Southern Steps In-Home Physical Therapy

Your Safety. Your Pace. Your Independence.

© Southern Steps In-Home Physical Therapy — For informational purposes only

About Southern Steps PT

Southern Steps provides in-home physical therapy throughout Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest, Spartanburg, Anderson, and Upstate South Carolina. We bring care to you because aging safely shouldn’t require traveling to a clinic when you’re in pain or at risk.

Our Mission

Improve quality of life for seniors through personalized in-home care, fall prevention, and evidence-based guidance.

Who We Serve

Seniors at risk of falls • Recent fall victims • Caregivers • Anyone aging at home

What We Offer

• In-home physical therapy

• Free safety assessments

• Fall prevention

• Medicare-covered services

How to Connect

Free Safety Check

Schedule a 30-minute home assessment to identify fall hazards.

In-Home PT

Medicare-covered therapy in your home

Ongoing Support

Annual reviews as needs change

How to Use This Guide

Part 1: Initial modifications
Part 2: Long-term maintenance

• Read — Review before making changes

• Record — Track progress in journal pages

• Share — Discuss with family and care team

• Return — Revisit as mobility changes

Part 1: Essential Modifications

Five Changes That Prevent Most Bathroom Falls

1. Understanding the Risk

Understanding bathroom hazards helps you prioritize modifications effectively.

Assess Your Current Risk

• □ No grab bars installed

• □ Cannot see clearly at night

• □ Feel unsteady in bathroom

• □ Avoid showering due to fear

• □ Bathmats slide when stepped on

• □ Toilet is uncomfortably low

0–1 checked: LOW RISK — Prevention still wise
2–3 checked: MODERATE RISK — Act this month
4+ checked: HIGH RISK — Act this week

Why Bathrooms Are Fall Traps

• Wet surfaces → Water + tile + soap = slippery

• Awkward movements → Getting in/out of tub requires balance

• Hard surfaces → Tile causes serious injury

• Urgency → Rushing increases risk

• Poor lighting → Night navigation in darkness

Evidence

• 80% of home falls occur in bathrooms¹

• 1 in 4 seniors falls annually²

• Hip fractures cause permanent disability in 50% of cases³

• Modifications reduce fall risk 60–80%⁴

Sources: CDC National Center for Injury Prevention; CDC Older Adult Falls Data; Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (2019); Cochrane Review on Home Modifications (2021)

“Every bathroom I assess has at least three major fall hazards the homeowner didn’t notice. That’s why professional assessment matters — I see what you’ve become accustomed to.”
— Mike, Physical Therapist, Southern Steps PT

2. The Five Essential Modifications

Based on 100+ home assessments, these prevent most bathroom falls. Install in order for maximum impact.

Investment Summary

ModificationCostPriorityGrab Bars$50–100HIGHESTNon-Slip Surfaces$15–25HIGHMotion Lighting$20–40HIGHRaised Toilet + Chair$60–90MEDIUMClear Pathways$0TODAY

Total: $145–255

Modification #1: Grab Bars

Priority: HIGHEST | Cost: $50–100

Why This Comes First

Grab bars provide support when wet, off-balance, or fatigued. They prevent falls and help recover from near falls.

Important: Towel racks are NOT grab bars.

Where to Install

1. Next to toilet (both sides if possible)

2. Inside shower/tub (vertical)

3. Outside shower/tub

Critical Requirements

• Installed into wall studs (not drywall)

• Support 250–300 pounds

• Textured grip (1.25–1.5" diameter)

• Mounted 33–36" from floor

Installation

• DIY: ~1 hour per bar

• Handyman: $75–100 for 2 bars

Important: Improper installation into drywall will fail. Must anchor into studs or use rated hardware.

Modification #2: Non-Slip Surfaces

Priority: HIGH | Cost: $15–25

What to Do

• Remove all bathmats from bathroom floor

• Add textured mat inside shower/tub only

Why Remove Rugs

Even “non-slip” rugs can slide when stepped on edge-first.

