The bathroom in general poses many safety hazards, but in particular, the bath tub and shower create risks for slipping and possibly causing injury. However, there are a number of ways to make a shower safer. If you’re concerned about yourself or your aging parents, please take the time to make a few additions or changes to the bath tub to increase safety.

The first item on the list is the least expensive and also the easiest to install. Grab bars and rails attach to the walls of the shower enclosure and can be installed horizontally or vertically. There are also L-shaped bars and bars that are made for corner installation. If you choose to install one of these bars yourself, remember that you must anchor it into the wall studs; simply screwing it into the tile or drywall doesn’t allow the bar to adequately support weight. Some experts recommend getting a bar that is textured so it’s easier to grip, which is especially important when water and soap are making things slippery.

Grab bars and rails come in a variety of colors and styles, so every homeowner is sure to find something that meets their needs. If you’re skeptical about the safety of these bars, check to see if the product you’re considering is recommended by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

It’s important to note that bars that use adhesive or suction to attach to the wall may not be suitable for bearing a person’s weight. These bars are usually just meant for stability: a person holds onto it for balance, not to lift himself up with.

Another option to improve bathroom safety is to install a walk-in bath tub. These tubs are unique in that they are equipped with a door that opens to allow a person to just walk straight into the tub. Walk-in tubs are great for people who don’t have the mobility or flexibility to step over the side of a bath tub. They can be installed almost anywhere, and some are even portable and are equipped with wheels.

Tubs of this sort must be installed by a professional, but the installation process is quick and simple. Usually, the installation only takes about two days. Basic tubs cost a couple thousand dollars while luxury tubs can cost significantly more; in all reality, the price you’ll probably pay for a walk-in tub is comparable to that of a traditional cast-iron tub. The cost, however, should not be a factor when safety is compromised. The company you choose will work with you to determine what is best for your specific situation.

Finally, you can remove the tub altogether to create a safer environment for bathing. A tub to shower conversion is good for folks who are able to stand and remain stable while bathing and don’t necessarily need a bath tub. The installation process involves removing the old tub (and sometimes the old tile surround, if it’s full of mildew or rot) and installing a new shower pan and surround along with sliding doors. In many cases, the new materials used are antibacterial, giving the homeowner (or caretaker) the freedom of not having to worry about heavy cleaning or mold developing.

The solutions mentioned can be used in conjunction with one another. For example, if you’d rather do a tub to shower conversion, you’ll want to put some grab bars up to give the bather some additional safety. To add security to your bath or shower immediately, grab rails are the best solution. If you’re unsure of which route to take, estimates for walk-in tubs and tub to shower conversions are free and the representative can help you figure out what’s best for you.