The elderly at high risk for bathroom injuries.

• Position: Senior Citizens

Falls are the leading cause of injury or death among Americans aged 65 and over. Annually, more than 2,800,000 elderly adults are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga.

Of all falls in the home, 80% occur in the bathroom, and one in five results in a serious injury, such as a broken bone or head trauma. From slippery surfaces to a lack of dependable objects to grab onto, bathrooms have a landscape that can be difficult to navigate, especially for the elderly. When coupled with poor muscle strength and the lack of balance associated with aging, the risk of falls in the bathroom increases. Bathroom falls generally occur when entering or exiting the tub or shower, sitting down on or rising from the toilet, or attempting to support one's balance by grabbing onto towel bars, sink tops, and other objects.

"A significant number of falls in the bathroom can be prevented with effective renovation techniques and products," maintains Greg Norman, cofounder of BathMaster, a plumbing, electrical, and building contractor...