Bathroom Safety Gear Designed for You - Grab Bars & More
Professional Installation and Safety Solutions Customized to Your Space
Among all the rooms we use daily, the bathroom is where most falls happen, especially for adults aged 65 and older—accounting for about 80% of such incidents. These falls often lead to broken bones, decreased ability to carry out daily activities independently, and heightened anxiety that can cause seniors to avoid using the bathroom or shower as often. Fortunately, the bathroom can be adapted to improve safety, encourage independence, and enhance mobility while minimizing the risk of falls. Below, we’ll outline some common bathroom hazards and explain how AgeWell Home Solutions offers targeted interventions to help overcome these challenges.
Slippery Surfaces
Bathrooms typically feature smooth tile floors and slippery bathtub surfaces. While these materials are simple to maintain, they also pose a significant risk for slips and falls.
Low Toilet Seats
Toilets are often just 14 to 15 inches high, making it especially challenging to stand up from them for individuals with limited leg strength.
Dimly Lit Rooms
Many bathrooms lack sufficient lighting, a problem that becomes even worse when steam from a hot shower further reduces visibility.
Low Blood Pressure
While a hot shower can be comforting on a chilly Southwest Michigan morning, it may lower blood pressure, potentially leading to dizziness and a loss of balance.
No Place to Rest
Many bathrooms and showers lack seating options, whether at the vanity or within the shower itself. Without a place to rest, fatigue can set in, increasing the risk of falls.
Reaching Overhead
Reaching overhead—to wash your hair, adjust the showerhead, or access high shelves—can throw off your balance and increase the likelihood of a fall.
Glass Shower Doors
Although they may look stylish, sliding or swinging glass shower doors pose serious safety risks in the home. At AgeWell Home Solutions, we strongly discourage their use. These doors can limit the space available for safely entering or exiting the shower and make it more difficult for caregivers to assist loved ones. Additionally, the door handles can give a misleading sense of support—many people instinctively grab them for balance, which can lead to dangerous falls. Lastly, some glass doors may shatter if leaned on or fallen against, creating a significant hazard.
Suction Cup Grab Bars
Though easy to find and budget-friendly, suction cup grab bars can give a false sense of security. They tend to lose grip, especially during hot showers, and aren’t designed to support body weight during a fall. In fact, most include warnings against using them for stability. For safe and effective support, call AgeWell Home Solutions. We provide professional assessments and ensure that grab bars are properly positioned and securely installed using specialized hardware, based on a comprehensive evaluation of your functional needs.
Every 11 seconds, an older adult suffers a fall—most often in the bathroom, but danger can exist in nearly every corner of the home.
At AgeWell Home Solutions, grab bar installation is central to our mission. We take great pride in helping individuals age safely and confidently in the comfort of their own homes.
