We use our bathrooms every day, but they can also be one of the highest-risk areas of the home for slips, trips and falls.
For older Australians, the bathroom is particularly important to consider. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data found that bathrooms were the second most common specified location for falls at home among Australians aged 65 and over, with more than 8,500 hospitalisations following a bathroom fall in 2019–20.
Why are bathrooms high-risk?
Bathrooms bring together several factors that can increase the risk of falls:
- Wet and slippery surfaces from water, soap and shampoo.
- Changes in position, such as getting in and out of the shower or standing from the toilet.
- Limited space, particularly when using a walking aid.
- Bending and reaching for towels, toiletries or other items.
- Poor lighting, which can make hazards harder to see.
- Inadequate support, with people sometimes reaching for towel rails, shower screens or vanities when unsteady.
Falls are rarely caused by one factor. Strength, balance, vision, mobility, confidence and the home environment can all play a role.
It’s not just about putting in a grab rail
This is where an Occupational Therapist (OT) can help.
“An Occupational Therapist doesn’t just look at whether someone can physically use the bathroom. We look at how the person is managing everyday activities, what is making things difficult or unsafe, and what changes could help them remain independent.”
— Sophie O’Keefe, Occupational Therapist, Gen Health Hamilton
What might an Occupational Therapist look at?
An Occupational Therapist considers the person, the task and the environment together to identify practical ways to improve safety without unnecessarily taking away independence.
During a home assessment, an Occupational Therapist may consider how you:
- Get in and out of the shower and bath
- Get on and off the toilet
- Move safely around the bathroom
- Manage dressing and personal care
- Use mobility aids
- Reach and access everyday items
- Manage when tired or unsteady.
Depending on your needs, recommendations may include shower chairs, toilet equipment, grab rails, improved lighting, storage changes, non-slip solutions or other bathroom modifications.
“Sometimes the safest solution isn’t the most obvious one. We want to understand what someone is trying to do and find a solution that makes the task safer without unnecessarily taking away their independence.”
— Chrissy Radcliffe, Occupational Therapist, Gen Health Hamilton
Small changes can make a big difference
You don’t always need to renovate your bathroom to improve safety.
Consider:
- Keeping frequently used items within easy reach.
- Improving lighting around the shower, toilet and bathroom entrance.
- Keeping floors and walkways clear.
- Consider a shower chair if standing is becoming tiring or unsteady.
- Avoiding towel rails or shower screens as supports, they aren’t designed to take body weight.
- Taking notice of slips, stumbles or near falls before a serious fall occurs.
When should you see an Occupational Therapist?
You don’t need to wait until you’ve had a fall.
An Occupational Therapy home assessment may be helpful if you or a family member:
- Feel unsteady in the bathroom.
- Have experienced a fall or near miss.
- Are finding showering or toileting more difficult.
- Have noticed changes in strength, balance or mobility.
- Are using a walking aid.
- Are becoming less confident with personal care.
- Are returning home after a hospital admission.
- Want to support an older family member to remain safely at home.
Make your bathroom work for you
Your bathroom should support your independence, not make everyday tasks feel risky.
At Gen Health Hamilton, our Occupational Therapists can assess your home environment and provide practical, person-centred recommendations to improve safety, independence and confidence at home.
If you’re concerned about bathroom safety, talk to our Occupational Therapy team about whether a home assessment could be right for you.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Reference: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Falls in older Australians 2019–20: hospitalisations and deaths among people aged 65 and over.
