Ensuring Safety in the Bathroom: Tips to Prevent Falls

• Do not bring or use walker inside narrow toilet, can cause trip over inside toilet

• Do not use squat toilet if possible, prolong squat and sudden stand will make dizziness and possibly fainting (Orthostatic Hypotension)

• Do not use faucet or pipes or cabinet sink as support during ambulate toward bathroom

• Do not use towel bar as grab support (not suitable for holding weight)

• Do not enter or let enter into bathroom without any supervision or inform to care giver

PROPER TOILET HEIGHT

• Height of toilets must have 17”-20” floor to bowl rim height, including the seat.
• The height standard toilet (regular toilet) is about 15 inches from floor to seat.

DO

• Do install grab along the way for better safe and support when ambulate inside toilet
• Do use commode with handle toilet for better support and safe transfer from sit to stand
• Do use shower chair if during bathing for energy conservation
• Do ensure hand shower or faucet better reachable
• Do make sure the floor is not slippery before entering
• Do place non slip mat at near exit toilet door to remove slippiness at the feet due to wet

BATHROOM

• Standard bathroom door is 32 inches width (81cm).
• For small space, the door width down to 28 inches or 71cm
• Minimum width: 24 inches or 61cm
• (note - small doors are should only be used for bathrooms, closets and utility rooms).
• Use non slip mat for slippery near exit door
• Improve lighting

GRAB BARS should be provided on the side wall closest to the toilet will help someone with sitting or standing, or someone in transferring from a wheelchair onto the toilet seat. There should also be a grab bar placed on the wall behind the toilet.

1) Horizontal grab bars

require a height between 33’’ and 36’’ inches from the finished floor of the bathroom, shower or tub.

2) A vertical bar 

is frequently preferred over a horizontal bar because it is easier for arthritic hands to grip.

Recommended installing the bar at no more than 9’’ from the edge of the outside tub wall

That said, whilst it is advisable to consider this range as a guide for installation

• The best height for grab bars is always going to be where it will be the most secure and comfortable for the intended user.
• A short person will need grab bars placed at a lower position
• While a tall person need a higher grab bar, or a raised toilet seat

So in other word,if you don’t install the bars in the right place, they are unlikely to be used by the person they are intended it for!