The bathroom can be a hazardous place for seniors, placing them at risk for fall-related injuries. Luckily, the vast majority of falls can be prevented with a few additional safety features and a little bit of foresight. Here are some tips you can use to keep your senior loved one as safe as possible in the bathroom.
Keep the Area Free of Clutter
A cluttered bathroom can be dangerous if your loved one has eyesight or balance issues. At the start of each day, quickly clean the bathroom and remove any magazines, newspapers, towels, or clothes on the floor. You should also double-check the bathroom for spilled hygiene products or puddles that might make the floor slippery.
Fall-related injuries are some of the many age-related challenges older adults are susceptible to. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Install Grab Bars or Handrails
In addition to installing handrails along stairways, you might also want to put them next to the toilet and bathtub. Whenever your loved one needs to change positions or lift a leg, he or she should have something to hold onto. Handrails are generally easy to install, and you should be able to put them up in just a few minutes with some basic tools.
Purchase a Bath Transfer Bench
Walk-in bathtubs are a great option for older adults, but they can also be quite expensive to buy and install. Bath transfer benches are much more affordable, and these simple stools give seniors the ability to safely get in and out of the bathtub while sitting down. Once your loved one is sitting comfortably and grabbing a handrail, he or she can simply swing his or her legs into the bathtub.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help toileting, bathing, cleaning, or managing other daily tasks. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Miami respite care experts at Assisting Hands Home Care are here to help. All of our home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Put Nonslip Mats on the Floor
Some people put towels on the floor to soak up water and act as mats, but this can be a dangerous thing to do. Wet towels tend to bunch up and become obstacles for your loved one. A good nonslip mat provides additional cushioning on the floor as well as extra grip for the feet. High-quality bathroom mats generally have adhesive strips on the back that keep them from moving around.
Encourage Exercise
Exercising a few days a week is one of the most effective ways to prevent slip-and-fall accidents. Seniors who have strong arms and legs may be able to catch themselves when they begin to fall, and their core muscles can help them with balance and agility. At the very least, you should have your loved one practice getting up out of a chair independently so his or her major muscle groups don’t atrophy.
Seniors can reduce their risk of falls and injuries by making healthy lifestyle choices. However, helping a loved one adopt healthy habits can be challenging for family caregivers. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of Miami Beach home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (305) 574-9137.
