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The bathroom is one of the most common places for falls at home. Wet floors, hard surfaces, and lots of sitting and standing all add up. Use this checklist to make it safer, one room at a time.
Why bathroom safety matters
According to the CDC, about 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older report a fall each year. Many falls happen during everyday tasks, like getting out of the tub or standing up from the toilet. Small changes can lower the risk a lot.
Go through each section below. Check off what is already done and make a list of what still needs work.
Floors
- Put a non-slip mat or adhesive strips inside the tub or shower.
- Use a rubber-backed, non-slip bath mat outside the tub.
- Remove loose throw rugs that can slide or catch toes.
- Wipe up water spills right away.
- Keep the floor clear of clutter, cords, and laundry.
Lighting
- Make sure the light switch is easy to reach from the doorway.
- Add a nightlight in the bathroom and along the path from the bedroom.
- Consider motion-sensor lights for nighttime trips.
- Use bright bulbs so steps, edges, and wet spots are easy to see.
Shower and tub
Grab bars
- Install grab bars near the tub or shower entry and inside the bathing area.
- Anchor grab bars into wall studs or with anchors rated for grab bars.
- Place horizontal bars about 33 to 36 inches above the floor, the range used in the ADA standards. Adjust for the person's height and needs.
- Choose bars with a textured or non-slip grip.
Important: Suction-cup grab bars and towel bars are not made to hold a person's weight. They can pull off the wall when someone grabs them during a slip. Use suction bars only as balance aids, if at all, and never rely on a towel bar for support. If you are unsure about mounting, hire a qualified installer.
Seating and showering
- Use a shower chair or stool if standing for a full shower is tiring.
- Use a tub transfer bench if stepping over the tub wall is hard.
- Install a handheld shower head so the person can bathe while seated.
- Keep soap, shampoo, and a washcloth within easy reach.
- Consider a long-handled sponge to avoid bending and twisting.
Not sure which seat you need? See our guide: Shower chair, shower stool, or tub transfer bench?
Toilet
- Add a raised toilet seat if sitting down or standing up is hard.
- Or use a toilet safety frame with armrests for something to push up from.
- Install a grab bar next to the toilet if there is a wall within reach.
- Keep toilet paper within easy reach without twisting.
Learn more in our raised toilet seat guide.
Water temperature
- Set the water heater to 120°F or lower, as recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to help prevent scalds.
- Test the water with your hand or a thermometer before bathing.
- Consider anti-scald devices on faucets and shower heads.
Handles and fixtures
- Replace round knobs with lever handles on faucets and doors. They are easier to use with arthritis or weak grip.
- Make sure the bathroom door can be unlocked from the outside in an emergency.
- Keep often-used items between waist and shoulder height.
Getting help in an emergency
- Keep a phone or medical alert device within reach, even in the bathroom.
- Choose a medical alert device that is water-resistant and can be worn in the shower.
- Make sure family members know the bathroom routine and check in.
Review the checklist again over time
Needs change. A new medicine, a hospital stay, or a change in strength or vision can make a once-safe bathroom risky. Walk through this checklist every few months, and again after any health change. Ask the person what feels hard or scary. Their answers often point to the next fix.
Get a professional home safety evaluation
An occupational therapist can visit the home, watch how the person moves, and suggest changes that fit their body and their bathroom. This is often more useful than guessing. Ask your doctor for a referral. Some home health or rehab programs include this kind of visit.
Quick comparison: common bathroom safety aids
| Aid | What it helps with | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grab bars | Balance and support getting in and out | Must be anchored properly |
| Shower chair | Sitting while bathing | Works best with a handheld shower |
| Tub transfer bench | Getting over the tub wall | Sits half in, half out of the tub |
| Raised toilet seat | Sitting and standing at the toilet | Check fit with your toilet shape |
| Non-slip mats | Slippery floors and tub surfaces | Replace when worn or curling |
| Nightlights | Nighttime trips | Light the whole path |
Frequently asked questions
How high should grab bars be?
The ADA standards place horizontal grab bars 33 to 36 inches above the floor. At home, you can adjust for the person's height. An OT can help you choose the best spots.
Are suction-cup grab bars safe?
They are not designed to hold your full weight and can come loose. For real support, use grab bars anchored into studs or with proper anchors.
What temperature should my water heater be?
The CPSC recommends 120°F or lower to help prevent burns. Older adults can be burned more easily, so this is a simple, important change.
Who can do a home safety check?
An occupational therapist is trained to do this. Ask your doctor for a referral.