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No Slips, No Trips
- Julia Hebard
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
Easy Bathroom Fixes for a Safer Home
Bathrooms might be the smallest rooms in the house—but they can cause some big problems when it comes to slips, trips, and falls. The good news? Most of those hazards are totally preventable with a few smart swaps and upgrades.
At Blue Skies Nursing, Physical Therapist Rachele Carlson knows that safety doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or style. A Colorado native and board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, Rachele brings both expertise and heart to helping older adults live confidently and independently at home. With her years of experience in senior care, she’s sharing her top 5 simple bathroom fixes that turn a slippery space into a safe, cozy retreat—because everyone deserves to feel steady on their feet and happy in their home.
1. Let there be light—and lots of it
As we age, we rely more on our vision to stay balanced, so dim or shadowy spaces can quickly turn risky. Whether it’s nighttime trips to the bathroom or cloudy days, good lighting is a simple way to help prevent falls and keep everyone on steady footing. Bright lights mean safer nights.
Pro-Tip: Dark bathrooms can be accident hotspots, but there’s an easy fix. Motion-activated night lights are total game-changers — no more fumbling for switches or navigating in the dark. Keep your bathroom safely lit with a smart, hands-free option like this one from L LOHAS
2. Swap Your Bath Mats and Step Into Safety
Slips and trips? No thanks! Non-slip mats are must-haves for bathroom safety—both inside and outside the shower or tub. Basic throw rugs just don’t cut it when it comes to helping your loved one stay steady. The good news? There are tons of great non-slip options online to help keep bath time safe, secure, and stress-free.
Pro-Tip: The Gorilla Grip Original Bathtub Mat is loaded with over 200 suction cups and a textured surface for unbeatable grip and mold resistance—making it perfect for inside the shower. For outside the shower, try this ultra-thin, super absorbent non-slip mat that dries feet fast, stays firmly in place, and won’t jam your door. Safety and comfort, all in one.
3. Grab the Right Bar for the Job
Grab bars are senior superheroes—whether vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, they make getting in and out of tubs and showers safer and easier. Since every bathroom is different, teaming up with a contractor and a physical or occupational therapist from Blue Skies Nursing is the winning formula to create the perfect setup. For seniors, it’s all about safe moves and confident grooves.
Pro-Tip: A good grab bar should be strong (think 250–300 lbs of support), comfy to hold (look for a 1.25–1.5" grip), and have a non-slip surface to keep things safe. Make sure it's mounted securely into wall studs for max stability—suction bars are great for short-term use, but not for full support. We’re fans of Moen—they’ve got a great variety of options to choose from.
4. Shower Power Duo: Stay Safe & Soak Happy
Want to make bathing safer and more comfortable? A hand-held shower wand paired with a shower chair is a winning combo. They’re both budget-friendly and make a big difference—helping reduce the risk of falls while making cleaning yourself (and the shower) so much easier. Simple upgrades, big peace of mind.
Pro-Tip: An extra-long shower hose is a game-changer—giving you the flexibility to shower comfortably while seated. The Waterpik shower wand is a budget-friendly pick that makes rinsing easy and safe. Pair that with the right shower chair, and you’ve got a winning combo for bathroom safety. Choose a chair that fits you well, adjusts to your height, has a sturdy frame with non-slip feet, and offers good support. We love this chair with armrests for extra stability and peace of mind.
5. Safer Seats, Happier Feet
Getting up from a low toilet can be tricky for many seniors—and that’s where a toilet riser shines. By adding extra height and sturdy armrests, it makes standing up easier, safer, and more comfortable. Not only does it help seniors feel confident and independent, but it also gives caregivers peace of mind knowing their loved ones are supported.
Pro-Tip: Choosing the right toilet riser is easier than it sounds. Focus on comfort, safety, and a proper fit. Make sure it matches your toilet shape—round or elongated—and choose a height that suits your mobility needs. For extra support, consider a model with armrests, and always check the weight capacity for safety. A top choice is the Vive Toilet Seat Riser, praised for its comfortable grips, stable fit, and reliable support when sitting or standing.
Creating a safer bathroom doesn’t have to be complicated or costly—just thoughtful. With brighter lights, grippier mats, sturdy grab bars, and a few smart upgrades, you can turn potential hazards into everyday confidence boosters.
At Blue Skies Nursing, we’re passionate about helping seniors stay active, independent, and comfortable right where they belong—at home. If you’re ready to make your bathroom (and the rest of your home) safer and more senior-friendly, our team can help. Contact us today to schedule an in-home safety evaluation with one of our trusted experts and take the first step toward peace of mind—for you and your loved ones.
Together... we've got this!
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