tub where they can be tripped over
How Tall Should the Toilet Be to Be Considered Safe?
To meet standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the toilet must be between 17 and 19 inches off the floor, including the seat. If your toilet seat does not meet this threshold, we recommend purchasing a raised toilet seat to be more accommodating to seniors and individuals with limited mobility.
What are the Benefits of Commodes?
Commodes can be a helpful and convenient option for seniors for a variety of reasons. Some benefits of commodes for seniors include:
- Improved safety: Commodes can help seniors to avoid falls that may occur when attempting to use a standard toilet, especially if they have mobility issues or are at risk of falling.
- Convenience: Commodes can be used in a variety of locations in the home, making them a convenient option for seniors who may have difficulty accessing a standard toilet, especially if they are bedridden or have mobility issues.
- Comfort: Many commodes have features such as armrests, backrests, and padded seats to provide additional comfort and support for seniors.
- Independence: Commodes can help seniors to maintain their independence by allowing them to use the toilet without the assistance of a caregiver.
- Cost-effective: Commodes can be a cost-effective alternative to expensive bathroom renovations or the installation of a walk-in tub or shower, which may be necessary for some seniors with mobility issues.
- Accommodating: Commodes can be used by people of all sizes, and bariatric options are available for larger users who need more stability.
Are Bathtubs or Showers Safer for Aging Adults?
Both bathtubs and showers can be safe to use for seniors, but you need to consider your level of mobility and how you prefer to bathe before deciding. Seniors with limited mobility often find it is safer to have a shower, rather than a tub because it is easier to step in and out without risking a fall. We recommend speaking with your doctor about which is the safest option for you in your home.