The Ultimate Shower Risk Prevention Guide (2024)

Don’t Become a statistic

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Did you know?

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6,981,390 Falls (with injury) occur each year according to the CDC, with a whopping 22.7% happening in the bathroom.

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That’s 1,584,775 injuries in the bathroom. Every Year.

To break it down further:

• Individuals aged 65 and older are at higher risk, accounting for nearly 80% of bathroom-related  injuries.

• 66% of those injuries occur when people are either in the tub or the shower.

• Wet surfaces contribute to over 70% of these accidents.

• Falls in adults aged 65+ are the leading cause of head injuries and broken hips, with one in ten  falls resulting in serious injuries such as hip fracture, other     fractures, subdural hematoma, or traumatic brain injury.

Showers and tubs are a common site for accidents in the home, leading to injuries that can be severe and life-changing. This guide aims to provide valuable information to help you make your bathroom a safer place.

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Slippery surfaces

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The Problem:

Wet, smooth surfaces drastically increase the risk of slipping.

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Good - Non-slip mats

Use non-slip mats to provide a safer surface and reduce the risk of slipping. Non-slip mats can shift out of place, become dirty, and harbor mold, reducing their effectiveness over time.

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Better - Anti-slip coatings

Apply anti-slip coatings to the shower floor, creating a textured surface that helps prevent slips. Anti-slip coatings can wear off with time and may need regular reapplication, being less effective than permanent solutions.

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Best - Install a slip-resistant, textured base

Install slip-resistant, textured shower base for a permanent solution. Non-slip flooring offers consistent and reliable traction, significantly reducing the risk of slipping.

Shower /Tub Seats

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The Problem:

Lack of seating can make showering unsafe for those who need to sit while bathing.

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Good - Portable chairs

Use portable shower chairs, which can be easily added to the shower for increased safety.However, portable chairs can be unstable, take up space, and need to be removed when not in use, posing a tripping hazard.

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Better - Install fold down seats

Install fold-down shower seats, which can be folded away when not in use, providing convenience and safety. Fold-down seats need proper installation and can be less sturdy than built-in benches, reducing shower space when in use.

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Best - Built in benches

Build in shower benches to provide a sturdy, permanent seating option that enhances safety and comfort. Built-in shower benches are highly stable and do not need to be moved, reducing the risk of falls.

Grab /support Bars

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The Problem:

Insufficient support for those who need assistance moving in the shower.

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Good - Suction cup grab bars

Install suction cup grab bars, which can be easily attached and provide temporary support. Suction cup grab bars can lose suction over time and may not support significant weight, posing a safety risk.

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Better - Install DIY grab bars

Mount DIY grab bars to offer more permanent support and stability compared to suction cup bars. DIY bars may not be installed as securely as professional options, potentially leading to failure when significant force is applied.

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Best - Professionally installed support bars

Have professionally installed grab bars to ensure secure mounting and maximum support. Professionally installed grab bars provide reliable assistance and significantly reduce the risk of falls.

Cleaning

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The Problem:

Mold and soap scum can make surfaces slippery and unhygienic.

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Good - Clean after 1-2 uses

Perform regular cleaning with household cleaners to keep surfaces free of mold and soap scum. Regular cleaning requires frequent effort and may not always be thorough, allowing mold and soap scum to accumulate between cleanings.

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Better - Hire a cleaning service

Hire professional cleaning services to ensure thorough and consistent cleaning.Professional cleaning services maintain a safe and hygienic shower environment, significantly reducing the risk of slippery surfaces.

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Best - Non-porous acrylic materials

Use mold-resistant and easy-clean materials to help prevent the buildup of slippery substances. These materials are very easy to keep clean, but can be more expensive to install initially.

Shower Doors

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The Problem:

Glass doors can be difficult to open and close, can be tripped on, and they can shatter.

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Good - Shower curtains

Use shower curtains, which are easy to move and eliminate the risk of shattering. Shower curtains can be less effective at containing water, leading to wet floors. They also need frequent cleaning or replacement.

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Better - Shatterproof glass doors

Install shatterproof glass doors, which are safer and more durable than standard glass doors. However, shatterproof glass doors can still be difficult to open and close and may require significant installation effort and cost.

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Best - Sliding glass doors

Opt for sliding or walk-in doors with safety features to provide the safest and most convenient option for shower access. Sliding or walk-in doors with safety features reduce the risk of shattering and enhance overall bathroom safety, significantly reducing the risk of falls.

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Step-in height - most important

The Problem:

High step-in height can make entering and exiting the shower difficult, especially for those with mobility issues. High step-over thresholds are also a common tripping hazard.

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Good - Step stool

Use a steps tool to help reduce the height of the step into the shower, making it easier to enter and exit. However, step stools can be unstable and still require a significant step up, posing a tripping hazard.

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Better - Lower threshold

Install a lower threshold shower to minimize the step-in height, making the shower more accessible. Despite this, lower threshold showers can still pose a small tripping hazard and may require significant remodeling.

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Best - Walk-in shower or tub

Opt for a walk-in shower or tub conversion, eliminating the step-in barrier entirely.Walk-in showers or tub conversions provide the safest entry and exit, significantly reducing the risk of falls and enhancing overall bathroom accessibility.

The ultimate solution

One of the most critical factors in preventing shower-related accidents is reducing the step-over height.

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This single change can have the highest impact on safety, making it a non-negotiable aspect of bathroom safety upgrades.

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The ultimate solution to addressing all these safety risks is installing a modern &accessible shower or tub.

• Low or no step-in height
• Non-slip surfaces
• Built-in seating
• Properly installed grab bars
• Easy-to-clean materials

It is a common misconception that they cost a fortune, are not affordable for most families, and are a hassle to have installed.

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This could not be further from the truth.

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At BathPlanet, we have been installing accessible tubs and showers for almost 30years.

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Almost all of our replacements have qualified for low monthly payments, and can be installed in as little as one day.

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Give us a call for a free, customized accessibility consultation with one of our specialists.

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