Home Safety

Bathroom

Your bathroom can be one of the most high-risk places for potential slips and falls. But by addressing safety measures, you can minimise the risk of falls and ensure a secure and comfortable bathroom experience.

Is there a risk of falling on wet vinyl or tiled flooring?

Non-slip mats, a fitted carpet or carpet tiles should be used. Wet floor areas should be mopped as soon as possible.

Can you access the bath and/or shower safely?

Non-slip rubberised mats are readily available. A grab rail may improve your safety / confidence. If you are unable to bathe safely, you may benefit from further assessment.

Getting washed and dried can be very tiring and is hard on your balance, sit on the toilet or a suitable stool when able.

Can you get on and off the toilet safely?

A grab rail may be helpful instead of using a radiator or any other bathroom fittings for support. A handy person would be able to install one.

Is the toilet roll in easy reach, to prevent over stretching?

Avoid rushing, for example make sure you go to toilet in plenty of time

Do you only have a toilet upstairs?

If you struggle to get up or down the stairs, consider a commode or other aid downstairs, such as a urine bottle to enable you to get to the toilet in time. Remember you may need some assistance to empty it.

Further Information

For advice on managing at home, handrails, grab rails, minor adaptations to your home etc:

Independent Living Centre

Contact 01392 390181

https://www.independentlivingcentre.org.uk/

A Devon NHS and Devon County Council funded Equipment and technology centre, offering free, impartial equipment and technology advice, information and assessments. Contact for advice and information or to book an appointment to visit the centre where one of their specialist NHS therapists can assess your needs and demonstrate equipment and technology for daily living and mobility.

Care Direct

Contact Number: 0345 155 1007

They can provide advice and support working with adults in Devon for whom activities of daily living (because of illness, older age, or a disability) can be difficult. The aim is to help people to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible. They are able to support with getting a personal pendant alarm.