Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors
Caregiver in Frederick County VA: Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors
Did you know that each year over 200,000 Americans are treated in the emergency room for injuries resulting from falls that occurred in bathrooms? That’s a scary statistic—especially if you’re the family caregiver for an elderly parent who may be more prone to falling. Bathrooms pose a special set of dangers for falls just because of the way they are designed and how they are used. First, most bathrooms have tile or linoleum floors that are slippery when wet, which can be hard to avoid since the bathroom is where people bathe and wash up. Second, bathrooms are tight spaces, so there are more corners and hard surfaces nearby for a person to strike as they fall, making injuries more likely. Finally, many seniors experience dizziness as they sit or stand back up, which can cause falls.
The good news is that there are many ways to make the bathroom a safer place for your parent. Here are some ideas.
#1 Make Surfaces Less Slippery
Many falls occur as people step into or out of the shower or bath. To make floors less slippery, use non-slip mats in the shower and on the floor outside it. You can also use decals designed to be stuck on the tub or shower floor to make it less slippery. If your parent uses counter surfaces as support, use adhesive strips designed to reduce slipping along the edges to prevent their hands from slipping.
#2 Use Grab Bars and Other Support Mechanisms
Install wall-mounted grab bars for support when using the toilet or the shower. Another option is a floor to ceiling tension mounted bar that gives your parent something to hold on to. These are easy to install and can be removed easily as well. Also, add a safety frame to the toilet that provides arms for your parent to support themselves as they sit down or stand up.
#3 Keep the Area Well Lit and Clutter Free
Place night lights in the bathroom and in the hallway leading to the bathroom so that your parent can see to make a trip to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Remove any rugs or other objects that could cause your parent to trip.
#4 Install a Raised Toilet
A raised toilet is easier to use because there’s less effort involved in standing and sitting. Don’t forget to add grab bars or arms to make it even safer.
#5 Keep Toiletries Within Reach
Make sure shampoos and soaps are placed on shelves where they are easy to reach. Bending down to pick up the shampoo could cause dizziness and result in a fall.
Despite all the efforts you make to create a safer bathroom for your parent, you may still be worried about falls. This may be especially true if your parent lives alone. Hiring a caregiver through an agency who can check in your parent through the day can help ease your fears. A home caregiver can even help your parent get safely back and forth to the bathroom if necessary.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional caregiver services in Frederick County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 369-6677. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities
Sources:
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/making-bathrooms-safe-for-seniors-041013.html
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