If you have a loved one aging in place, you’re likely familiar with the constant worry that they could get hurt in the bathroom. What if they slip? What if they fall and can't get up? How can I start a conversation about making the bathroom more accessible?

Your concerns are completely valid. The bathroom can become a danger as we age, but it doesn’t have to be. While you can’t eliminate every risk, there are thoughtful changes that can make the bathroom safer while supporting your loved one’s dignity and independence.

How Bathrooms Can Become a Risk

Bathrooms become a higher-risk area for older adults for several reasons, including:

• Wet, slippery floors
• High bath ledges that you need to step over
• The strength required to stand up from a low toilet
• Poor lighting during nighttime bathroom trips
• Reaching for towels or soap that throws off balance

The most difficult challenges aren’t always physical; they’re emotional. The bathroom is often one of the last private spaces where a loved one feels fully independent. When they begin to feel unsafe, they may hide concerns to protect that sense of autonomy.

This can lead to real risks, such as avoiding bathing or limiting water intake to reduce bathroom trips. For this reason, conversations about bathroom updates should focus on improving comfort and safety, not on limitations. The goal is to support independence, not take it away.

Simple Changes that Can Make a Big Impact

• Install grab bars: Grab bars are one of the most effective safety additions. These can be installed in the shower, near the bathtub, by the toilet, and by any other areas around the home.
• Address slippery surfaces: Showers and tubs can be extremely slippery for anyone. Consider using non-slip mats to reduce slippery surfaces.
• Improve lighting: Better lighting improves visibility and reduces fall risk, especially during nighttime bathroom visits. Consider brighter bulbs and motion-activated nightlights.
• Reorganize for easy access: Keep towels, toiletries, and frequently used items within easy reach to avoid unnecessary stretching or bending that can throw off balance.
• Consider optional shower modifications: Depending on individual needs, options such as walk-in showers, handheld showerheads, or lever-style door handles can further support safety and independence.

Using Nomo’s Essential Care Kit

Bathrooms are widely recognized as one of the highest-risk areas in the home for falls among older adults. In fact, nearly 80% of falls among older adults occur in the bathroom, according to data commonly cited by the National Institute on Aging (Aging.com, 2023). Because of this, having reliable access to help can provide added peace of mind without compromising independence.

The Nomo Smart Care Essential Care Kit can complement physical safety updates by adding another layer of awareness. Satellite devices can be placed in bathroom outlets to monitor activity patterns and help caregivers stay informed of unusual movement or late-night visits through the companion Nomo App.

Water-resistant Tags can also be incorporated into a bathroom safety plan. Placed in areas like the shower or bathtub, they function as an easy-to-use panic button. With a single press, caregivers are alerted, and emergency services can be contacted if needed, giving loved ones confidence that help is always within reach.

Final Thoughts

Aging in place has many benefits, but it can also bring certain challenges and worries. We recognize the stress that bathroom safety can create for you and your loved ones. Making bathroom modifications and updates can be a wise investment in your loved one’s journey. Every grab bar you install, every safety update you make, and even the difficult conversations you have aren’t signs of decline; they’re investments in your loved one’s ability to remain independent in the home they cherish for as long as possible.

Sources
Aging.com. (2023, August 28). Falls fact sheet. https://aging.com/falls-fact-sheet/

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