Fall Prevention for Older Adults

Bathroom Safety for Older People

Grab Bars

Grab bars around the toilets are for safety. Many types are available. The choice will depend on:

  1. Available wall space near the toilet.
  2. Nearness to other fixtures in the room.
  3. Needs of people in the household.

Basic types of toilet support bars include:

  • Wall mounted on a side wall (Figure 6)
  • Wall mounted on the back wall behind the toilet (Figure 16)
  • Wall/floor mounted (Figure 17)
  • Free standing (Figure 18)
  • Floor model (Figure 19)
  • Slip-over guard rails (Figure 20)
graphic - Fig. 16 Side and back mounted barsgraphic - Fig. 17 Wall/floor mounted
graphic - Fig. 18 Free standinggraphic - Fig. 19 Floor model
Fig. 20 Slip-over guard rails

Other Safety Features

graphic - Fig. 21 Single lever faucet A single lever mixing faucet (Figure 21) can control temperature and flow of water better than dual controls.

All hot water in the older person's home should be controlled thermostatically to a maximum temperature of 120 degrees to avoid burns.

Get Professional Help for Safety!

If you have a physical limitation, weakness or unsteadiness, we recommend you consult a physical therapist or the Housing Specialist in your local Cooperative Extension Office to help you select and recommend placement of grab bars and other accessories for safety in the bathroom.

 

[back to top]

Source: University of Missouri Extension Guide #7060.

Download the latest version of Adobe Reader® to view and print PDF files.

Last updated: 26 July, 2010

Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.