Bathroom safety applies to everyone, but seniors are generally the most vulnerable. The water and smooth surfaces in the bathroom, along with limited space, tend to make for potential hazards. In order to avoid a fall, safety is key. While walk-in showers for seniors offer obvious benefits, bathroom safety should be even more comprehensive.
1. Sit Down
Standing in the shower for a long period increases the risk or a fall or accident. This is especially true for seniors. Luckily, a simple adjustment can greatly improve safety and potentially prevent injury. A shower seat or bathtub bench allows the person showering or bathing to sit safely and provides greater security. It’s also one of the most popular solutions, so there are many different seats and benches available.
2. Slips
Slips and falls are nothing to take lightly. Luckily, showers and tubs can quickly be made less slippery and a bit safer for regular use. Non-slip rubber mats and self-stick strips are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They provide a much better grip and more secure footing for showers and tubs. This reduces the likelihood of slipping, which can also save seniors from a possible fall. It’s a quick and easy way to make slips less likely. This greatly improves bathroom safety, since many accidents happen in the shower or tub.
3. Access
When it comes to seniors, accessibility is always a key concern. Stepping into a shower or tub often demands climbing over a 14-inch hurdle. This may not seem like much, but it can pose a risk. This is where walk-in showers and walk-in tubs truly shine. One of their key benefits is that they eliminate this issue. Many walk-in showers and tubs also come with extra features such as massaging jets that are great for joints and can soothe aches and pains. It’s a worthwhile investment.
4. Preparation
Preparation is key. Reaching for items or stepping out of the shower or tub to retrieve something introduces unnecessary risk. Something as simple as a shower caddy can solve this issue. Having a handy towel bar near the shower is also a good idea. There’s no need to walk on wet and slippery feet to reach a towel. Shampoo and soap are easily stored in a shower caddy. A couple of minor conveniences make a big difference.
5. Clutter
Clutter isn’t helpful, especially when it comes to bathroom safety. Empty shampoo bottles, soap dishes, and other items can pile up very quickly. They take up room and can potentially fall in the shower and end up becoming tripping hazards. While a shower caddy might help, you could also consider a shelf and grab bar combo. This allows extra help with standing and storage. This is a great on-two combination that takes care of clutter while adding a little extra stability.
6. Troubles
The shower and tub aren’t the only potential issues in a bathroom. Toilet troubles can happen, as well. Every year, many seniors are injured using the toilet. Most people are familiar with grab bars in the shower and bathtub. However, grab bars can also be helpful near the toilet. Some grabs are even designed to hold toilet tissue or fold away when not in use. It can be a great addition to your bathroom safety arsenal.
A walk-in shower or bath makes for a great investment when it comes to bathroom safety for seniors. Contact Safe Step Walk-In Tub Company at (800) 346-6616 if you have any questions or would like a recommendation.
