How to Make Bathing Safer for Seniors: 9 Practical Home Tips
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For many seniors, bathing can become one of the most dangerous daily activities. Wet surfaces, limited mobility, and poor balance all increase the risk of slips and falls in the bathroom. The good news is that with a few practical changes, bathing can become much safer and more comfortable at home.
Below are 9 proven ways to improve bathing safety for seniors, carers, and anyone supporting independent living.
1. Install Non-Slip Mats
Place non-slip mats:
- Inside the bath or shower
- On the bathroom floor outside the bath
These provide instant grip and reduce slipping on wet surfaces.
2. Use Grab Rails for Extra Support
Grab rails give seniors something stable to hold onto when:
- Entering the bath
- Standing up
- Sitting down
Position them at entry points and near seating areas.
3. Choose a Supportive Bath Seat or Swivel Chair
One of the safest upgrades you can make is adding a bath seat or swivel bath chair.
A swivel bath chair allows the user to:
- Sit down outside the bath
- Rotate safely into the tub
- Avoid stepping over the bath edge
👉 You can view our Swivel Bath Chair here:
https://bettacaremobility.com.au/products/bath-chair-swivel
4. Improve Bathroom Lighting
Poor lighting increases fall risk. Make sure:
- The bathroom is well-lit
- Light switches are easy to reach
- Night-lights are installed if needed
5. Use a Hand-Held Shower Head
A hand-held shower allows users to stay seated while washing, reducing the need to stand or twist.
6. Keep Essentials Within Reach
Soap, shampoo, and towels should be reachable without leaning or stretching.
7. Avoid Loose Rugs
Loose mats or rugs outside the bathroom are a common trip hazard. Secure them or remove them entirely.
8. Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Water-resistant, non-slip footwear adds grip when moving in and out of the bath area.
9. Choose Equipment That Fits Properly
Incorrectly sized bath aids can be unstable. Always measure your bath and choose products designed to fit securely.
If you’re unsure how to measure, see our guide below.
Conclusion
Small changes can dramatically improve bathing safety for seniors. From non-slip mats to supportive seating, the right setup helps reduce falls and supports independence.
For those needing extra assistance, a swivel bath chair can be one of the safest and most practical solutions available.
👉 View our Swivel Bath Chair here:
https://bettacaremobility.com.au/products/bath-chair-swivel