Courtesy of Karen Braitmayer

By Karen Braitmayer, FAIA

It is well known that falls are the leading cause of injury in the home, and older adults are the most likely to experience injury from a fall.

In bathrooms, the chance of injury from a fall is increased because you are falling against a hard surface. Sinks, vanities, and tubs create raised surfaces to bump against if you lose your balance. Floor surfaces are often slick with water, and loose rugs are easy to catch a toe on, contributing to the risk factors. The bathroom should be a top priority for fall prevention review.

The combination of water and soap underfoot makes the bathtub or shower the first place to consider fall prevention methods. Does the tub or shower have a slip-resistant floor surface? If not, a simple rubberized mat can be added. Does your tub or shower have grab bars on the walls or tub edge to steady yourself as you step in or while you are standing? If not, these can be added.

Grab bars are useful to assist in stepping over the tub edge, especially when the tub and floor surface is wet. These should be mounted on the walls, using the studs in the wall as structural backing within the wall for support. A qualified handyperson or general contractor should mount the grab bars, ensuring they can support 250 pounds of weight pulling down suddenly and remaining stable even under the increased force applied if someone falls against it. Shower stalls also benefit from grab bars, both inside and out of the shower. Bars should be mounted horizontally about 36 inches above the floor (of the shower or tub) around the walls of the tub/shower. A short vertical bar should be mounted on the wall with the showerhead near the tub/shower opening and directly above the horizontal bar, to act as a handle when stepping in/out or when leaning down to adjust the water temperature.

Are the towel bars installed to withstand falling force? When people lose their balance, they often grab the nearest thing handy—often the towel bars around the room. Increasing the structural reinforcement behind the towel bar allows it to bear weight similar to that of a grab bar without pulling out of the wall.

Are there rugs on the floor? If so, be sure they have rubberized or nonslip backing to prevent trips and falls.

Are there grab bars by the toilet? While some folks imagine grab bars alongside the toilet are there to assist with rising off the toilet, grab bars at the toilet can also assist if you feel woozy or unsteady when seated. Grab bars should again be mounted horizontally, about 33 inches to 36 inches above the floor on one or both sides of the toilet. Mounting them into the studs of the walls is just as important here. Don’t have walls near your toilet? Then a device that adds grab bars mounted on the toilet itself may be useful. Available at big-box retailers, these toilet seat handles usually attach to the toilet under the actual seat and have bars that curve down and support one end on the floor.

Thinking ahead to prevent falls in the bathroom will save you worry and energy—and potentially save your health as well!