Bathroom Mobility

and Safety

Moving around in the bathroom to access the sink, toilet, tub/shower, and other spaces can be challenging.  Proper set up in the bathroom for those with physical and/or cognitive challenges is critical to avoid unforgiving falls on hard, wet surfaces and lessen the loss of dignity a person may experience when he/she is unable to use the bathroom.   The solution can often be a simple piece of equipment and/or movement technique to improve bathroom mobility.

Equipment

Taking a Shower
  • Bath mats & Adhesives – modestly improves safety & reduces falls unless also used with a grab bars.  
  • Grab Bars – maximal support getting in/out & while bathing. Attach to the wall via screws, suction, or clamp on.        
  • Tub Seats & Benches – offer significant support/stability for bathing and transferring into the shower.Tub Transfer Bench – Med-Supply         

Using a Toilet

  • Raised Toilet Seat – A raised toilet seat will improve your ability to get on/off a toilet independently. Usually, it clamps on to a standard toilet & can have arm rests to make standing up/down even easier.

The Best Raised Toilet Seats | Updated for 2020 | AgingInPlace.org

  • Commode – A commode can be used anywhere as a freestanding portable toilet (has bucket) or used as a safety frame over an existing toilet.  It makes toilets higher & has arm rests to make it easier to get up/down.

Transferring On and Off

  • Use your cane/walker to enter the bathroom  if possible.
  • Sit down and stand up using the arm rests, back rest, and or grab bar for support.
  • Do not use soap dishes, towel bars, shower doors, or sinks for balance/support when sitting or standing.