How Can Bathtub and Shower Safety Be Improved?
Some bathtub and shower safety issues are easy to fix, according to researchers, by replacing shower doors with shower curtains and providing proper instruction about the built-in bathroom safety features (like grab bars designed for weight bearing) to residents of senior housing facilities. The study researchers also recommended putting more attention toward improving bathroom design, and educating older adults about bathtub and shower safety. “We think the results from this study demonstrate the need for healthcare professionals to become involved in helping to prevent bathing disability, instead of just treating people in the hospital after they have had a fall in the bathroom.” Murphy says. While bathrooms in senior housing facilities are designed to be safe, we have found that older adults often do not know the difference between a grab bar and a towel bar. They also have unsafe strategies of getting into and out of their bathtub or shower. Occupational therapists often see older
