Accidents happen all the time, but in-home accidents are one of the major causes of death for seniors. While a slip and fall accident can happen anywhere around the house, the bathroom is by far the most dangerous room for them. Considering slippery floors, showers that don’t have slip-resistant tiles, and don’t have a grab bar installed.
Whether you’re a professional homecare provider or you’re looking for ways to improve your bathroom for safety, read on to learn some critical tips and ideas.
- Eliminate Unnecessary Furniture
Bathrooms can be a tight space, so having a clear path will help these accidents reduce on a higher level. Get rid of any unnecessary furniture that could be blocking walking pathways. If possible, use wall shelves and floating shelves instead to keep the floor space free of obstacles.
- Non-Slip, Non-Optional
Mats are a must-piece to have in a bathroom, but having slip-proof mats are a lifesaver for these accidents that do occur as any subtle shift in their weight can let them slip if they have a normal mat on the floor. Also, having an ultra-absorbent mat is vital as slippery floors are one of the leading causes of falls in older adults.
- Use Drawer Organizers
Organized drawers that are easy to access are essential to give seniors a sense of independence. Use drawer organizers to keep toiletries and other bathroom essentials at reach and organized by categories.
- Upgrade Lighting
Lighting can be a pivotal point to improve the bathroom as dim light or dark spaces can be risky for accidents. Install LED lighting in the bathroom to provide a clear view. Ideally, you want to install motion-sensor lights to make it easier for seniors to go to the bathroom at night.
- Install and Upgrade Safety Devices
Assistive devices can be extremely helpful in preventing a bathroom accident. A shower bar handle, bathtub pools, even a grab bar by the toilet can provide additional support. You might even consider having a shower chair to help make the shower experience more safe and independent. The integrity of these devices should be checked at least bi-monthly, to optimize durability and quality.
These bathroom safety tips can help you design a space that’s secure for the ideal homecare setting. Of course, you still want to add doctor-recommended safety guards, such as chairs, raisers, and other needed handles to prevent a slip and fall incident. Once these safety measures are in place, it’s paramount to look at other home areas, such as the bedroom, kitchen, and living room, for a complete safeguard location.
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Geraldine Orentas is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with Burger Physical Therapy Sacramento.