According to the National Council on Aging, a quarter of seniors suffer from a fall every year. All too often, these falls result in injury and even death. Bathroom falls can be especially dangerous for seniors, and unfortunately, they are also some of the most common. There are many hazards in the bathroom like slippery floors, low toilet seats, bathtubs that are difficult to enter, and more. By making a few easy changes, however, you can make the bathroom safer for the senior that you love. Read on below to learn a few things you can do to boost security and prevent falls in your home.
Install Grab Bars
One way to make the bathroom safer is by installing grab bars in strategic locations. Seniors often have poor balance and find it difficult to lower themselves onto the toilet and get in and out of the tub. Grab bars can support their weight while performing these tasks and make it easier for them to remain steady. Install bars that are a color that contrasts with the rest of the room, so they are easier to see. They should also be slip-resistant to make them more secure when you grip them. This tip is ideal for seniors who have the upper body strength to support themselves while going about their regular bathroom routine.
Put Down Non-Slip Mats
Non-slip mats also help to reduce the risk of falling while in the bathroom. Place a mat on the floor of the bathtub that has a non-slip surface. You should also put mats in front of the tub, sink, and toilet. These are the spots where seniors are most likely to slip and fall, along with the bathtub.
Place Essentials in Reach
Important toiletries should be easily accessible, too. Seniors should not need to bend or stretch to get the items they need to keep up with their everyday bathroom routines. Consider installing a shower caddy in the bathtub right at an easily reachable height. They can put soap and shampoo on the caddy, so they are accessible while bathing.
Improve the Lighting
Another simple change that can make a bathroom safer is making slight alterations to the lighting. Bad lighting boosts the risk of falling since it causes poor visibility in the room. Make sure that the path from the bedroom to the bathroom is bright and the bathroom itself has enough lighting. Consider placing nightlights around the house to make sure it is well-lit and safe for your loved one.
Install a Walk-In Bathtub
A walk-in bathtub shower combo is ideal for seniors since it minimizes the chances that they will fall while entering or exiting the tub. These bathtubs come equipped with doors that make it easy for the elderly to walk in and sit down without needing to climb over the ledge of the tub. While this step requires an upfront investment, it is well worth it, so your loved one can continue to live independently in their home without worrying about slipping and falling.
Contact Safe Step Walk-In Tub Company to learn more about installing a walk-in bathtub in your home.