Maintenance

Replace annually when suction weakens

Modification #3: Motion-Sensor Lighting

Priority: HIGH | Cost: $20–40

What You Need

• Motion night lights (bathroom and hallway)

• Bright LED bulbs (100W equivalent)

Modification #4: Raised Toilet + Shower Chair

Priority: MEDIUM | Cost: $60–90

Why Height Matters

Low toilets increase fall risk. Standing too long in showers leads to fatigue.

Modification #5: Clear Pathways

Priority: DO TODAY | Cost: $0

Remove Immediately

• Rugs and bathmats

• Scales

• Laundry baskets

• Trash cans

• Cords or cables

“Clear floors save lives. Every floor item is a trip hazard. Costs nothing, takes 15 minutes. Do it today.”
— Mike, PT

3. Taking Action

Today (30 minutes)

Remove rugs • Clear floor • Test lighting at night

This Week

Buy and install night lights + shower mat
Call (864) 528-6402 for free safety check

This Month

Install grab bars, raised toilet seat, shower chair

Weekly Safety Check

Safe:

• Grab bars secure

• Mat suction strong

• Lights working

• Floor clear

Call for Help If:

• Grab bar feels loose

• Lights fail

• Difficulty increases

• Any near fall occurs

4. Getting Help

Free Home Safety Check Includes

• Hazard assessment

• Written priorities

• Product recommendations

• Installation guidance

• Medicare determination

When to Schedule

• Moderate or high fall risk

• Recent fall or near-fall

• Avoiding showering

• Mobility changes

Hiring a Handyman

Ask:

• Experience with grab bars

• Use of stud finder

• Cost for installation

Red Flags:

• No stud installation

• Overpriced quotes

• No references

Financial Assistance

• Area Agency on Aging: 1-800-868-9095

• VA Grants: 1-800-827-1000

5. If You’ve Fallen

First 48 Hours

• See a doctor

• Document what happened

• Avoid unsafe bathroom use

This Week

• Schedule safety check

• Make all five modifications

• Ask about PT referral

• Inform family

Fear of Bathing

After a fall, anxiety is normal. Physical therapy helps by:

• Teaching safe techniques

• Building confidence

• Practicing recovery strategies

6. For Caregivers

Starting the Conversation

Avoid:
“Your bathroom is dangerous.”

Try:
“I found simple ways to make your home safer — can we check them together?”

Assessing Remotely

Ask:

• Can you show me your bathroom?

• Are there grab bars?

• How is lighting at night?

• Any rugs present?

• Do you feel unsteady?

Part 2: Long-Term Maintenance

7. Maintenance

Weekly

Test grab bars • Check mat • Verify lighting • Clear floor

Monthly

Clean mat • Tighten screws • Replace batteries

Annually

Professional reassessment • Replace mat • Reevaluate needs

8. When to Reassess

Contact Southern Steps PT if:

• New diagnosis

• Surgery or hospitalization

• Vision changes

• Increased difficulty

• New mobility aids

• Home changes

Care Team Contacts

Southern Steps PT
Phone: (864) 528-6402
Email: [email protected]

Your Safety Journal

Date: __________

Completed: __________________________________

Total Cost: __________

Installer: __________________________________

Safety Rating (1–10)

• Overall Safety: _____

• Confidence: _____

• Ease of Use: _____

What’s Working:

Still Need:

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Follow guidance from your licensed physical therapist, physician, and care team. Individual outcomes may vary.

Related In-Home Physical Therapy Resources

If you’re exploring in-home physical therapy for yourself or a loved one, these guides may also be helpful:

Fall Prevention Physical Therapy at Home: How Seniors Stay Independent

Learn how in-home physical therapy helps reduce fall risk, improve balance, and make the home safer for aging adults.

→ Fall Prevention Physical Therapy at Home: How Seniors Stay Independent

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Physical Therapy? What Seniors Need to Know

A clear explanation of Medicare Part B coverage for in-home physical therapy, including eligibility, costs, and what services are covered.

→ Does Medicare Cover In-Home Physical Therapy? What Seniors Need to Know

Home Physical Therapy Services in Greenville & Upstate South Carolina

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→ Home Physical Therapy Services in Greenville & Upstate South Carolina