You’re likely here after experiencing a close call or a fall. That, or someone you know has experienced a dangerous accident. Either way, you’re right to want to make your tub or shower area safer.
A wet tub or shower can go from something you never think about to something you’re concerned about every time you step in to get clean. Slick flooring, high tub walls, dim lighting, or having nothing to grab onto can turn what is normally a simple routine into a safety risk. And most homeowners don’t realize their bathing space is unsafe until they have a close call (or worse).
At Shugarman’s Bath, we complete over 100 tub and shower installations per month, each with its own unique design. We’ve heard horror stories about clients slipping and getting hurt in their old tub or shower. We’ve helped design and install plenty of safe tub and shower areas for homeowners to enjoy.
In this article, you’ll learn about:
- What makes your tub or shower area unsafe
- Who is most at risk of falling
- How you can tell if your tub or shower is unsafe
- Short-term safety fixes
- Long-term safety fixes
- When remodeling your tub or shower area is the safest choice
- How Shugarman’s Bath can help with a safer tub or shower area
What Makes My Tub or Shower Area Unsafe?
Here are common reasons that affect how safe your tub or shower is.
Slippery or Worn Flooring
This is likely the most common reason. Smooth surfaces are slippery when wet. Older tubs or shower bases can lose traction over time. Smooth acrylic or fiberglass without grip becomes slick. With fiberglass, the coating wears off over time. Combine that with water, soap, conditioner, and oils, and you’re concentrating on staying on your feet more than you’re feeling relaxed.
High-Threshold Tub Entries
A tub wall will often require you to lift your leg 13 inches or more. You’re balancing as you step onto a potentially wet surface. This can be especially challenging for older adults or those with mobility issues.
A Lack of Grab Bars
Without something to hold onto, regaining balance is challenging. Grab bars make regaining your footing and balance easier.
Poor Lighting
Dim light can mess with your depth perception; it makes it more difficult to see where you’re stepping. So what might look secure could actually be more slippery than you first thought.
Tight Layouts
Cluttered or awkward layouts could also create tripping hazards when entering and exiting a space.
A Lack of Seating
After a long workday or as our bodies age, it’s easy to feel fatigued. Fatigue can increase the risk of a tumble.
There are plenty of people who deal with vertigo, balance issues, or neuropathy. Standing up through an entire shower can be more of a risk than a benefit.
Who is Most At Risk of Falling in a Tub or Shower?
Well, everyone is at risk. You step on a slippery surface, and you could be sent to the floor. Wet surfaces tend not to discriminate.
However, here’s who is most at risk:
- Older adults, whose recovery times are longer and whose injuries can be more serious.
- According to the CDC, "Falls among adults 65 and older caused over 38,000 deaths in 2021, making it the leading cause of injury death for that group."
- Anyone with mobility challenges, arthritis, vertigo, or neuropathy.
- Individuals with special needs.
When it comes to safety features, even young homeowners would benefit from a safer shower. Accidents don’t always wait until we’re older. Accidents happen in the moment.
How Can I Tell If My Tub or Shower is Unsafe?
An unsafe tub or shower is often “more than meets the eye.” Here are easy signs you can look for:
- The tub wall feels too high when stepping in or out.
- Your shower floor feels slick or smooth.
- There’s nothing sturdy to grab onto.
- Lighting is dim, or shadows make it hard to see.
- You notice yourself hesitating when entering or exiting.
- You might not realize you’re doing this, but your subconscious is keeping you safe from slipping.
- You’re avoiding certain movements to maintain stability.
Now that you’re conscious of all these signs, you won’t be able to unsee them.
What Are Some Short-Term Safety Fixes?
Here are some meaningful improvements you can make right now. They won’t be the end-all, be-all, but they can at least be of temporary use.
Suction-Cup Grab Bars
They offer temporary support and balance. Do not use your full body weight on these. Shugarman’s Bath never uses these for a remodel.
Portable Bath or Shower Chairs
They don’t often look fancy, but they do offer a more stable place to sit. This will help if you have vertigo, neuropathy, or are too fatigued to stand during the whole shower.
