Risks

• Slippery bathroom surfaces and difficulty for the elderly in getting in and out of tubs contributes to the risk of slips and falls. Bathrooms also need to be adapted to allow an elderly person to lower himself onto and raise himself up from the tub bottom and toilet with greater ease, especially if he has arthritis or problems with his hips, knees or back.
  
  

Basics

• Place a non-slip suction mat or rubber silicone applique in the tub to prevent falls when getting in and out or using the shower. Also place a non-skid, latex-coated bath mat on the floor beside the tub. A non-skid mat must be used for stepping out of the shower, as well, and a non-slip mat on the shower floor if it is slippery.
  
  

Support with Bars

• Provide solid support by placing institutional-grade, stainless steel grab bars around the bathtub for getting in and out of the tub and for lowering and raising of the body once in the tub. According to University of Missouri Extension, a vertically placed U-bar attached to the wall at the foot of the tub (where the faucets and drains are) allows the bather to safely enter and exit the tub, while horizontal bars placed at the foot end and back wall are best for getting into and up from a seated position. Support bars should also be installed near the toilet, with position depending on the wall space and needs of the household. Note that a towel bar should never be used as a support bar.
  
  

Other Mobility Aids

• For mobility problems related to toilet use, raise the toilet seat by five to seven inches from the standard 15- to 17-inch height. Raising the toilet seat will not only enhance ease of use but also help prevent falls by giving better leverage for standing. Use a molded plastic seat or an adjustable seat or have a plumber put the stool on a wooden platform made to fit the toilet bowl base. If the senior person cannot lower herself into the tub, portable chairs and benches are available to assist with bathing. An inside-outside transfer bench allows the bather to slide into the bath from the bench. All tub seats and benches must have non-slip rubber tips to be safe.
  
  

Ask Professionals

• In order to make adjustments that will maximize safety and not be an additional hazard, consult a physical therapist or occupational therapist or use an appropriate community resource such as a university extension center for help and recommendations.