Toilet & Bathroom Safety Tips

Toilet & Bathroom Safety Tips

At Incontinence UK we want to make sure that when you are in your toilet or bathroom you remain safe and don’t fall or have an accident.  This is particularly relevant for people who struggle with their balance and mobility whilst in the bathroom or for people who are changing their incontinence products. Here are some useful 10 tips for helping you keep safe in your toilet or bathroom:

1. Secure loose rugs with double-sided tape, or slip-resistant backings.

2. Keep the bathroom floor dry, making sure it has no water on it.

3. Place grab bars or grab rails in or around the bath, shower and toilet. When installed properly and securely, they’ll help you balance as you stand or sit and give you something to hold on to if you do slip.

4. At night, put a nightlight on the path to the bathroom. Within the bathroom, use a nightlight, or install an illuminated switch. Alternatively if you cannot make it to the bathroom you might consider using a male or female urinal whilst in bed or alternatively get a commode to use by the bed.

5. If your toilet seat is low, consider buying a toilet seat extender or a toilet with a higher seat. That way you can get up safely and with less effort.

6. Put a bath bench or shower seat in the shower or bath. You'll then have a place to sit whilst washing yourself.

7. Keep the door threshold level with the flooring surface.

8. Provide a 5-foot-diameter circle in which wheelchairs can turn. In the bathroom, this may mean installing a barrier-free shower.

9. Add knee space under the sink or install a sink at wheelchair-accessible height.

10. Avoid hard-to-open latches or doors with difficult knobs, and make sure shelves are placed at an accessible height.

If you would rather use some incontinence products, particularly at night so you don’t have to use the bathroom/toilet then do take a look at our wide range of disposable incontinence pants and incontinence pads as well as our range of incontinence bed products including waterproof bedsheets and duvet and mattress protectors. Finally take your time – the more you rush, the more likely you are to fall. Best Wishes Incontinence UK Team www.incontinenceuk.co.uk