Rebuilding Together Orange County

How to Determine Bathroom Safety

Apr 02, 2002

Rebuilding Together provides checklists to the volunteers who evaluate houses and organize rehabilitation efforts. Bathrooms are environments fraught with dangers for mishaps, particularly among the elderly or infirm. The following information can help any homeowner (or caretaker) assess and improve the safety of their own bathrooms.
Evaluation
o Is the resident able to manage the sink and tub faucets, the shower control, and drain plugs?
o Are hot water pipes covered?
o Is the mirror at the appropriate height while the resident sits and stands?
o Is the resident able to reach a shelf above or below the sink?
o Can the resident step in and out of the tub or shower?
o While sitting on the toilet, can the resident reach the toilet paper, flush, and move from a sitting to a standing position?

Solutions
o Install "swing-away" hinges to widen the clear door space.
o Install secure wall reinforcement and place grab bars at the toilet, tub, and shower.
o Install an adjustable-height showerhead.
o Install nonslip strips in the tub and shower.
o Secure the floor rug with nonslip, double-sided rug tape.
o Elevate the toilet height by adding a portable seat or raising the toilet base on a pedestal.
o Adapt the flush handle or install a flush sensor.
o Adapt or relocate the toilet paper dispenser.
o Round the counter corners.
o Insulate exposed hot water pipes.
o Create clearance underneath the sink by removing vanity doors or shelves.
o Install a mirror for sitting and standing views.
o Install nonglare lighting.
o Install a shower without a threshold if bathing abilities are severely limited.