9 Bathroom Safety Features to Help You Age in Place

As you get older, everyday tasks can become more difficult, potentially putting you at risk for injury. This is particularly true in the bathroom, where many of us are more prone to household injuries. Fortunately, you can implement certain bathroom safety features to help you navigate the space with peace of mind.

Here at EZPro Baths Express, we are proud to be your local bathroom safety experts. We have more than a decade of experience helping homeowners like you create safer, more beautiful bathrooms, ideal for those with mobility issues and seniors planning to age in place.

Below, you can learn more about the top safety features to consider adding to your bathroom. When you’re ready to request a free quote for your upcoming bathroom remodel, please contact us online or call your local EZPro Baths Express location.

Who Benefits From Creating a Safer Bathroom?

Whether aging in place is your plan for the immediate future or something you’re still considering, creating a safer bathroom is a great idea no matter how long you plan to stay in your home. The reality is that almost anyone can benefit from adding safety features to their bathroom.

If you relate to any of the following, consider adding features designed to keep you safer in the bathroom.

People With Arthritis

More than 20% of people in the country suffer from arthritis, which can make it difficult to comfortably step over the side of a traditional bathtub. To help reduce the risk of tripping and falling, those with arthritis should consider making bathroom updates designed to help with comfort and accessibility.

Wheelchair Users

Unfortunately, most standard bathrooms aren’t designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind. To help you move safely around your bathroom, adding safety features is one of the best things you can do.

Choosing a bathroom remodeling company specializing in wheelchair-accessible bathroom remodels is important so you feel confident they can create a space that better fits your needs.

Seniors

Aging often sneaks up on us. We don’t always notice that we’re getting older until suddenly things seem more difficult than they used to be. While stepping over the side of a traditional tub is something that you’ve done every day for decades, you might start to realize that lifting your leg is now more difficult.

When that happens, you’re at a higher risk of tripping and falling, which can lead to a serious injury. Before you get hurt, modify your bathroom to accommodate you better.

Those With Poor Balance

People who experience balance issues are at a higher risk of injury in the bathroom, particularly because of wet floors. By updating your space to help give you more stability if you lose your balance, you can feel more confident every time you’re in the bathroom.

People Planning to Age in Place

These days, more and more older adults want to stay in their homes for the long term, rather than moving to assisted living facilities. Known as aging in place, this concept involves updating your home to help you live out your retirement years more comfortably in your home.

Of course, adding safety features to your bathroom is an important part of aging in place, since bathrooms pose a particular risk to seniors.

9 Bathroom Safety Features to Consider Adding to Your Home

The first step to creating a safer bathroom in your home is to think about which features you want to add to your space. Let’s explore some of the top safety updates to consider to help you decide which elements will make the most sense for your bathroom.

1. Walk-In Showers

Walk-in showers are one of the most popular bathroom safety features, as they are accessible and help to minimize the risk of accidents, particularly for individuals with limited mobility or seniors. The elimination of traditional high thresholds allows for a seamless entry and exit, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Walk-in showers can include customizable features like built-in seating and handrails for further stability and support. Overall, walk-in showers help to ensure that you have a more secure and comfortable bathing environment.

2. Barrier-Free Showers

Another option to consider is a barrier-free shower, which is intentionally designed to eliminate the hindrance of traditional thresholds. This gives you a smooth and level shower entry, ideal for individuals with varying degrees of mobility challenges.

By removing the barrier of a standard bathing area, these showers offer easy wheelchair access and reduce the risk of accidents so your whole bathroom feels safer. The open layout of a barrier-free shower not only accommodates those with disabilities but also is beneficial for seniors and those with temporary injuries.

3. Hydrotherapy Tubs

Do you prefer a relaxing soak in the tub versus taking a shower? Consider adding a safe and luxurious hydrotherapy tub to your bathroom. These tubs are equipped with water jets and customizable settings, giving you the perfect blend of relaxation and health benefits.

Beyond the soothing effects of hydrotherapy, the design of these walk-in tubs incorporates safety, making them a great option for individuals with limited mobility. The easy entry and exit points of these tubs help to minimize the risk of slips and falls, so you feel safer.

Additionally, the therapeutic massage provided by the water jets can alleviate muscle tension and joint discomfort, helping you feel your best in a safe environment.

4. Grab Bars

One of the best features you can add to your bathroom to help prevent accidents and promote stability is grab bars. Strategically placed near toilets, showers, and bathtubs, these sturdy bars provide support to individuals with limited mobility or those who may require assistance.

Their ergonomic design allows you to maintain your balance and have better control during movements like standing up, sitting down, or maneuvering in the shower.

By adding grab bars to your bathroom, you can have a better sense of confidence and independence, so you feel safe navigating your bathroom with ease.

5. Bench Seating

A popular way to create a safer shower space is to install bench seating inside. These benches provide a secure and stable surface where you can sit while bathing, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Bench seating not only helps you stay safer in the shower but also adds a level of convenience, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing shower experience without the concern of standing for extended periods. While it may seem like a simple addition to your bathroom, bench seating can improve the overall accessibility and comfort of your bathing area.

6. Easy-to-Reach Faucets

Designed with practicality in mind, easy-to-reach bathroom faucets minimize the need for excessive reaching, bending, or stretching, helping to reduce strain on your joints and muscles. By placing water controls within arm’s reach, these faucets can help those with limited mobility or dexterity challenges manage daily hygiene tasks with ease.

With easy-to-reach faucets, you can help lower the risk of accidents in the bathroom by eliminating the need for awkward movements.

7. Non-Slip Flooring

One of the most common causes of injury in the bathroom is slipping and falling on a wet surface. Fortunately, non-slip flooring can help serve as a reliable defense against these types of accidents.

The textured surface of non-slip flooring helps to create traction, offering a firm grip, even when the floors are wet. This type of flooring is especially important in areas near showers and bathtubs, where water splashes are common. Non-slip flooring in your shower or bathtub can also help keep you upright and safe while bathing, giving you further peace of mind.

8. Handheld Shower Heads and Bath Accessories

The versatility of handheld shower heads allows you to direct water flow precisely where needed while you bathe, resulting in a more convenient and comfortable experience. This is particularly beneficial for seniors and those looking to maintain their independence as they age.

Additionally, bath accessories like adjustable shower hoses and ergonomic handles contribute to ease of use, so you can maintain proper hygiene without unnecessary strain or difficulty.

9. Sinks and Vanities for Wheelchair Height

If your bathroom cannot properly accommodate the use of a wheelchair, the risk of injury is higher. Sinks and vanities for wheelchair height allow individuals in wheelchairs to comfortably access the sink area, allowing for greater independence in daily hygiene routines.

This design minimizes the need for reaching or strained movements, reducing the risk of accidents over time. These sink and vanity options are available in countless design options so you can create a space that fits your aesthetic without compromising on your needs.

Trust EZPro Baths Express to Transform Your Bathroom Into a Safer Space

No matter which of these bathroom safety features you want to incorporate in your home, our experts at EZPro Baths Express are here to help you every step of the way. We’d love to talk to you about your bathroom safety concerns and come up with a remodeling plan that will help you feel confident about aging in place. To request a free quote for your project, please contact us online or call your local EZPro Baths Express location.

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