At first glance, elderly walk in shower safety might not seem like a big concern. The wide-open space and large entryway would seem to make it easier for seniors to get in and out of the shower safely. With no doors to worry about or tubs to step over, a walk in shower would seem safer for seniors than traditional shower enclosures. But while these wide open showers may appear safer for seniors and persons with mobility issues, they are not. And just one sudden slip and fall in the shower can lead to a broken hip, back, or even worse.
Here are 3 hidden dangers in walk in showers for the elderly and disabled:
- Slippery Floor Tiles Make It Easy for Seniors To Slip and Fall
More than 80% of all reported falls (those needing medical attention) occur in the bathroom and many involve slipping and falling in the shower. Walk in showers typically have slippery tile floors that become downright dangerous when wet.
- Nothing to Grab Onto In Case You Do Slip
Unlike a traditional shower enclosure, most walk-in showers are typically built-into a corner of your bathroom. So, that means there are just bare walls on two sides of the shower and thin air on the other side.
- No Place to Sit and Rest
Due to arthritis and a wide range of health issues, standing for extended periods of time just isn’t always possible. Even elderly with vertigo and other medical conditions affecting balance may be unable to stand safely and bathe.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to tear down your beautiful walk-in shower to make it safe for seniors or people with limited mobility! Here are 3 effective solutions to make any walk-in shower safer for seniors and persons with limited mobility.
Elderly Walk In Shower Safety Tip #1: Install Slip-Proof Flooring
Any wet surface creates a potential safety hazard and increases your risk of falling. But wet, slippery tiles, are just asking for trouble. Slip-proof flooring reduces the risk of falling for seniors by providing extra traction and channeling water towards the drain. We recommend having the slip-proof flooring professionally installed for best results.
Elderly Walk In Shower Safety Tip #2: Add Grip Rails to Walls
A grip rail provides seniors with something they can grab onto while showering for added balance and stability. Since grip rails need to be secured directly to the wall in many cases, professional installation is recommended. Placement of the safety rails is also critical to ensure that seniors can safely use and reach them while showering.
Elderly Walk In Shower Safety Tip #3: Install Shower Bench
As we age, standing on one leg to reach the bottom of our feet while showering becomes increasingly dangerous. A shower bench provides a safe and secure place to sit down and bathe those places we can’t reach without standing on one leg.
However, to use a shower bench, you will also need to install a portable hand sprayer. The hand held shower sprayer must be long enough and installed in the right place to be used while on the bench. We strongly recommend professional installation of a shower bench and hand held sprayer to ensure proper placement and function.
Concluding Thoughts on Shower Safety
A walk in shower is both beautiful and highly functional. But for seniors with mobility or balance problems, the gorgeous showers are not safe by any means. By following the three elderly walk in shower safety tips listed above, you can dramatically reduce the risk of injury without dramatic alterations to the space.
Accessable Bathrooms is Perth’s exclusive senior bathroom modification experts. We will be happy to look at your walk in shower and provide a free safety audit and 3D design showing you how we can make it both safe and beautiful!