Keeping Seniors Safe in the Bathroom: Tips from Comfort Keepers Inver Grove Heights
Bathrooms can be dangerous for seniors, especially those with limited mobility or balance issues. In fact, it's estimated that 80% of falls in older adults happen in the bathroom. As an in-home care agency, Comfort Keepers Inver Grove Heights understands the importance of keeping seniors safe in their own homes, including the bathroom.
Here are some statistics about bathroom safety:
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults aged 65 and older, and the bathroom is one of the most common places for falls to occur.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 200,000 Americans are treated in emergency departments every year for injuries sustained in the bathroom, and over one-third of those injuries occur while bathing or showering.
The risk of falling in the bathroom increases with age. In fact, adults over the age of 85 are four times more likely to be hospitalized for a fall-related injury than those aged 65-74.
Slippery surfaces in the bathroom, such as wet floors and bathtub/shower surfaces, are a major hazard for seniors. One study found that over 80% of falls in the bathroom are caused by slipping on a wet surface.
Installing safety features in the bathroom, such as grab bars and non-slip mats, can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries. In fact, a study by the National Institute on Aging found that installing grab bars in the shower reduced the rate of falls by 37.5%.
Many seniors avoid using the bathroom at night due to fear of falling, which can lead to dehydration and other health problems. Installing motion-activated lighting and nightlights can help seniors navigate the bathroom safely in the dark.
At Comfort Keepers of Inver Grove Heights, we are here to help. Here are some tips from our caregivers to help seniors stay safe in the bathroom:
Install Grab Bars
Installing grab bars in the bathroom is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent falls. Grab bars provide seniors with a stable surface to hold onto when entering or exiting the shower or tub, or when getting on or off the toilet. At Comfort Keepers Inver Grove Heights, we recommend installing grab bars that are securely fixed to the studs of the wall for adequate support. We also recommend choosing bars that are color contrasted from the wall for visibility.
Use a Shower Chair
For seniors who have difficulty standing for long periods of time or who are at risk of falling in the shower, using a shower chair can provide much-needed stability and safety. A good shower chair should have rubber tips on the legs to prevent sliding. It's also helpful to install a hand-held showerhead so that seniors can shower while seated.
Use a Bath Transfer Bench
A bath transfer bench is another helpful tool for seniors with difficulty stepping in and out of the tub. Users can sit on the bench outside of the tub and then slide into the tub, eliminating the need to step over a bathtub wall. This can be particularly helpful for seniors with mobility issues or who are recovering from surgery or injury.
Add Non-Slip Mats and Adhesive Strips
Slippery surfaces in the bathroom can be a major hazard for seniors. Adding non-slip mats to the floor of the shower or tub, as well as a non-slip rug on the bathroom floor, can help prevent slips and falls. Non-slip adhesive strips can also be placed on the top of sink edges to guard against hand slippage if these surfaces are used for balance support.
Use a Raised Toilet Seat
For seniors who have difficulty lowering themselves to sit on a low toilet seat and rising to a standing position, a raised toilet seat can be a game-changer. A raised toilet seat adds 3-4 inches of height, which reduces the need for squatting and makes it easier for seniors to use the toilet independently.
Install Grab Bars for the Toilet
Installing grab bars next to the toilet can provide additional support for seniors who need assistance getting on and off the toilet. There are also raised toilet seats with built-in grab bars available for added convenience and safety.
Comfort Keepers can Help
Comfort Keepers, in Inver Grove Heights, is an in-home senior care agency that offers a wide range of services to help seniors live comfortably and safely in their own homes. Our services include personal care such as bathing, grooming, and dressing, as well as medication management and transportation to appointments.
We also provide companionship services such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and social activities to help seniors stay connected within the community. At Comfort Keepers, we focus on providing personalized care tailored to the specific needs of each individual client we care for.,
Senior safety is top of mind, we understand the importance of keeping seniors safe in their homes, including the bathroom. By following these tips and making simple modifications to the bathroom, seniors can maintain their independence and stay safe while bathing, showering, and using the toilet.
If you or a loved one could use additional support or assistance with personal care tasks like bathing and toileting, contact Comfort Keepers Inver Grove Heights to learn more about our in-home care services.
