Washing, showering and bathing

Everyone is different in strength, balance and agility and everyone has a unique home environment including their bathroom layout.

There are a few things that you can do yourself to help with washing, showering and bathing, if you are able:

Use nonslip strips, mats or tiles in your tub and shower to help prevent falls.
To avoid tripping, secure any loose corners on mats.
Keep the bath tub clean to counteract slippery soap scum or mould.
Keep the bathroom floor dry, making sure it has no water on it.
A weighted shower curtain will help ensure that no water leaks onto the floor.
Ensure your bathroom is adequately lit during the day and night.
Equip your shower with a handheld or adjustable shower head if it can be thermostatically controlled. You can manoeuvre it where you want it, minimising your movement in the shower. Don't use a rubber shower attachment as you may burn yourself.
Put items you use regularly in easy reaching distance so you don't have to stand on steps, bath edges or move around a lot to reach them.
Take your time. The more you rush, the more likely you are to fall.

It may be a good idea for you to talk to an occupational therapist to discuss any issues you may have with getting in and out of a bath, standing in or using a shower and standing at the basin. Go to the Daily living equipment section of this website for more information.

You may also need to consider adapting your home, go to the Adapting your home section of this website for more details.

For information about avoiding falls and what to do if you have a fall, visit our falls prevention section.