How to stay safe in the bathroom with epilepsy

For most people, the bathroom might not seem a particularly dangerous place, however, for those with epilepsy it can be extremely hazardous. It’s essential the precautions are taken to ensure people with epilepsy remain safe whilst using bathroom facilities, especially whilst bathing.

If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy then you might find these tips on staying safe in the bathroom helpful:

Takes showers instead of baths

For the most part, showers are considered a safer option than a bath for a person with epilepsy. It can reduce the chances of drowning in the event of a seizure. It is also considered safer to have a shower with a flat floor rather than a shower tray that could become flooded if you covered the plug hole with your body during a seizure.

As a side note, glass shower screens can be incredibly dangerous for a person with epilepsy should it be broken during a seizure. We recommend using plastic shower screens or one that’s made from safety glass to prevent injury and lacerations.

Leave doors unlocked and the door opens outwards

It’s quite common for people to use locks whilst using the bathroom for privacy, but a locked door could prevent someone from coming to your aid in an emergency. If you share a bathroom, rather than locking the door you may choose to have engaged and vacant signs to let people know it’s in use.

Similarly, should you have a seizure and block an inswinging door with your body you may prevent anyone from being able to enter the room to help. Having an outswinging door will mean that access can be gained with ease in the event of an emergency.

Safety-proof your surroundings

There are a variety of things you can do to make the bathroom safer. For example, ensuring any sharp corners, such as on low cabinets and taps in the bath are covered will help to prevent you from injuring yourself if you fall during a seizure. There are also a range of specialised aids that can help you to stay safe, National Epilepsy Training procure specialist aids as part of our care services – click here for more information.

If possible, ask someone to be nearby

It’s always a good idea to have somebody in the bathroom with you or nearby to listen out and ensure you are safe. Of course, the bathroom is a private place for many so at the very least ensure someone knows you are using the bathroom and ask them to check on you intermittently.

If you choose to have a bath…

As previously mentioned, we highly recommend not having a bath, but not everyone has access to a shower and sometimes a bath is the only practical choice. If you must have a bath then it’s best to keep the depth as shallow as possible and ensure that the taps are turned off before you get into the bath to stop them filling it in the event of a seizure. You could also install a temperature control device to ensure the water doesn’t become too hot and put you at the risk of burns.

National Epilepsy Training can help

At National Epilepsy Training, we can help to provide a risk assessment and make recommendations based on your unique environment and personal requirements. We can also procure specialised aids to help ensure the bathroom remains a safe and relaxing space.

Call us on 01706 373075 or email admin@nationalepilepsytraining.co.uk to speak to one of the team today.