Bathroom Safety Basics

One of the key missions of HME providers is to help patients live independently, and to do so successfully requires a serious focus on bathroom safety. Providing a safe bathroom environment prevents accidents and allows patients to lead independent lives.

More than a third of seniors older than 65 suffer falls every year in the United States. The majority of these falls occur in the bathroom. The most hazardous activities for seniors are entering and exiting the bathtub or shower, and bathing. AARP calculates that people 50 and older will represent 45 percent of the U.S. population by 2015. The market for bath safety products will continue to grow.

As the senior population steadily increases, and the state of the economy remains uncertain, more seniors are choosing to age in their homes, and are doing so on a budget. These seniors are looking for viable ways to make their bathrooms safe without a need for professional installation. According to HGTV.com, the national average cost of a minor bathroom renovation is between $2,500 and $3,500, with full bathroom remodels reaching as much as $30,000. This means that there is significant revenue potential for HME providers who offer a range of affordable bathroom safety products as an alternative to construction.

Bathroom Safety Essentials

Here is a partial list of items that can assist seniors and care providers in making the bathroom a safer place:

• Nonslip bath mats provide safe footing while bathing and entering or exiting the bath or shower.

• Bath chairs and transfer benches allow seniors to sit while bathing, preventing falls.

• Hand-held shower sprayers offer seniors the convenience of bathing while seated.

• Grab bars and bathtub safety rails provide stability when entering and exiting the bathtub or shower.

• Raised toilet seats and toilet safety rails provide added security and protection against falls while at the toilet.

Aside from senior citizens, bathroom safety is also essential for bariatric and mobility patients. Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States, and bariatric patients have many of the same fall risks as senior citizens. Bathing, entering and exiting the shower and using the toilet are all concerns for the bariatric population. Many of the same bath safety products that assist senior citizens are also suitable for bariatric use, although product weight limits should always be observed.

Bathroom safety for mobility patients varies based on their level of independence. Mobility patients—such as single or double amputees and paraplegics who can use the bathroom on their own—need the added support of safety rails and grab bars to maneuver around the bathroom. They also require bath and shower seats or transfer benches to remain safely seated while bathing.

To make the most of your bathroom safety selection, remember that consumers are looking for affordability first. Also, consumers want durable, safe and reliable products that do not have an institutional feel. 

Maximize the Impact of Your Bathroom Safety Category

Here are some tips for maximizing your showroom space with bath safety items:

• Provide samples of products that are assembled and out of packaging so that consumers can touch and test them in the store.

• Consider having a bathroom showroom where consumers can learn how to correctly use products.

• Display cross-selling information on products that work together to make the bathroom a safer place.

Senior Care Products, Spring 2012