Bathroom Safety Modifications

The bathroom is the most fall-prone room in the home. These changes, done in order, prevent the majority of bathroom injuries.

1. Non-slip flooring

• Add a rubber-backed bath mat outside the tub/shower.
• Apply non-slip strips or a decal to the tub floor.
• Keep the floor dry — fix any leaky fixture immediately.

2. Grab bars

• Install at the toilet and inside and at the entrance of the shower/tub.
• Bars must anchor into wall studs, not just drywall — use a stud finder.
• Towel bars are not grab bars and will pull out under body weight.

3. Shower access

• A curbless or low-threshold shower removes the trip hazard.
• A fold-down shower seat lets you sit while washing.
• A handheld shower head on a slide bar reaches standing or sitting.
• Swap a round faucet handle for a lever handle (easier with weak grip).

4. Toilet

• A comfort-height toilet (17–19 inches) is easier to stand from.
• Add a raised seat with arms as a quick retrofit.
• Install a grab bar beside the toilet.

5. Lighting & visibility

• A night light that turns on with motion.
• Contrast between the toilet, floor, and wall helps low-vision users locate fixtures.

When to call a pro

Moving plumbing for a curbless shower, or anchoring grab bars into tile without studs, usually needs a contractor. A grab bar installed wrong is worse than none — it gives false confidence.