Roll Mobility Blog
Bathroom Modifications for Senior Safety
Being able to live at home is important to aging seniors, yet as they get older, everyday tasks often become more difficult, falls become more dangerous, and caregivers may worry about leaving their loved ones alone. Fortunately, there are ways that living at home can be made safer for seniors, giving both caregivers and seniors greater peace of mind.
Since the bathroom is one of the most common places to fall, we’ll cover a few ways you as a caregiver can make the bathroom a safer place while allowing your loved one to maintain as much independence as possible.
Bath Transfer Bench
- Install a bath seat or transfer bench and handheld shower.
- Raise the toilet seat.
- Install grab bars.
- Use non-slip rubber mats or adhesive strips.
- Get rid of throw rugs.
- Make sure there is adequate lighting.
- Consider purchasing a commode chair, if needed.
A bath seat allows the user to remain seated while cleaning up, thereby reducing the risk of falls in the tub and shower. Bath seats are available in a variety of styles and sizes, including bariatric seats for users over 250 pounds, teak wood for elegant styling, and portable folding styles for travel. Available features include backrests, handles, suction cups, and padding.
A bath transfer bench makes it easier for the user to get in and out of a bathtub. Instead of stepping over the tub rim, your loved one can sit down on the edge of the bench, lift each leg into the tub, and slide over to the middle of the seat. Handles, backrests, drainage holes, and other features increase safety and comfort.
A handheld shower allows the user to wash and control the flow of water while remaining seated.
Raised Toilet Seat
An elevated toilet seat makes it easier to sit down and get up from the toilet. Support arms provide an extra boost for standing up, and they reduce the risk of losing your balance.
Installing grab bars around the toilet and tub or shower is an easy way to provide extra support and prevent falls. Encourage your loved one NEVER to use a towel bar, door handle, shower door, wall-mounted sink, or other object to support their weight. These objects can break free and throw their weight off balance. Only securely mounted grab bars are designed to support body weight.
Slip-resistant mats and non-slip adhesive strips provide confident footing on slippery surfaces, such as tub and shower floors and bathroom tile floors. These surfaces become very slippery when wet, leading to a higher risk of falls.
Loose rugs are tripping hazards. Remove throw rugs from the bathroom, or secure them to the floor with heavy duty carpet tape.
Folding Steel Commode
Trips to the bathroom at night can be hazardous. Seniors are more likely to trip over objects or lose their balance in dark or dim rooms. Plug in automatic night lights in the bathroom, hallways, stairways, and other areas around the house as needed. These lights will come on automatically at dusk and turn off at dawn.
If your loved one struggles to make it to the bathroom, you may want to consider getting a commode chair. A self-contained commode can be placed in the bedroom next to the bed to provide easy access to a toilet. Most commode chairs can also be installed over a toilet seat to act as an elevated toilet seat with support arms.
Walking with a Walker (3 Point Gait)
A 2-wheeled walker allows you to roll the walker
instead of lifting it.
If assistance is needed, the caregiver should stand behind the individual using the walker and on the same side as the injured or weak leg.
Steps for Using a Walker
To walk with a walker using a three point gait, follow these steps:
- Move the walker. Lift or roll the walker so that it is placed at a comfortable distance in front of you, about an arm’s length away. Make sure all four legs are firmly placed on the floor. The back legs of the walker should be about even with your toes.
- Move your weak leg. Moving your injured or weak leg first, step towards the walker.
- Move your good leg. Next, step forward with your good leg, bringing it slightly ahead of the injured or weak leg. As you step with your good leg, support some of your weight with the walker to avoid placing too much weight on your weak or injured leg.
- Repeat steps 1 through 3: move the walker, then the weaker leg, then the stronger leg.
Safety Tips for Using a Walker
- Be careful not to step too close to the walker or lean forward over the walker, or you may lose your balance. Keep a comfortable distance between you and the walker at all times.
- Do not place the walker too far in front of you. Keep the walker’s back legs even with your toes.
- Look straight ahead as you are walking. Keep your head up and avoid watching your feet. Looking down at your feet while you walk is more tiring and may cause you to run into something.
- Only move as fast as you feel comfortable. Take your time and don’t rush.
How to Use a Bath Transfer Bench
When used correctly, a bath transfer bench can make it safer and easier to get in and out of a bathtub. The instructions below will help you properly set up and use your bath transfer bench. Please note that these instructions are guidelines only. Use only as directed by your healthcare provider.
