The bathroom can be a dangerous place for people of any age, but for seniors, it can be particularly sinister. According to the the National Institute on Aging, a full 80% of falls occur in the bathroom. These falls, even if they are non-fatal, can be costly and traumatic for the people that experience them. If you or a loved one are over the age of 65, there are precautions that you need to take in your bathroom to maximize safety.
Make Showers Safer for Seniors
Getting into and out of the bathtub can be one of the most dangerous parts of bathroom activity for seniors. Between the slippery surface of the bathtub itself and the lack of balance support, a lot of falls can happen during the short trip into or out of the shower. To help minimize this risk, grab bars can be installed beside the shower to help stabilize anyone getting in or out of the shower. While they’re in the shower, adding a handheld showerhead can grant seniors more flexibility. Not only that, but if they need to sit while they shower on a shower chair, a handheld showerhead will give them the ability to clean themselves effectively.
Raised Toilet Seats Can Make a Big Difference
Using the toilet is an important part of everyone’s day. For seniors, lowering down onto the toilet seat can be a dangerous game. This is particularly true if they have problems with balance or muscle weakness. Installing a raised toilet seat onto your toilet can help to minimize the amount of space that a senior needs to travel to sit comfortably.
A Few Simple Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Arthritic hands may have trouble with a wide variety of tasks within the bathroom. An automatic soap dispenser can help your loved one clean their hands without needing to aggravate their joints. Though this may seem like a small detail, it can make a big difference to someone who needs to do this five times a day. Ensuring the comfort of your loved one is very important for their continued happiness and health. Little accessories can make big differences. We can help you find the right bathroom accessories for your loved one when you visit our Hanover, MD showroom.
Freedom Mobility is a Part of Your Care Team
If you need help making your bathroom safer, we have the products that you need. If you’re looking for more elaborate home modifications, we can point you in the right direction to find the help you need. We’d be proud to become an extension of your care team, so give us a call today at (443) 251-3053.