The kitchen and the bathroom are the most dangerous rooms in the home for seniors. Seniors who are living alone often fall in the bathroom when they are trying to shower or get ready for the day. Slick floors, water puddles, soapy shower or tub floors, towels that fall on the floor, and other hazards can all cause seniors to get hurt in the bathroom.
If your senior parent is living alone and you’re worried about their ability to shower and use the bathroom safely consider getting personal care at home for them. With personal care at home, seniors have support from trained professionals who know how to help them shower, use the bathroom, get dressed, and do other hygiene tasks safely. You can also use these bathroom safety tips for seniors to make sure your senior parent is safe in the bathroom:
Install Grab Bars
Installing grab bars in strategic locations throughout the bathroom gives your senior parent stability and support where they need it. Place grab bars near the toilet, bathtub, and shower to assist with sitting, standing, and maneuvering in and out of the tub or shower. Make sure the grab bars are securely mounted to the wall and can support your senior parent’s weight.
Use Non-Slip Mats
Place non-slip mats or adhesive strips on the bathroom floor, both inside and outside the tub or shower, to reduce the risk of slipping and falling. Non-slip mats provide traction and stability, especially on wet surfaces. Additionally, consider using a bath or shower mat with suction cups to prevent slips while standing in the shower. If you’re worried about the mats slipping you can also paint the existing floors with a material designed to rough it up so it won’t be slippery.
Install a Shower Chair or Bench
For seniors who have difficulty standing for long periods or have balance issues, a shower chair or bench can provide a safe and comfortable seating option while bathing. Choose a sturdy, waterproof chair with non-slip feet and adjustable height so that your senior parent can adjust it to be comfortable for them.
Adjust Water Temperature
Set the water heater thermostat to a safe temperature to prevent scalding accidents. The water temperature should be below 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) to avoid burns. Consider installing anti-scald devices or thermostatic mixing valves in the shower to regulate water temperature and prevent sudden fluctuations.
Change the Lighting
Ensure that the bathroom is well-lit to improve visibility and reduce the risk of tripping or bumping into objects. Install bright, energy-efficient LED lights or use nightlights to illuminate pathways during nighttime. Adding motion-activated lights near the toilet and sink is a great way to make sure that your senior parent has enough light without them having to struggle to find the light switch at night.
Clear Clutter
Remove unnecessary clutter from the bathroom to create a clear and unobstructed space. Keep toiletries, towels, and other items organized and stored in cabinets or shelves to prevent tripping hazards. Consider using wall-mounted storage solutions to maximize space and keep essential items within reach. You can also add wall-mounted dispensers for soap, shampoo, and conditioner in the shower so that your senior parent doesn’t trip on bottles that fall on the floor or slip in soap that has leaked from bottles that aren’t closed properly.
Raise Toilet Seat Height
Consider installing a raised toilet seat or toilet seat riser to make it easier for seniors to sit down and stand up from the toilet. Raised toilet seats reduce the distance seniors need to lower themselves, minimizing strain on their knees and hips.
Keep Emergency Supplies Accessible
In case of an accident or medical emergency, keep emergency supplies such as a phone, first aid kit, and emergency contact information within easy reach. Consider installing a waterproof phone or emergency call button in the bathroom for added peace of mind.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care in Dallas, TX, please contact the caring staff at Arcy Healthcare today at (469) 293-1515
Providing In-Home Healthcare Services in North Texas, including Dallas, Hurst, Grapevine, Keller, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Denton, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Gainesville, and more.
My name is Jimmie Stapleton. I am the founder and CEO of Arcy Healthcare. Arcy Healthcare includes Arcy Hospice, Arcy Supportive Care, MaximaCare Home Health and Arcy at Home.
Arcy Hospice was opened in 2007 to provide care and support for individuals and families facing a life limiting illness. It was established after my wife Ellen, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had completed her chemo and radiation therapies. At that time, things were looking positive, and we wanted to do something for our community that had been so supportive of our family during her treatments. Unfortunately, the cancer returned a few years later, and she subsequently passed away under our care in 2010.
In the years that followed, I began to see the need to provide the same level of excellent care to patients across the continuum of care. Therefore, we have added a home health division (MaximaCare Home Health), a palliative care division (Arcy Supportive Care), and a home care division, (Arcy at Home). With the addition of these divisions, we can meet most of the post-acute care needs for you and your family in your home.
I started Arcy Hospice with my wife as my motivation to provide exceptional care and support in the patient’s home, where they are surrounded by family and where they feel most comfortable. I’m proud to say that our staff provides some of the best in home care in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
Please let us know if we can enrich the quality of life for you or a loved one.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Stapleton – Founder and CEO
Arcy Healthcare
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