How to Avoid Shower & Bath Accidents

Shower and bath accidents can happen to anyone, especially if their bathroom setup isn’t made with safety in mind. Unfortunately, not all baths or showers are designed to ensure your safety. 

Getting in and out of the bath or shower becomes more of a challenge as you become older. For this reason, it’s ideal to consider safety options now rather than later. What can you do to improve shower or bathtub safety in your home? 

Read our guide below for tips on improving bathing accessibility and preventing accidents. 

Keep the Floor Dry

Wet, slippy floors are a common cause of bathroom accidents. A slip-resistant mat will help keep the floor dry and provide you with a soft place to land your feet. A well-weighted shower curtain can also help keep the floor dry by keeping water from leaking out. 

Even with both of these features, it’s still important to always check the floor for wet spots before stepping out.  

Install a Grab Bar for Stabilization

Grab bars are another option to help prevent slips and falls in your shower or bath. A solid, easy to grip grab bar can help you secure your footing and feel more comfortable. 

Depending on the material of your shower surround, grab bars can be installed at virtually any placement, catering to your height and grip preferences. 

Have Solid Footing

Before you step out of the shower, it’s beneficial to ensure you have solid footing. Make sure the foot that’s inside the shower is stable before lifting your other one out. A grab bar paired with solid footing and a stable shower mat will reduce the risk of falls.  

In general, always be aware of your balance while bathing. It can be easy to lose our balance, especially for morning bathers who aren’t quite awake yet or those dealing with a disability. 

Use Shower Floor Grips

Non-slip decals can be added to the floor or tile to reduce slipping. Most department stores offer various options when it comes to grips or bathmats. You can choose between suction cups, foam, and different materials based on your needs and comfort preferences. As an additional tip, check how easy your choice is to wash before purchasing! 

Improve Shower and Bath Accessibility

To reduce the risk of bath accidents, all items you use on a daily basis should be within easy reach. All of those important showering/bathing items such as your towels, shampoos, body wash, and conditioners should be nearby. 

Installing shelves in your bath or shower can especially help with this. You can also investigate things like shower baskets, which hang from your shower head. 

Eliminate Obstacles

Do you find yourself tripping over the same objects often in your bathroom? Consider removing them if they aren’t necessary or adjusting their placement. If you’re stumbling over the edge of your bath or shower, you may want to consider investing in a low-threshold shower or walk-in bathtub. 

Improve Shower Safety with a Remodel

Improving shower safety and accident prevention in your bathroom starts right here with this very guide. Use the information provided to begin the transition to a safer shower or bath setup. If you continue to have safety issues, consider a bath or shower remodel. 

If you opt for the remodeling route, experts at West Shore Home are here to help. We’ll assist you in finding a bath or shower with perfect style and features for your needs. Get in touch today for a free quote and consultation.