Seniors have a high risk of falling at home as they get older. And the part of the home where seniors fall the most often is the bathroom. When seniors are showering or bathing they are very vulnerable to falling. Seniors may lose their balance reaching for a washcloth or soap. Or they may slip on the wet floor or because of soap on the bottom of the shower or tub. Seniors should have personal care at home providers to help them with hygiene tasks like bathing and washing up in the morning. Personal care at home is the best way for seniors to prevent falls while bathing.

In addition to having personal care at home, seniors should do these things to bathe safely and minimize the risk of falls:

Use Grab Bars In The Right Places And Use Non-Slip Mats

Install grab bars in the shower or bathtub to provide seniors with extra support while getting in and out. Non-slip mats on the shower or bathtub floor help prevent slips and falls, providing added stability during bathing. Don’t use decals that stick to the surface of the tub. They don’t stick very well and can come loose when seniors are in the tub. Put down a thick non-slip mat that fits the entire surface of the shower floor or fits inside the tub. Put one outside the tub or shower too so seniors don’t fall getting in or out of the tub or shower.

Check The Water Temperature

Seniors may not be able to tell how hot the water actually is by feeling it. Seniors may have reduced sensitivity to temperature changes, so using a bath thermometer can help maintain a safe water temperature. Making sure the water is a comfortable temperature will help prevent burns or damage to a senior’s skin.

Install A Shower Bench

For seniors who have difficulty standing for prolonged periods, a shower chair or bench can be a beneficial addition. This allows them to sit comfortably during their shower, reducing the risk of falls and providing more stability. Benches that are securely installed into the shower are the safest, but shower chairs can work. Just make sure a shower chair has non-skid legs and won’t slide.

Install A Hand Shower and Easy To Grab Faucets

Handheld showerheads offer more flexibility and control during bathing. Seniors can direct the water flow to specific areas, making it easier to wash hard-to-reach areas or adjust the water pressure to their preference.

Lever faucets are easier to handle for seniors with limited hand strength or dexterity. Replacing traditional knobs with lever faucets can make turning the water on and off simpler and safer.

Create A Shower Bucket Filled With Supplies

Before starting the bath or shower, ensure all bathing supplies, such as soap, shampoo, towels, and washcloths, are within reach. This minimizes the need to reach for items during bathing, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Don’t Shower Late At Night and Upgrade The Lighting

Choose bathing times when seniors are alert, relaxed, and not rushed. Avoid bathing when they may be feeling tired or fatigued, as it can increase the risk of accidents.

Ensure the bathroom is well-lit to improve visibility and reduce the risk of tripping or stumbling during bathing. A heat lamp is a wonderful thing to add to the bathroom to help seniors avoid getting chilled after a shower. Especially for seniors that live in a place where the winters are very cold.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in North Knoxville TN please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (865) 539-5224

Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Knoxville, Old City, Fort Sanders, Old Sevier, Edgewood, North Knoxville, Forest Heights, Sequoyah Hills, Knox County, and surrounding areas.

• Author
• Recent Posts

seniorsolutionshomecarestaff

Staff at SEnior Soutions Home Care

At Senior Solutions, we have refined our care management skills and developed high care standards to ensure the best care for our clients and their families, along with a commitment to training and mentorship for our professional caregivers and office staff.

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!

Latest posts by seniorsolutionshomecarestaff (see all)

• Ways Senior Home Care Helps Seniors Live Better At Home - December 23, 2024
• Things That Can Make Your Mom Feel Safer At Home - December 9, 2024
• Foods That Can Help Your Senior Fight Osteoporosis - November 22, 2024