Recovery

Bathroom Safety After Surgery

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If your movement is limited during recovery, ask a family member or friend to help prepare your bathroom. This helps make it safer and more comfortable while you heal. Use the tips below as a guide. Know that some equipment you’ll need won’t be ordered until you’re ready to go home.


Bathroom safety tips

Try the following tips for staying safe:

  • Prevent slips and falls by using nonslip bathmats on your bathroom floor and in your tub or shower.

  • Watch out for hazards, such as wet floors.

  • Use grab bars in your shower or tub for support as you get in and out. Also have them by your toilet.

  • Install a hand-held shower hose.

  • Keep the soap and shampoo within reach

  • Sit on a bath bench or shower chair while you bathe.

  • Use a long-handled sponge to wash hard-to-reach areas.

  • If you had surgery that limits bending, use a commode chair or elevated toilet seat to raise the height of your toilet.

  • Talk with your occupational therapist if you need more instructions in using bath aids.

Bathroom with safety equipment.

Featured in

Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP

Online Medical Reviewer: Jonas DeMuro MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN

Date Last Reviewed: 01/15/2007

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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