Why the Bathroom Is the Most Dangerous Room in the House

Your home should be the place where you feel the safest. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s completely accident-free. While your mind may initially go to the kitchen, a place with hot stove burners and sharp knives, you may be surprised to learn that the bathroom is actually the most dangerous room in the house. It’s True: The CDC reports that around 235,000 people visit emergency rooms every year because of injuries suffered in the bathroom. So, why does one of the smallest rooms in your home pose the greatest risk?

Risk: Wet & Slippery Surfaces

The bathroom is a space designed to get wet. Because of this, nonporous surfaces like acrylic and tile are used to repel moisture—however, this also means that water sits on top of these surfaces and can therefore make them slippery. As people get in and out of the bathtub or shower, it’s possible for their feet to slip on these wet, slick surfaces and for them to fall and get hurt.

Solution: Non-Slip Mats

A quick and easy way to combat these slippery surfaces is to purchase non-slip mats. Options for inside the tub/shower usually have suction cups on the bottom so that the mats stay in place. They are also designed with holes to prevent water from pooling on top. Outside of the tub/shower, a bath mat with a rubber bottom is ideal so that it can provide some friction against the floor.

Risk: Low Toilets

Something as simple as using the toilet can, unfortunately, become more difficult as people get older. We lose balance as we age, so the act of sitting down and getting up can be quite challenging, especially with a toilet that is fairly low to the ground.

Solution: Comfort-Height Toilets

As homeowners age in place, they should consider replacing their toilets with comfort-height models. These toilets are ADA-compliant and can sit anywhere from 17-19 inches from floor to seat—about the height of a chair. For an even safer experience, you may consider having a bar installed next to or across from the toilet for extra support as you sit down and get up.

Risk: High Tub Walls

Many people have standard tub/shower systems in their homes that can have tub walls over a foot tall. Just about everyone has caught their shin or toe while climbing over this wall, which can lead to bumps and bruises or full-blown falls.

Solution: Walk-In Tubs & Showers

If you’re tired of tripping, you can replace your existing bathing system with a walk-in bathtub or shower. Walk-in baths are designed with comfortable chair-height seats and tight-sealing doors, so all you have to do is step in, close the door, and sit down. For exclusive shower-takers, a walk-in shower is an ideal upgrade as it eliminates the tub wall altogether. With basins that measure only an inch or two in height, these showers are much easier to step in and out of.

Does a walk-in bathtub or shower sound like the right option for you? At MaxHome, we’re proud to offer both of these outstanding options and would be happy to help you upgrade your bathroom. Our walk-in showers and baths are both equipped with various safety features and can be customized to match your unique preferences. Best of all, we can install either of these fixtures in only one day. Contact us today to discuss making your bathroom safer with our remodeling services.