Non-Slip Mats
Whether or not they’re truly non-slip is up for debate (we go on the side of skepticism). However, placing a mat on smooth flooring will provide better traction.
Adhesive Traction Strips
These are applied directly to the floor for a safer grip.
Better Lighting
Swap out some bulbs or add in some temporary stick-on LEDs. A brighter space makes for a safer place, especially when you can reduce missteps.
These solutions won’t solve every safety issue. But they can help until you’re ready for a long-term and more permanent fix.
What Are Some Long-Term Safety Fixes For My Tub or Shower?
It might be in your best interest to have a complete overhaul of your tub or shower for longer-lasting safety. Here are some upgrades you can make.
Low-Threshold Walk-In Shower
Removing a tall tub eliminates the hazard of stepping over a barrier. It is one of the safer and more common upgrades homeowners choose.
Young homeowners can appreciate low-threshold showers. They can also be appreciated aging parents who visit and need to be safe in the space.
Slip-Resistant Shower Base
Typically, most modern shower bases use built-in texture to give your feet natural traction. This reduces the chances of slipping compared to older, glossy surfaces.
For example, Shugarman’s Bath offers BP-Cor2 shower bases with different levels of non-slip textures to provide the traction you need.
Structural Support
You don’t want anything “squishy” or unstable under your feet.
Properly Installed Grab Bars
Grab bars are like a helping hand. Everyone could use one.
The proper installation includes:
- Positioning the bar at an angle makes it easier to pull yourself up naturally
- Mounting into studs or reinforced blocking to support your weight
- Placing bars at the entry, inside the shower, and near seating for a safer experience
Built-In or Fold-Down Seating
A permanent seat gives a comfortable place to sit when you need to rest, have balance issues, or want the option of sitting securely.
Upgraded Lighting and Safer Layout
When you can see where you’re stepping better, you’re reducing the chance of misjudging your footing. You can see where water or soap is hiding.
Your tub and shower shouldn’t also act as a wet, slippery obstacle course. An improved tub or shower layout can eliminate tight corners, awkward ledges, or other features that require you to twist your body when entering or exiting.
Safe While Also Having Style
Modern materials allow you to include grab bars, seating, and slip-resistant features without making the space look like a clinical or '90s fast food bathroom. These safety features are beautifully added to your design.
When Is a Full Tub-and-Shower Remodel the Safest Choice?
Your remodel should be built for longevity. A remodel is worth it if:
- You’ve had close calls or already slipped.
- You have mobility or balancing challenges.
- You’re helping a parent or family member stay safe while bathing.
- You’re planning to stay in your home for the long haul.
- You recognize a remodel is far less costly than a hospital visit.
Can Shugarman’s Bath Help With a Safe Tub or Shower?
Shugarman’s Bath can absolutely help with a safer tub or shower when you get a remodel. We can give you plenty of options to choose from.
Safety-First Design
This means we can give you a tub and shower of your dreams with all of these options:
- Low-threshold walk-in showers
- Slip-resistant, high-density spray foam or solid surface (stone composite) bases
- Modern grab bars installed into reinforced blocking
- Built-in and permanent seating
Safe Placement
We can help you understand where grab bars and seating will help you the most.
Beautiful, Non-Clinical Aesthetics
Safety features that blend seamlessly into a modern, stylish space.
Professional Installation
Everything is installed securely, correctly, and built to last. Your new shower will be professionally installed, beautiful, safer, and comfortable!
Work With a Company That Wants You to be Safe, Too
A tub or shower becomes unsafe for plenty of reasons. You’ve got slippery floors, high thresholds, poor lighting, no seating, or no grab bars. Perhaps a mix of any of these things. And these issues can affect anyone, though they especially affect those with mobility challenges, older adults, or those who are less steady on their feet.
Short-term fixes can offer temporary comfort. However, it’s the long-term solutions that can provide you with the most safety.
You know what to look for to make your tub or shower area safer. Now, you can take the step to protect yourself and the people you care about.
Next, read our article on the differences between tub and shower specialists vs general contractors for your remodel.
Need someone to check out your tub or shower? Need help with making a safe and stylish remodel? Schedule a FREE consultation with Shugarman’s Bath for one of our designers to come to your home and help you!
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