How to Increase Bathroom Safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the older one gets, the more likely they are to become a victim of a bathroom injury. Yet you don’t need to be a senior citizen to slip, fall, or get a serious burn. In fact, it is estimated that over 40,000 children are brought to the emergency room each year due to a bathroom accident.
So, how does one help prevent such accidents? By taking steps to boost bathroom safety. Here are a few strong recommendations.
Reduce the risk of slipping and falling
Sure, wiping up spills and splatters off the floor is a no-brainer. But what about inside the tub or shower? Keep bathroom essentials within easy reach to minimize the need to reach or step out of the tub to grab them. And be sure to clean regularly to prevent mold, mildew, and soap scum from building up and creating a slippery surface.
Install grab bars where needed
For those members of your household who have trouble sitting down and getting up off a toilet, a grab bar can make the task much easier, as can a comfort-height toilet. Grab bars are also ideal in and near the bathtub or shower enclosure.
Prevent burns by adjusting the water temperature
Set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If you have small children, consider heat-sensitive toys that alert you if the water is too hot. And never leave small children in the bath or shower unattended.
Keep a sturdy step stool within reach
If your little one has trouble reaching his toothbrush or favorite bath toy, he may get creative and use an open vanity drawer or a bucket for a boost. Make sure your bathrooms are equipped with sturdy, non-slip step stools.
Have a seat
Planning a bathroom remodel? Consider adding a built-in bench inside your shower enclosure to take the stress off joints and prevent slips. If that’s not an option, check out the various seating options available for existing tubs and showers. Be sure to measure the space as well check the weight-capacity to ensure proper fit and safety.
Keep the light on
Avoid bumps in the night by installing LED nightlights in all bathrooms. Also, avoid using soft or dim bulbs around the vanity and near the bath/shower to promote improved visibility.
Stay safe and connected
No matter how accident-proof your bathroom might be, accidents still can occur. If you have concerns beyond those we’ve addressed in this blog, consider installing a telephone or purchasing a medical alert system so family members can get the help they need in case of emergency.
Best Choice Plumbers is ready to assist you at any time in turning one or more of your bathrooms into safety zones. Anti-scald shower valves, motion-sensitive faucets, comfort-height toilets, walk-in tubs…we do it all. Contact us today for a free on-site safety analysis and bathroom upgrade proposal.