Whether you have had a couple of falls as you get older and want to make sure you are safe in the bathroom or you are the caregiver for a loved one with limited mobility, here are a few suggestions for staying safe in the bathroom.
– Consider adding a non-slip mat for inside the tub or shower. There are a lot of nice choices at department stores
or even purchasing online.
– Evaluate what rugs you need (or not) outside the tub or shower. If you have a tile floor or any flooring that gets
slippery when wet, don’t count on a towel staying put. You need something secure but easy to see.
– Put a nightlight in the bathroom. A motion sensor light can minimize light disturbance in the middle of night
when you are anxious to go back to sleep.
As a caregiver, you may want to prepare for continuing mobility issues. Adding safety features like grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower can make a huge difference in how an older adult feels about their safety and wanting to take a shower or get in and out of a bathtub.
Making these few simple changes can reduce the risk of tripping in the dark or stepping out of the shower and slipping and falling on an unexpectedly wet floor. And having someone around when an elderly person is in the bath can be beneficial even if they don’t need help getting out of the bathtub – if a fall should happen, help is close at hand.
Another potential improvement may be access to the bathroom. Door locks are an additional concern when it comes to bathroom safety for older people. If someone needs help or a fall occurs, the individual may not be able to unlock the door from the inside. Locks on both sides of the doors can provide privacy while allowing a caretaker to enter the bathroom in case of an emergency.
Please let us know if you would like us to visit to see what areas throughout a home might become dangerous for you or your loved ones. We are happy to help! We also know of trusted vendors who can be of help with installation. Just call us at your convenience at 757-873-4000.