No matter when you bathe, a few simple precautions can dramatically lower your risk of injury and make your bathroom a much safer place:
Use warm water — not too hot, not too cold
Install grab bars in and around the shower
Use non-slip mats both inside and outside the tub or shower
Keep a shower seat or bench available if you ever feel tired or dizzy
Stay hydrated — drink water before and after to support blood pressure
Ventilate the bathroom well to avoid excessive steam or fog
Avoid showering alone if you’re on medications that affect balance or blood pressure
Let someone know you’re bathing — especially if you live alone
Special Advice for People with Medical Conditions
If you have any of the following, speak with your doctor about the safest showering routine for you:
Heart disease or arrhythmia
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Diabetes (due to blood sugar fluctuations)
Continued on next page:
