Many accidents happen in bathrooms, so check the safety of the bathroom that you will use for home care.

Safety

• Cover all sharp edges with rubber cushioning.
• Put lights in the medicine cabinets so mistakes are not made when taking medicine.
• Remove locks on bathroom doors.
• Use nonskid safety strips or a nonslip bath mat in the tub or shower.
• Think about putting a grab rail on the edge of the vanity. (Do not use a towel bar.)
• Remove glass shower doors or replace them with unbreakable plastic.
• Use only electrical appliances with a ground fault interrupted (GFI) feature.
• Install GFI electrical outlets.
• Set the hot water thermostat below 120° F.
• Use faucets that mix hot and cold water, or paint hot water knobs/faucets red.
• Insulate (cover) hot water pipes to prevent burns.
• Put in toilet guard rails or provide a portable toilet seat with built-in rails.

Comfort and Convenience

• If possible, the bathroom should be in a straight path from the bedroom of the person in your care.
• Put in a ceiling heat lamp.
• Place a telephone near the toilet.
• Provide soap-on-a-rope or put a bar of soap in the toe of a nylon stocking and tie it to the grab bar.
• Place toilet paper within easy reach.
• Try to provide enough space for two people at the bathroom sink.
• If possible, have the sink 32”-34” from the floor.
• Use levers instead of handles on faucets.
• Provide an elevated (raised) toilet seat.