1)The Wrong Flooring

Most bathrooms have hardwood floors or tile, both of which tend to be slippery when wet. Anti-slip mats aren't the best solution because they offer a tripping hazard as well as only providing partial coverage to the floor.

Carpet isn't a good choice either. While it offers better traction, mildew is a major concern. Your best choice is a sheet vinyl with a non-slip finish or a texturized ceramic tile. Both offer water resistance as well as safe traction.

2)The Storage Situation

Clutter is a major issue in many bathrooms. Imagine losing your balance and grabbing a stack of towels-not much support there! The storage around the bathtub can be an issue. Razors balance on the edge of the tub can get knocked off. The pain of stepping on this object then causes a reflex action to jump back. Balance is lost, and you've just had a bathroom accident.

If you don't have adequate storage, make sure that things aren't stacked around the floor where they have to be maneuvered around. Trip and fall accidents are deadly for seniors.

3)The Bathtub

More accidents occur getting into and out of the tub than any other bathroom related accident. Installing a transfer bench is a good budget saving option, but investing in a walk in tub is a wise long-term investment.

Walk-in bathtubs offer several advantages to seniors. Instead of having to climb over a 20-inch high bathtub side, crouch down to sit in the bathtub, and then to try to get back up and out of the tub after the bath, the bather can sit comfortably on the built-in bench while the bath fills with soothing hot water. When the bath is over, a specially designed drain accelerates water draining from the tub. The bather then just opens the door and leaves the walk in bath safely.

4)The Lack of Support Aids

Towel bars offer minimal stability. If someone is really falling, the towel bar will give way. The same goes for someone who is trying to pull up their full body weight.

Install proper grab bars in places like the tub and shower, and within reach of the toilet. They don't have to be the stainless steel institutional models. There are now many manufacturers producing stylish handrails that don't ruin the beauty of your bathroom. Just be sure that you are purchasing grab bars not towel bars, and be sure to install them correctly.

T. E. Holewinski is an experienced writer sharing experience on senior living, aging parent care and installing walk in bathtubs.