The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the home. Unfortunately, depending on the conditions, it can also be one of the most dangerous rooms, especially as you age. Learning how to keep your bathroom safe will help you avoid accidents now and in the future.
Minimize the Risk of Slips
Even for those in perfect health, the risk of slipping and falling in the bathroom is high. Tile floors are particularly slippery when wet, so slipping in the shower or while getting out of it is quite common. To lessen this risk of slipping and the potential injury that comes with it, add slip-proof mats to both your shower and tub floors, as well as the floor directly outside your shower or tub. Promptly wipe up any water on your bathroom floor to minimize the risk of slipping.
Install Grab Bars
If you do slip or begin to feel unsteady while in the shower, it’s nice to have a convenient handhold to grab and steady yourself. Install grab bars along the walls of your shower that are easily accessible while you’re in the shower as well as while you’re getting out. In the case of an accident, these grab bars could save you from serious injury.
Invest in an Extractor Fan
When most people think of bathroom safety features, an extractor fan is not the first thing that comes to mind. However, a bathroom exhaust fan is truly a necessity. Though an extractor fan may not be able to prevent falls, it does play a crucial role in extracting steam, bad smells, moisture, and other air pollutants from your bathroom. This helps to keep your bathroom clean and prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can be both a safety hazard and an expense to repair.
These are just a few methods for how to keep your bathroom safe. In addition to these steps, you can take a few additional precautions to keep your bathroom a safe place, including improving the lighting, properly storing bathroom cleaning supplies and chemicals, and keeping electric devices away from the water. Prioritize your safety and health by making these adjustments to your own bathroom.
