--- title: Ensure residents feel safe and risk-free in the bathroom description: This is our article covering the issues care home residents can find in the washroom and bathrooms. image: https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/hubfs/Duporth%20%26%20Charlestown%20Assisted%20Bath%20(6).jpg --- [![feather](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/hubfs/leaves%202%20(1).png) NEW: Pure.V Sustainable Range - Eco-friendly cleaning products for a greener future NEW: Pure.V – Eco-friendly Cleaning Products ](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/pure-v) [Customer Portal](https://qo.fairfieldcare.co.uk/account/) [![Phone](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/hubfs/Graphics%20for%20website/Layer_1.svg)01234 324 530](tel:01234%20324%20530) # Understanding bathroom safety for care homes [Home](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/) > [Insights](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/insights) > [Understanding bathroom safety for care homes](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/insights/understanding-bathroom-safety-for-care-homes#) > There are many reasons why care home residents may find difficulty when navigating through the washroom. This daily task which most for us take for granted can actually be a challenge for others. Both physical and psychologically, using the bathroom in older age comes with increased risks. From deep baths, to overhead showers, and slippery surfaces, washing is a vulnerable time, and can even be overwhelming for residents living with dementia. # Key takeaways - Identifying what common hazards can occur in a care home washroom - Learn about what issues they are for residents **Identifying what common hazards can occur in a care home washroom ** They are many common hazards and risks that can take place in a care home, such as infections or slips and falls. Care home managers have a duty of care to both residents and their staff to ensure all areas within their care homes are safe. The bathroom is still a work environment and as such there are a range of health and safety and infection control considerations which need to be assessed. ![Duporth & Charlestown Assisted Bath (6)-1](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Duporth%20%26%20Charlestown%20Assisted%20Bath%20(6)-1.jpg?width=760&height=428&name=Duporth%20%26%20Charlestown%20Assisted%20Bath%20(6)-1.jpg)   What type of issues could there be for residents Bathroom Equipment All equipment including bath and toilet seat lifts and hoists used within the bathroom are subject to LOLER  regulations so need scheduled service checks. Equipment like grab bars and rails can provide an excellent support for stability. These can be fixed at the entrance to a shower and inside the cubicle itself to avoid tripping and to assist with maintaining balance and steady footing. The risk of falling or slipping can be greatly reduced with in-shower seating. From wall-fixed fold-down seats to four-legged chairs, shower seats can give huge peace of mind to those living independently and mean that less-abled people in care can shower easily with assistance.   Space   There should be adequate space for the resident to be comfortable when using the toilet and bath or shower. If a hoist is required then consideration must be given to the area around the hoist to allow staff a sufficient area to work in, and ensure the safe use of hoists.  When dealing with the limited space in a bathroom, manoeuvring a mobile hoist or standing hoist in such confined spaces can be difficult, particularly in older homes with narrow doorways and limited clearance around toilets. Infection control Some practice particularly crucial to prevent and control infection in care homes include; personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, gowns, and other protective gear and regular training and education for care home staff. Being mindful of implement strong hand hygiene practices with strategically placed hand sanitising stations is another way to prevent infection from spreading. With regular hand-washing with soap and water for an appropriate amount of time, to using touchless dispensers to make hygiene easy and effective. Fall prevention   The likelihood of experiencing a fall increases as we enter our older years. Therefore, precautions must be taken in professional care settings to mitigate risks and hazards where possible. Slippery surfaces are also a huge risk but thankfully, there is a range of equipment which can be used for care homes or is installed in care homes that help reduce the risk of falling for the most vulnerable. Heat control If a resident has reduced mobility this means that they may be slower to respond safely to contact with hot water. Scalding, and the risk of falling when attempting to get out of a bath more quickly than they are able, is a serious risk which not only has the potential to cause severe pain and lead to complications like shock, heat exhaustion, infection, and scarring.                [Return to all articles](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/insights) ## Related Insights ![Tips for Sustainability in Care Homes featured image](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design-72.png?width=400&name=Untitled%20design-72.png) 20 April 2026 Tips for Sustainability in Care Homes [Go to Article](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/insights/tips-for-sustainability-in-a-care-home) ![Greenwashed and overlooked: Why cleaning deserves a closer look in your ESG strategy featured image](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/unitited.jpg?width=400&name=unitited.jpg) 27 October 2025 Greenwashed and overlooked: Why cleaning deserves a closer look in your ESG strategy [Go to Article](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/insights/why-cleaning-deserves-a-closer-look-in-your-esg-strategy) ![Debunking the Eco-product ‘No COSHH’ Myth featured image](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/coshh-2.jpg?width=400&name=coshh-2.jpg) 16 October 2025 Debunking the Eco-product ‘No COSHH’ Myth [Go to Article](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/insights/debunking-the-eco-product-no-coshh-myth-what-care-homes-really-need-to-know) Keep up to date with our latest insights [Sign up to our newsletter](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/newsletter) [View Now](https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/product-catalogue) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Fairfield Care", "url" : "https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/insights/author/fairfield-care" }, "dateModified" : "2026-03-20T09:41:10.309Z", "datePublished" : "2024-11-15T15:06:14.000Z", "headline" : "Ensure residents feel safe and risk-free in the bathroom", "image" : [ "https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/hubfs/Duporth%20&%20Charlestown%20Assisted%20Bath%20(6).jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/insights/understanding-bathroom-safety-for-care-homes", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.fairfieldcare.co.uk/hubfs/Fairfield%20Logo%20Full%20Colour%20Lock%201.svg" }, "name" : "Fairfield Care" } } ```