Did you know that every year around 235,000 people have to visit emergency rooms due to injuries in the bathroom? More than a third of injuries in the bathroom happen while showering and over 14 percent of these injuries occur on the toilet. These injuries occur the most among older individuals, peaking at those whose ages are above 85. When it comes to bathroom safety, everyone, especially your older loved ones, should keep in mind the dangers in the bathroom and the measures one should take to ensure their physical well-being. Thankfully, there are a few things we can do to help reduce their risk of injury in the bathroom. Here are some bathroom safety tips to ensure that your loved ones stay safe at all times!
Non-Slip Mats
Most fall-related injuries happen due to poor footing, and this is further exacerbated by the wet and slippery flooring in a bathroom. Preventing these slips and injuries can be done by installing non-slip mats in strategic locations such as on the floor of the shower or tub or at bathroom entrances. This would help to increase the friction between your loved one’s feet and the floor, improving their footing and reducing the risks of injury to their person.
Grab Bars
Installing grab bars can help provide your loved ones with the assistance they need in getting in and out of the shower or bathtub, or on or off the toilet bowl. Installing these bars would allow them to increase their stability and balance, and help lower the risks of fall-related injuries in the bathroom. Do take special care in the placements of these bars, as they should be fitted in easily accessible locations personalized to the height and reach of your loved ones. This would help ensure that they can easily maintain their balance and stability when reaching out for these bars, and hence improve their safety when using the bathroom.
Shower Chair
Many of your loved ones may struggle with standing for an extended period of time, resulting in their feet giving way under their weight. For the elderly suffering from physical impairments, or for those who struggle with staying on their feet for long periods of time, install a shower chair to ensure that they can take a break between showers. With more than a third of bathroom injuries occurring in the shower, take the extra care here to ensure their safety in the bathroom.
Water Temperature
Your loved ones may struggle to accurately ascertain the temperature of the water in their bath or shower, and hence this may result in a variety of injuries. Check the temperature before their showers or baths to ensure their physical safety.
Senior Living at Rittenhouse Village At Northside
Here at Rittenhouse Village At Northside, we offer Senior Assisted Living, providing your loved ones with the assistance they need with their daily living activities. With our wide array of daily activities, shower and bathing assistance, medical management, and many more services, do not hesitate to join our vibrant community and contact us now for any further questions!
