shutterstock_564982780Humans are quite good at one thing: falling down. If it occurs in the wrong setting or by someone who is at risk, falling can be quite dangerous. Sometimes after a person experiences a fall, he or she is worried about the risk of falling again. This can end up preventing that person from normal enjoyment of his or her life.

The bathroom is one place that is particularly common for falls to occur. If you or someone in your household is at a higher risk for falling or if someone in your house has fallen before, it is a good idea to create a safer environment to help prevent future falls. Luckily, there are some simple and inexpensive ways to do just that. Here are some ways to prevent bathroom falls by making your bathroom a safer place.

Mats and slipping One of the main problems with the bathroom environment is the moisture that is inevitably in the air before, during, or after a shower. Additionally, spills from the sink happen all the time. Water is an essential part of bathroom use, and the bathroom gets used all the time -- so it’s difficult to avoid.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent falls even if there is water that has accumulated or has been spilled on the already slippery floor. One of the best ways to offset the wet, slippery floor of the bathroom is to put mats on the floor. Look specifically for non-slip mats or non-slip strips so that, at least in the most commonly stepped on areas of the floor, you won’t slip.

Of course, maintenance is also important for safety. Never leave a puddle on the floor if you can help it. Wipe up any spills immediately, so no one else is at risk of slipping on it, and so you won’t slip on it yourself. If you are physically unable to clean it up yourself, ask someone else to do it. It is worth its time and effort to maintain your bathroom’s safety.

The shower and toilet grab bars One of the most common spots in the bathroom where falls occur is around bathtubs and showers. More specifically, when a person is getting in and out of the shower or tub. Even if the floor is perfectly dry or not slippery at all, accidents naturally happen during this action all the time.

A simple and effective way to prevent this is to install grab bars. These can be grabbed onto when entering or exiting the shower or tub. They also serve as excellent emergency spots to grab if anything does happen, not to mention the prevention of holding onto something right off the bat (before you fall). These should be installed both inside and outside the tub or shower. Install them near the toilet as well, as falls can happen there almost just as easily.