A bath transfer bench makes getting in and out of the tub safer and easier.
Installing a Bath Transfer Bench
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble your bath transfer bench. After the bench is properly assembled, you are ready to install the bench in the bathtub.
- Place the two legs with suction cups inside the tub and as close to the far wall of the tub as possible. The legs should be resting on the tub floor, not the tub wall. The arm rest should be on the same side as the far wall.
- Adjust the two legs outside of the tub so that the bench is level. Make sure that the two legs inside the tub are adjusted to the same height and the two legs outside the tub are adjusted to the same height. The spring buttons should fully protrude through the adjustment holes. Always test the stability of the bench before use.
- If the bench includes a backrest, make sure the backrest is on the side of the bench that allows the user to sit facing the front of the tub, or whichever direction they prefer to face. The backrest on the Drive transfer bench installs on either side of the bench to accommodate any bathtub.
Transferring to a Bath Transfer Bench from a Wheelchair
- To transfer from a wheelchair to a bath bench, place the wheelchair so that it faces the front of the tub, next to the bench.
- Transfer your torso from the wheelchair to the bench.
- Then lift each leg over the side of the tub.
- Slide over until you are sitting in front of the backrest in the center of the tub. Grab the arm rest to help you slide over, if needed. Move slowly and avoid twisting to prevent injuries.
- To transfer back to the wheelchair, slide over to the edge of the bench, lift each leg over the tub wall, and then transfer your torso into the wheelchair.
Transferring to a Bath Transfer Bench from a Standing Position
- To transfer to a bath bench from a standing position, sit down on the side of the bench that is outside the tub.
- Reach out and grab the arm rest for support, if needed.
- Lift each leg over the side of the tub wall.
- Slide your body over to the center of the bench, with the backrest behind you.
- To get out of the bathtub, slide over to the edge of the bench, lift each leg over the tub wall, and push yourself up from the bath bench. Move slowly and avoid twisting to prevent injuries.
Opening and Folding a Rollator
The Deluxe rollator folds for compact storage and transport.
One of the benefits of a rollator is that it can be folded for transport and storage. When the rollator is folded, it can easily fit in a small closet or in the trunk or back seat of a car. The compact size of the rollator makes it easy to carry, lift, and store.
Opening the Rollator
When you first take your rollator out of the box, it will be folded, which makes it more compact for shipping and transport. To open the rollator, follow the steps below.
- Locate the locking mechanism between the side wheels and push the locking mechanism down into
place completely. - Fold the seat pad down so that it is flat.
Make sure you adjust the height of the rollator handles to a comfortable and ergonomic position before use. Adjusting the rollator to fit the user is important to reduce the risk of falls and to ensure the safety and comfort of the user.
Folding the Rollator
When it’s time to transport or store the rollator, simply fold it up for a compact size. Follow the steps below to fold the rollator.
- Lift the seat so that it is in an upwards position.
- Lift up on the locking mechanism on the crossbar. The front and rear wheels should move closer together. Be careful not to pinch your fingers as you fold the rollator.
Be sure to use proper lifting techniques to carry the rollator and lift it into a trunk or car.
Wheelchair Ramp Length
A wheelchair access ramp must have a gradual enough slope to allow wheelchair users to easily push themselves to the top. The longer the ramp, the smaller the ramp incline will be and the safer it will be to use the ramp. If the ramp is too steep, it can create a dangerous situation.
Wheelchair ramp rise and length
The following steps will help you determine the correct wheelchair ramp length for your application.
To Determine the Ramp Length Needed:
- Measure the rise in inches vertically from ground level to the top step or landing where the ramp will sit.
- Find the maximum ramp incline based on the ramp length requirements detailed in the section below.
- Using the Ramp Incline Chart below, determine the ramp length based on the desired ramp incline.
To find a PVI ramp that meets your needs, see our PVI Ramp Model Selection Guide (pdf).
Ramp Length Requirements
Check the local and state regulations for ramp inclines before building or purchasing a wheelchair ramp. Make sure the ramp incline does not exceed the maximum slope required for your application.
To meet ADA requirements, the incline must not exceed a 1:12 slope (12 inches of ramp length for every 1 inch in rise).
