January is National Bath Safety Month, a time dedicated to preventing slips and falls in the bathroom. According to research by the CDC, people between the ages of 75 and 85 are twice as likely as the average person to suffer a nonfatal injury in the bathroom. These statistics make the bathroom one of the most dangerous places in the home for older adults. 

Here at Border, we want to ensure everyone stays safe. As your local Colorado Springs bathroom remodeling experts, we've gathered a list of ten things to consider adding/changing in your bathroom this month. 

10 Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors:

#1 INSTALL GRAB BARS

Install grab bars inside and outside your tub or shower. This can help to reduce the chances of a slip and/or fall when entering or exiting the bath. It's also recommended to install grab bars near the toilet to help with leverage and balance.

#2 CREATE A NON-SLIP SURFACE

In addition to the installation of grab bars, a quick and easy way to improve bathroom safety is by installing non-slip surfaces on the floor of your tub or shower. Non-slip decals can also be applied directly to bathroom tile. These non-slip strips can be found in many different home and department stores.

#3 REMOVE OBSTACLES

According to a study by Michigan University, 1 out of 3 adults over the age of 60 have trouble getting in and out of the bathtub. Installing a walk-in shower or walk-in tub can help to eliminate any obstacles. The initial cost of converting your bath is much more affordable than the medical costs you could incur from a slip or fall. In 2016, the medical costs for fall injuries totaled $31 billion. Save yourself and your wallet the trouble. 

#4 REDUCE OVER-EXERTION 

Keep the bathing experience a relaxing one. Install a shower seat and take frequent breaks if needed. 

#5 KEEP THE FLOOR DRY

This is one of the simplest and most important things you can do. Make sure the floor stays dry by having multiple non-slip mats on the bathroom floor.

#6 IMPROVE VISIBILITY

Lighting is another easy and affordable improvement you can make to the bathroom. Increasing lighting in the bathroom, and rooms leading up to the bathroom, makes it easier to see any hazards. This is particularly important for older adults with vision problems or balance issues.

#7 RAISE THE SEAT

Toilet seat risers help to prevent unnecessary exertion and falling when using the restroom. Remember, it's also helpful to install grab bars near the toilet area.

#8 AVOID THROW RUGS

Avoid trips and falls by removing any throw rugs from the bathroom. Be sure any bath mats or rugs you do use, have extra secure grips on the bottom.

#9 USE HAND-HELD SHOWER HANDLE

Replace the standard shower head with a hand-held shower handle. This will help to improve bathroom safety by not having to reach to adjust the shower head.

#10 TAKE YOUR TIME

Save both time and money with this last tip. Don't rush through a bath or shower! Slow down and prevent any uncessary injuries caused from rushing around.

Don't wait to start implementing these great bathroom safety tips today! Here at Border, we're ready to help upgrade your bathroom. You can give us a call or simply fill out our online form, and we will provide you with a free, no-obligation price. Not ready to make a purchase just yet? Don't worry, our pricing is guaranteed for one year from the day of your appointment. Just like in our safety tips, take your time, we're here when you need us!