Bath Safety for Seniors
Bath safety should be an important priority. In this blog, we want to recognize awareness and advocate for safety measures to prevent injuries that happen in the bathroom. Although data from the Centers for Disease Control show that the 15 to 24-year-old age group is the most likely to fall down in the bathroom, people over the age of 65 are more likely to sustain serious or life-threatening injuries as the result of a fall. At Mitchell Hollingsworth, we work hard to provide a safe environment for our residents, and that includes the time they spend in the bathroom. If you are a senior or have a senior loved one, we would like to share with you some safety measures you can take to make bathrooms safer.
Install Grab Bars in the Shower and around the Toilet
Bathrooms are full of hard surfaces, and those surfaces are often wet and slippery. This presents a falling hazard for seniors. Because seniors generally have lower bone density than younger people, falling down in the bathroom can result in broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. An injury like a hip fracture or head trauma can potentially even result in death for a senior, especially if they live alone. Because most bathroom injuries occur around the shower and toilet, we recommend installing grab bars in these locations to reduce the risk of an incident.
Use Non-Slip Mats on Floors and in the Shower
Anywhere you find water or steam, you can find an increased risk of a slip and fall injury. Placing non-slip mats on bathroom floors will provide more traction. Non-slip mats or appliques can also be installed in the shower to make it less slippery.
Install a Shower Chair
Standing up for a shower can be difficult for seniors who have balance issues. Some medications can also lower blood pressures, which, when combined with hot water, can lead to fainting. Installing a shower chair will provide support during showers and prevent a senior from falling if they lose consciousness while showering.
Use a Night Light in the Bathroom
Late-night trips to the bathroom can be risky for seniors. By using a night light in the bathroom, you can ensure that any potential hazards will be visible and prevent serious injuries.
Consider a Long-Term Care Facility
There are many steps that can be taken to make your bathroom safer, but there’s no substitute for professional supervision. At Mitchell Hollingsworth, we offer 24/7 medical monitoring and provide professional caretakers to help with bathing and other activities of daily living. If you or a loved one is interested in making the transition to a long-term care facility, Mitchell Hollingsworth can help! Give us a call to find out more information or schedule a tour today! 256-740-5400
