Is Your Bathroom Safe? A 10-Point Checklist

Wet floors, hard surfaces and a lot of standing up and sitting down: it's no surprise the bathroom is the riskiest room in the house. Take ten minutes, walk into your bathroom, and check each item below.

The checklist

• Can you get in and out of the tub without lifting your leg high? A high tub wall is the number one hazard.
• Are there grab bars by the toilet, inside the shower and at the tub entrance? (Towel bars don't count. They can't hold your weight.)
• Is the shower floor slip-resistant?
• Is there a place to sit while you shower?
• Can you reach the shower head and controls while seated?
• Is the toilet a comfortable height to sit and stand from?
• Is the bath mat rubber-backed so it won't slide?
• Is the lighting bright, with a night light for evening trips?
• Does the water get dangerously hot? Anti-scald valves prevent burns.
• Can the door open outward or be unlocked from outside in an emergency?

How did you score?

If you answered "no" to one or two, simple fixes like grab bars and a non-slip mat may be enough. If you answered "no" to the first question, stepping over the tub, the biggest improvement is usually replacing the tub with a low-entry walk-in shower or walk-in tub.

You can get free quotes for a safer bathroom from local remodelers to see what the upgrade would cost in your home.

Why it matters

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury for adults 65 and older, and the bathroom is where many of them happen. A safer bathroom is one of the best investments you can make in staying independent at home.

Don't wait for a close call

Many people make changes only after a slip or fall. Upgrading while you're healthy lets you choose calmly, compare quotes, and enjoy the benefits for years.

A professional opinion

An occupational therapist can visit your home and suggest exactly which bathroom changes would help you most. Ask your doctor for a referral.