Tips for Making Your Bathroom Safer

In a 2011 study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it was reported that every year an estimated 235,000 people over the age of 15 have to visit the emergency room because of an injury that occurs in the bathroom¹. As it turns out, these relatively small rooms are among the most dangerous in the home, which is why it is extremely important that you take the steps necessary to make your bathrooms safer. At Alure Home Improvements, we specialize in custom bathroom remodeling and work with homeowners of all ages to help make essential upgrades to the bathroom that can greatly reduce the risk of sudden slips, falls, and other traumatic accidents.

Here are a few ways that we can help you improve the overall safety of the bathroom:

• Install a walk in tub or low-threshold shower, Approximately 1/3 of all of the accidents that happen in the bathroom occur while bathing or showering. A walk in tub or low-threshold shower is great for individuals who struggle with limited mobility, but these options can benefit people of all ages and health.
• Invest in slip-resistant flooring, Another upgrade to consider is enhancing the traction of your bathroom floor. When glossy tile gets wet, it is an accident waiting to happen. In fact, nearly five times as many accidents occur when getting out of a tub or shower and stepping onto a slick surface, than when stepping in to bathe. As an alternative, there are several different tile options that are approved by the Americans with Disabilities Act that feature anti-slip finishes.
• Add safety grab bars, Another sensible idea is to install safety grab bars not only around the bathtub or shower, but also near the toilet, to provide additional support and stability. This is particularly important for individuals over the age of 65, as older individuals are at highest risk for bathroom incidents, especially when getting on and off the toilet.