Falls

Overview

Falls are a major safety concern, particularly for older adults and individuals with reduced mobility, balance impairment, muscle weakness, sensory loss or cognitive changes. Bathrooms are a high-risk environment due to hard surfaces, confined spaces and wet/slippery floors and many falls occur during toileting when people are transferring, rushing or unsteady.

Risk is often increased during night-time toileting, when individuals may be drowsy, have poorer visibility and be more likely to rush due to urgency.

Age UK highlights that falls are the most common cause of injury-related deaths in people over 75. This underlines the importance of reducing environmental hazards and providing safe toileting support to reduce the risk of slips or unsafe transfers at night.

Functional Toileting Challenges:

Unsteady sit-to-stand transfers: Rising and lowering can be difficult with weak legs, painful joints or reduced balance

Rushing due to urgency: Increases risk of slips and poor positioning, especially at night

Reduced confidence after previous falls: Fear can cause cautious, awkward movements that increase risk further, known as post-fall syndrome.

Night-time toileting: Low lighting, drowsiness and obstacles increase trip risk.

Cluttered or narrow bathroom layouts: Lack of space to turn safely, use aids or position carers

Impacts:

Injury and hospital admission

Falls can lead to fractures, head injury or long recovery periods

Loss of independence

A fall often triggers increased care needs or reduced mobility

Reduced confidence and avoidance

People may limit fluid intake or delay toileting to avoid transfers

Carer strain

Increased supervision and physical assistance may be required

Social isolation

Reduced motivation or confidence to engage in social activity

How our products help those with Falls

FEATURE	WHY IT HELPS
Palma Vita Wash and Dry Toilet	Provides improved hygiene, comfort and independence with integrated washing and drying functions, reducing the need for assistance and supporting accessibility.
Integrated fold-down support arms	Improves physical safety when using the toilet, especially if mobility impaired
Adult standard seat	Provides a safe and comfortable seating surface for toileting, supporting everyday hygiene and independence.
Touch sensitive hand/foot switch	Makes it easier to recognise and use without complex instructions
Douche (standard)	Supports personal hygiene and cleanliness, helping users maintain independence and comfort during toileting.

Closomat wash and dry toilet in a modern bathroom with a teal wall

Priority specification

Foundational

The Closomat Palma Vita with a standard seat and touch sensitive hand/foot switch

Moderate

Integrated fold-down support arms to improve safety and provide support when standing

Sample specification wording

The individual is more likely to fall because they have reduced strength and balance, which makes moving on and off the toilet difficult and tiring. During night-time toileting, urgency and fatigue can also cause the individual to rush, increasing the risk of slipping or losing balance in the bathroom.

A Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet helps to make toileting safer by reducing twisting, reaching and extra movement for cleaning. The touch sensitive hand/foot switch makes it easier to operate. Integrated fold-down arms will provide a firm place to hold when sitting down and standing up, making transfers easier, improving stability and reducing the risk of falls while supporting independence and dignity.

Final checks

Confirm transfer ability and whether the person requires frame, stick, stand aid or hoist

Ensure support arms are correctly installed

Review flooring, daytime and nighttime lighting, clutter and door access

Confirm adequate space for carers and mobility equipment if required

Download the specification

Wash and dry toilet specification for fall risk, with the recommended features and clinical justification.

Download