The bathroom is the most dangerous room in the house for seniors who are living alone. Now is a great time to make sure that your senior parent has a safe bathroom in their home. One way that seniors can avoid falls in the bathroom is to have senior home care providers.
According to experts more than 80% of the seniors that fall at home fall in the bathroom. Bathroom falls often cause serious injuries, like broken hips, broken elbows, and concussions because seniors fall on hard tiles. They also can hit their arms or heads on the tub, toilet, or sink base.
Seniors who have senior home care will have someone with them to help them safely use the bathroom and shower. Senior home care is highly recommended for seniors who are living alone.
Seniors should also have these five recommended safety items in every bathroom in the home:
Grab Bars
Grab bars may not look pretty, but they are essential for seniors. Grab bars give seniors something sturdy to grab onto and pull themselves up off the toilet. Grab bars in the shower give seniors something safe to grab if they slip, lose their balance, or need some extra support.
These bars come in various lengths, styles, and materials to accommodate different bathroom layouts and personal preferences. They are easy to install and make a big difference when it comes to keeping seniors safe at home.
Non-slip Mats and Flooring
Non-slip mats and flooring are essential for preventing slips and falls, particularly in areas prone to water exposure. Place non-slip mats near the shower or bathtub and the toilet as well. These products are typically made of rubber or textured materials that enhance grip even when wet.
You can also add texture to the existing floors with easy-to-apply products so that the entire bathroom floor will be non-slip. If the tub or shower doesn’t have a textured floor or bottom add textured decals so that your senior parent won’t slip and fall in the shower or tub.
Raised Toilet Seats
Raised toilet seats are beneficial for seniors who may have difficulty sitting down or standing up from a standard-height toilet. These seats provide an elevated surface, reducing strain on the knees and hips. They are available in various heights to accommodate individual needs. Some models come with additional features such as padded seats and handles for added comfort and support. Seniors will have an easier time using the bathroom alone with a raised toilet seat.
Shower Chairs or Benches
Every shower in the home should have a built-in bench or sturdy shower chair. If you choose to use a shower chair make sure it is securely fastened to the shower floor and the wall so that the chair won’t move or tip over.
Shower benches and chairs allow seniors to clean themselves comfortably with a hand-held showerhead. And there is a lower risk of your parent falling, losing their balance, or getting dizzy when they can bathe sitting down.
Handheld Showerheads
Handheld showerheads offer seniors greater flexibility and control during showering. They can be easily adjusted and directed, allowing seniors to reach different areas of their body without having to move extensively. Hand-held showerheads also make it easier for care providers who help seniors shower as they get older to wash seniors thoroughly and comfortably.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care Services in Dodson Branch TN please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (931) 208-1019
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Cookeville, Algood, Baxter, Monterey, Sparta, Smithville, Livingston, Dodson Branch, Gainesboro, Putnam County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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