How to Prevent Falls in the Shower
HUG folding and removable grab bar and shower seat
In my line of work, I help people find ways to live at home as long as they want, no matter what happens to them in life.
Instead of thinking, “Oh, I’ve lived in this house for thirty years, and I’ve always done things this way”, I ask people to be open to the idea that you can live in your house by making minor changes that ensure your safety and independence.
One of my clients, let’s call him Tom, asked for a home evaluation to see what he could do to feel safer while using his bathroom. During assessments, I ask personal questions like, “Do you get tired when you’re showering?” Tom told me he did feel tired while showering.
Per the CDC, most falls at home occur when people step out of the shower. I told Tom that feeling tired while showering could make it easier for him to fall in the shower and get hurt.
Tom quickly countered that he has always stood to take a shower. I knew that I could come to a perfect solution for Tom to provide the support he needed.
During my assessment, I noticed Tom had no place to safely sit in his step in shower. Even if Tom did sit in the shower, the shower head would constantly spray him in the face and he would have no control of where to aim the water!
Well, I don’t want Tom to drown in his own shower!
Shower Seats Prevent Falls in the Shower
An inexpensive way to prevent falls is to use a shower chair that was not attached to the wall. This would allow Tom to stand or sit during the shower depending on how he felt that day—the shower chair would be there if he felt tired and needed to sit and rest.
Shower chairs with backrests and armrests are ideal to let Tom lean back to relax.
My favorite recommendation is to install wall mounted shower seats that fold up against the wall when not in use. I love using my folding shower seat when I feel tired, a little dizzy, or need to bend over to exfoliate my legs and feet.
Handheld Shower Heads Prevent Falls in the Shower
Next, I recommended Tom install a handheld shower head on a height adjustable mount. The handheld shower head allows Tom to aim water where ever he likes while sitting or standing in the shower.
A height adjustable mount gives Tom the ability to put the shower head down and adjust the shower head at the height he wants. If Tom wants to stand and shower, he would adjust the shower head above his head. If he prefers to sit and shower, Tom would lower the height of the shower head.
Lever Water Handles Prevent Falls in the Shower
Arthritis can be very nasty to our grip strength as we mature. To make sure Tom could always manage the water controls, I suggested replacing the water control that depended on twisting wrist action to a lever style handle.
Lever style handles require very little effort to use.
Shower Storage Prevents Falls in the Shower
Shower storage prevents falls in the shower by preventing people from twisting their backs while reaching for soap and shampoo in the shower.
I told Tom he would benefit from placing shower storage within reach in front of his body while sitting in the shower chair. Tom agreed and decided to install a corner shelf in the shower at his shoulder height. This is a great technique to prevent falls as well!
Grab Bars Prevent Falls in the Shower
We also discussed installing one grab bar in the shower and one grab bar at the shower entry to give Tom stability while stepping in and out of the shower. Although the shower lip was only several inches high, it’s very easy for people to trip on the lip and fall.
We placed the grab bars at heights that were specific for Tom’s anthropometrics. After all, Tom’s the only one using the shower!
No Falls in the Shower
Tom agreed to these inexpensive options. He liked the idea of being able to stand or sit when he wanted. Tom kept his freedom and dignity to shower while feeling safe at the same time.
I can’t express the satisfaction I feel when I help people get what they want. Tom chose the fixtures he wanted to keep in line with the aesthetics of his bathroom. Nothing looked like a sterile hospital or nursing home.
If Tom had a visitor look at his bathroom, no one would have any idea that we made changes in order to prevent Tom from falling while showering.
How Do You Prevent Falling in the Shower?
Tell us what changes you’ve made to your bathroom in the comments below! What are the best products to use? What should we keep out of the bathroom?
(Psssssttt . . . Hey, did you know we have an awesome online course for people who have a hard time wiping after using the toilet? It’s an awkward topic that you can learn how to solve in the comfort and privacy of your own home! Learn more about the course HERE!)
