Bathroom safety is a big deal for aging adults, especially if they live alone or have multiple health issues. Focusing on keeping bathrooms as safe as possible for seniors might mean making a plan. In-home care providers can help families with this task while also helping seniors stay safe in other areas of the house, too.
Clear the Way to the Bathroom
If the path to the bathroom isn’t as clear as it could be, that can contribute to safety issues. Bulky furniture, tables in hallways, or knick-knacks that take up a lot of space may have to go. The ultimate goal is to make sure seniors can find the bathroom and access it easily. For seniors with cognitive changes, labeling the bathroom can also help.
Double-check the Lighting
Lighting is the next major hurdle in bathroom safety. If the path to the bathroom is a little darker, then a nightlight could be a good solution. In the bathroom itself, lights should be bright enough to see well but not so bright that they cause glare. Motion-sensing lighting could be helpful, especially at night.
Correct Any Flooring Issues
Some bathroom flooring is more slippery than it appears when it’s wet. Installing non-slip floor coverings or bath mats can help a lot. If the floor is particularly dangerous when wet, like some ceramic tiles can be, then looking into other options might be helpful. Purely decorative rugs might not be enough to stop a fall, and in some cases, could contribute to a fall or a near miss.
Check for Leaks
Leaks aren’t always obvious, especially when the faucets are shut off in between baths. Family caregivers might consider running the tub and sink faucets when they visit, just to check for leaks. Spotting issues like puddling that isn’t readily apparent normally can greatly improve bathroom safety for aging adults. Correcting those issues or determining what is causing them helps immensely.
Add Accessibility Features
There are tons of different types of accessibility devices for bathroom safety. Tools like raised toilet seats, extended hoses for shower heads, shower chairs, and more all help seniors to remain comfortable and safe in the bathroom. Using these devices properly allows seniors to improve accessibility in their existing bathrooms without having to remodel.
Enlist Extra Help
One of the best tools to help seniors be safer in the bathroom is to bring in some extra help. In-home care providers have experience assisting seniors in every room of the house, as well as the bathroom. With help from in-home care providers, seniors can feel safer while bathing, get to the bathroom safely, and not have to worry about getting stuck or injured.
It can take some time to get used to some of these safety options in the bathroom. But as seniors accept help from in-home care providers and learn different ways to help themselves stay safer, they’ll also regain confidence and maintain independence. Aging in place is easier when seniors consider all of the safety options at their disposal.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care Services in Palmetto, GA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (404) 266-8773
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Atlanta, Palmetto, Alpharetta, Chattahoochee Hills, Milton, College Park, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Hapeville, Johns Creek, and all of Fulton County.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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