The combination of water and smooth surfaces can make the bathroom a dangerous place for the whole family, especially older adults. We’re sharing some tips for Bath Safety Month that can help you and your loved ones prevent falls year round.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that adults 65 and older are at risk for serious injuries from falls, which can reduce their independence and quality of life. Falls can cause broken bones, known as fractures in the ankle, arm, wrist, and hip. A head or brain injury can also result from a fall.

People who have fallen before, whether they were injured, may develop a fear of falling and reduce their everyday activities. A person can become weaker and more vulnerable to falling if they are less active. You can reduce you and your loved ones’ chance of falling with our bathroom safety tips and products available at Carmichael’s locations:

• Install grab bars in the shower, tub, and toilet areas. NOVA Grab bars can be installed to help people of any age get into and out of the shower or tub. They also help maintain balance while sitting on or standing up from the toilet.

• Increase shower safety with a transfer bench. For household members with mobility issues, you can purchase the Folding Universal Sliding Transfer Bench from Drive Medical. This bath aid offers an easy way for people to transfer in and out of the bathtub.

 • Get a raised seat to help prevent overexertion. Sitting on or standing up from the toilet can require a lot of energy from someone who has a mobility impairment. Pushing yourself too hard physically, also known as overexertion, may lead to a bathroom fall or injury. Purchasing a raised toilet seat can reduce the risk of overexertion.

 • Consider the Stander security pole and curve grab bar. If you want additional support to prevent falls, the height-adjustable Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar by Stander can be installed in the bathroom or any room in the home. It fits flat ceilings from 7–10 feet tall and combines a rotating grab bar with a transfer pole for ultimate fall protection for up to 300 lbs.

Additional measures to prevent bathroom falls include improving accessibility, installing non-slip surfaces and removing items that are easy to trip over. Items that are used often, such as soap, towels, and other bathing items, should be within easy reach. Add non-slip strips to the shower or tub floor and use slip-resistant bath mats or rugs. Dry wet floors quickly and remove items that can be easy too trip over such as accent or scatter rugs.

The presence of a caregiver can also reduce the risk of a fall-related injury for an older adult or someone with a mobility impairment. A caregiver can be a family member or paid helper who regularly looks after an elderly, a disabled or sick person.

If you need to improve bathroom safety for yourself or a loved one, Carmichael’s locations carry a variety of bath aids and safety products from trusted brands such as Drive Medical, NOVA, and Stander. Contact a Carmichael’s representative for more information about bathroom safety items and to purchase.