REHAB SERVICES Q: : How can I make my bathroom safer? A: The bathroom is one of the most Kim Lavine, OTR/L common places people experience falls. Here are some suggestions to make the bathroom a safer place: Add an elevated toilet with hand grips or a toilet frame. Be sure toilet tissue and wet wipes are within easy reach. A grab bar on the wall in front of the toilet is safer than using a towel rack for rising or support when dressing. Equip the bathtub or shower with a bath chair with grab bars placed for seated and standing height. Use a secure non-slip mat or floor strips in the tub or shower. If you use the built in corner shower seat, add a piece of non-slip cupboard liner under a towel to sit on. Use a wall mounted soap and shampoo dispenser. Install a hand held shower head with a shut off feature. Install a permanent shower curtain rod instead of a tension rod. Use a non-slip bathroom rug to manage drips instead of a towel. Remove rugs that don't lie flat or slip around. Make sure you have good lighting. Adding a few of these things to your bathroom will improve your safety! Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services 1300 Anne Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org SANFORD" TM Bemidji REHAB SERVICES Q: : How can I make my bathroom safer? A: The bathroom is one of the most Kim Lavine, OTR/L common places people experience falls. Here are some suggestions to make the bathroom a safer place: Add an elevated toilet with hand grips or a toilet frame. Be sure toilet tissue and wet wipes are within easy reach. A grab bar on the wall in front of the toilet is safer than using a towel rack for rising or support when dressing. Equip the bathtub or shower with a bath chair with grab bars placed for seated and standing height. Use a secure non-slip mat or floor strips in the tub or shower. If you use the built in corner shower seat, add a piece of non-slip cupboard liner under a towel to sit on. Use a wall mounted soap and shampoo dispenser. Install a hand held shower head with a shut off feature. Install a permanent shower curtain rod instead of a tension rod. Use a non-slip bathroom rug to manage drips instead of a towel. Remove rugs that don't lie flat or slip around. Make sure you have good lighting. Adding a few of these things to your bathroom will improve your safety! Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services 1300 Anne Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org SANFORD" TM Bemidji