For older adults, the bathroom can be one of the most perilous rooms in the house; the majority of senior falls in the home occur in the bathroom. They could be caused by a lack of balance, slippery surfaces, or an obstacle on the floor. Regardless of the cause, bathroom falls can be dangerous, resulting in injuries that range from mild to severe.
The best thing you can do to prevent bathroom falls is to take some necessary safety precautions. Whether you are concerned for yourself or a loved one, use the tips below to make the bathroom a safer place.
Walk-In Tub
For those with limited mobility, a walk-in bathtub can make a world of difference. They make it easier to enter and exit the tub without needing to step over its edge. Plus, many of these senior bathtubs come with built-in seats and removable showerheads, which make showering safer too. These bathtubs can make it easier for the older adult in your life to remain independent for longer and continue living in the comfort of their own homes.
Grab Bars
If you do not want to install a walk-in bathtub, another easy solution is installing grab bars in the tub or shower. This gives seniors something to hold onto while entering and exiting the bath, which can significantly reduce the risk of a slip and fall. You can also install grab bars near the toilet to help with balance and leverage.
Non-Slip Surfaces
While walk-in tubs already come equipped with non-slip strips, many regular bathtubs do not. Considering placing them at the bottom of your bathtub to improve safety and reduce the chances of a fall. You can also set non-slip bathmats near the bath and toilet to prevent these areas from getting slippery.
Lighting
Ensure the bathroom is bright enough, so it is easy to see the full room and any potential obstacles on the floor. This step is particularly crucial for older adults with balance problems or vision issues. So, make sure there is plenty of lighting in the room.
Avoid Rugs
Unless your bathmats have non-slip grips on the bottom, they have no place in the bathroom. Any throw rugs in the room should be removed to avoid tripping over them. If you are really concerned about tripping, you may want to forgo rugs and bathmats altogether.
Toilet Seat Riser
Toilet seats that are too low to the ground can also be dangerous. Consider using a toilet seat riser to prevent falls while lowering yourself onto the toilet. When used with grab bars, the two can be an incredibly effective solution for combating accidental falls.
Keep the Floor Dry and Clear
Lastly, make sure the bathroom floor is free of danger. Slippery floors or floors that are covered with items can pose a real threat. Make sure the bathroom floors are dry at all times. Additionally, ensure that the floors are clear of any clothing or debris that could cause someone to trip.
To learn more about making your bathroom safe for a senior with limited mobility or to learn more about installing a walk-in bath, visit us at Safe Step Walk-In Tub Company.
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