There is an article in the WSJ speaking to this subject that I thought was worth expanding on. Bathrooms are considered by many to pose a risk to health and well-being, so here are some things worthy of consideration for those wishing to reduce the risks they pose:

1. Free-standing tubs are easier to get into and out of when you are younger but a tub with a shelf that you can sit on while doing so improves safety notably.

2. While grab handles around toilets can be ugly, they can also be designed in a manner that is more aesthetically pleasing if done so intentionally. Anyone with a leg/hip injury will know the value of these. Grab handles in a shower are helpful too, never grab on towel bars.

3. Large slabs of marble in showers are beautiful but often provide zero grip. Smaller tiles with spaces and grout provide more grip to wet feet.

4. Walk-in shower stalls with no rounded floor edges minimize the chances of a fall. Add grab handles/bars and this improves safety even further.

5. Beware of linear drains that are not cleaned regularly.

6. Regulate your water so it does not exceed 120 degrees to prevent accidental scalding.

7. Keep floors dry, but avoid loose, slippery matts. Any matts should have grip surfaces.

8. Remove anything electrical from the floors or near wet surfaces. Beware hair dryers and wet/damp surfaces.

9. Install good lighting and have night lights to prevent falls during dark hours.

10. Installing a bench in a shower stall is wise. A hand-held shower allows you to sit and shower when needed.

11. Good ventilation is required by most building codes.

12. Place towel warmers in an area that prevents you from getting burned.