Bathroom Safety for Vancouver Seniors

Explore tips and upgrades to help make your bathroom more accessible.

Why Is Bath Safety Important for Seniors?

January is National Bath Safety Month, so we’re sharing resources to help you and your loved ones avoid bathroom-related falls and injuries. UCLA Health estimates that 80% of falls in the home happen in the bathroom. There are several areas where this can happen:

• Stepping in and out of the shower or bathtub
• Sitting down on and standing up from the toilet
• Slippery surfaces like wet floors
• Navigating obstacles like cords, especially if you don’t have adequate lighting

As you and your loved ones age, it may become more difficult to maintain stability and balance, especially in situations like these. On top of that, falls can be more dangerous to aging adults who are susceptible to injuries. Fall-related injuries can have lasting impacts on health and mobility, possibly increasing the chances of falling again.

The most important part of bathroom safety is to get in and out without falls and injuries. Keep reading for information and resources to help.

What Are My Options for Bath Safety?

Shower mats, grab bars, shower chairs, and bathtub benches are all great options to improve the safety of your bathroom.

Grab Bars

A grab bar is a sturdy bar that attaches to your bathroom wall to help prevent falls near the shower, tub, and toilet. The size of your grab bar will depend on the space you have available, as well as your personal needs.

Factors to consider when purchasing a grab bar:

• Longer bars may be more suitable for those who struggle to balance and stabilize themselves.
• People with different hand sizes may require thicker or thinner bars.
• If possible, choose a bar with a higher weight capacity for increased safety and support.

Shower Chairs & Bathtub Benches

A shower chair or bathtub bench is a surface where you can sit in the tub or shower. This helps to reduce the risk of falls and the amount of energy needed for showering. There are different types of seats for the tub and shower, including stools, chairs with backs and side handles, and tub transfer benches that allow you to sit and slide into your bathtub or shower.

Factors to consider when purchasing a shower chair or bathtub bench:

• The height and width of your chair may depend on the size of your tub or shower.
• If possible, choose a chair with a higher weight capacity for increased safety and support.

Shower Mats

Non-slip shower mats provide enhanced safety, comfort, water drainage, and hygiene benefits. These mats are designed to stay in one place, even when wet, making them perfect for the bathroom.

Factors to consider when purchasing a shower mat:

• The size of your tub or shower will determine what size mat you need.
• Different types of flooring in your bathroom, tub, or shower might require your mat to have more or bigger suction cups on the bottom.
• Make sure to choose a mat with drainage holes or grooves to help keep it clean.

Pairing these features with accessibility tools like long-handled brushes and non-slip aqua socks will help improve your bathroom experience.

Where Can I Find Bath Safety Products in Vancouver, WA?

Bath Planet of Portland & SW Washington offers walk-in tubs with safety features like grab bars and built-in seating. They can also add a “step-through insert” to your current tub, creating an opening that allows you to walk into your shower.

• Location: 6109 E 18th St A, Vancouver, WA 98661
• Hours: Mondays – Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

A Caring Closet provides free durable medical equipment (DME) to people who can’t afford it. They have shower chairs and benches, toilet risers and versa frames, and more.

• Location: 7500 NE 16th Ave Suite 1C, Vancouver, WA 98665
• Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and the first Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Parkrose Hardware has several locations around Vancouver, including the Heights District and Hazel Dell. Their bathroom safety options include grab bars and rails, raised toilet seats, and toilet stools. Here are all of their locations in Washington:

• Vancouver: 16509 SE 1st St, Vancouver, WA 98684
• Vancouver Heights: 8000 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98664
• Hazel Dell: 8002 NE 6th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98665

How Does Griswold Support Seniors?

At Griswold, we’re proud to provide non-medical in-home care in and around Vancouver and Salmon Creek. Through our care services, we can help you and your loved ones with Personal Care, Overnight Care, Respite Care, and more. We’d be happy to create a personalized care plan for you and your family – give us a call today!