For ramps that do not need to meet ADA requirements, Prairie View Industries recommends no greater than a 2:12 slope (9.5 degrees) for most applications. To find a 2:12 slope, find the rise in inches and divide by 2. The resulting number is the length of the ramp that is required in feet.
Example: If the rise is 12 inches high, the ramp length needs to be 6 feet for a 2:12 slope.
See the Ramp Incline Chart below to find the correct wheelchair ramp length based on ramp rise and desired ramp incline.
Wheelchair Ramp Incline Chart
Wheelchair Transfer to Walker
Follow the steps provided to transfer from a wheelchair to a walker.
Transferring from a wheelchair to a walker or vice versa should be done carefully in order to prevent falls and ensure the safety of the individual involved in the transfer. These instructions are meant for active transfers, where the individual needs little to no assistance.
Since each individual is unique, varying levels of assistance or adaptation may be required, depending on physical limitations. The individual and caregiver should be aware of the individual’s limitations and be willing to adapt the method of transfer as needed. Consult a physical therapist or healthcare professional for individualized advice on transfer methods.
Wheelchair Transfer Steps:
- If assistance is needed, the caregiver should stand on the side that is weaker or injured.
- Stabilize the wheelchair by backing the chair against a wall (if possible) and engaging the wheel locks.
- Raise the footrests and swing them out of the way.
- Position the walker directly in front of the wheelchair. Lock the walker or rollator brakes, if this feature is available.
- Check the wheelchair brakes again to make sure they are fully engaged and locked.
- Scoot your body forward to the front half of the wheelchair seat.
- With both feet flat on the floor, take a firm hold on the wheelchair armrests, lean forward slightly, and push up with your arms and legs to lift your body out of the wheelchair and into a standing position. Give yourself a moment to stabilize.
(Note: NEVER grab hold of the walker to help you stand up from the wheelchair. The walker can easily tip over backwards. Only transfer your hands to the walker after you are in a standing position and well balanced.)
- Carefully transfer one hand at a time to the walker, starting with your strongest hand.
- Give yourself a moment to stabilize before walking.
Please consult a health care professional or physical therapist for any questions or concerns about the suitability of any mobility aid prior to use.
Bath Seat Buying Guide
Along with other bathroom safety products, a bath seat is designed to reduce the risk of falling and increase the independence and confidence of the user. A bath seat provides a comfortable place to rest and saves the energy required to get up from the tub floor or stand under the shower.
This bath bench is 17 inches wide from outside leg to outside leg.
Measuring for a Bath Seat
In order to provide stable seating, all four legs of the bath bench must be able to sit on the flat bottom of the tub. If the legs are resting on the angled sides of the tub, the bench may rock or tip over.
Measure the width of the flat part on the bottom of the tub to find out how wide the bath seat can be when the legs are resting on the tub floor. For narrow tubs, your choices will be more limited. The width of the bath legs needs to be narrow enough to fit the tub, and the width of the bath seat needs to be wide enough for the user to sit comfortably.
Bath Bench (no back)
Bath Bench without Back
A bath bench without a back is designed for users who have a good sense of balance and strong back muscles. The user should be able to sit upright without assistance.
A bench that curves up on the sides will generally be more comfortable than a stool or flat bench. A curved surface and drainage holes in the seat will allow water to run off more easily and prevents the seat from becoming too slippery.
Side hand grips give the user a place to hold on to when standing up from or sitting down on the bath bench. Most benches are adjustable in height so that you can change the seat height if needed. For extra stability, look for a bath bench with suction cup tips.
Bath Bench with Back
Bath Bench with Back
For individuals with limited back strength, loss of balance, or who simply want the comfort of a backrest, the bath bench with back is a good choice. These bath chairs are available with the same features as a bench with no back, but with the added support of a backrest.
Bath chairs are available in plastic or padded vinyl. A plastic textured surface with drainage holes is preferred over vinyl in order to reduce the risk of slipping.
Bath Transfer Bench
Bath Transfer Bench
For individuals who have a difficult time getting in and out of the tub, a bath transfer bench allows them to sit on the bench and then slide over the tub wall.
The transfer bench extends outside the tub and includes a side arm rail for the user to grab on to and slide across the bench into the tub. Since only two legs of the transfer bench sit inside the tub, this type of bath seat works well for narrow tubs that cannot easily fit all four legs of a bath bench.
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