When you hear the phrase “bathroom safety”, you probably think of older people or individuals who have difficulty moving around. But the truth is, bathroom safety affects us all whether we’re young, old, healthy, unhealthy, living alone, or living with others. That’s why it’s important to take steps to prevent injury in one of the most used and potentially dangerous rooms in the house, before the consequences of a bad fall force you to act.
So, what can you do to make your bathroom a safer place for you and your fellow household members?
Create as many non-slip surfaces as possible.
One of the most common ways people get injured in the bathroom is by slipping in the tub/shower or on the floor when stepping out of it. Get ahead of this hazard by swapping out your throw rug for a non-slip floor mat. You should also create a non-slip surface in your tub or shower with a simple rubber bath mat that offers greater stability for moving, sitting, and standing.
Keep your bathroom clean, dry, and organized.
Leaving a mess, whether it’s a water puddle, soap buildup, or just misplaced shower supplies, will increase the likelihood of you falling in the bathroom. After you shower or take a bath, wipe down the walls and/or tub with a shower wiper. This will keep water from pooling and soap residue from accumulating. Organizing and making your essential bathroom items accessible (shampoo, soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.) will keep you from having to reach too far or move around searching for what you need.
Illuminate your space.
You should have plenty of lighting in and leading up to your bathroom to help you get around at night. Overhead lighting, night lights, floor lighting, and lights for the walkway to and from the room can be used to increase visibility. Motion-activated lights will be particularly helpful, as during the night it’s common to just stumble into the dark without thinking about turning on a light first.
Use bathroom safety products.
Again, bathroom safety is not just for seniors or people with mobility issues. Using bath safety accessories is a smart way to prevent slips, falls, and injuries before they create bigger problems for you, even if you’re perfectly healthy. Products such as raised toilet seats, bath/shower chairs, and grab bars are all great accessories to provide extra support and make it easier to use and get around your bathroom.
At BEK Medical, your safety and wellbeing are our top concern. That’s why we make it easy for anyone to get ahold of the bath safety supplies they need to feel comfortable and secure in their home.
Order the home medical supplies you need online today or stop by one of our locations to learn more about our products!
