Creating a Safe Space in the Bathroom

Falls are a serious threat to the older population. Although falls can happen at any time and at any place, the National Institute on Aging reports that six out of every 10 falls happen at home. The NIA also shares that 80% of these falls occur in the bathroom.

Most American bathrooms are constructed from hard materials, such as tiles, porcelain, and marble. These materials do not absorb water and are very slick when wet. Combine hard surfaces with the fact that many seniors use the bathroom during the night, when they’re less alert, and you have the perfect conditions to experience a fall. Bathroom falls lend themselves to a higher risk for suffering a fracture, especially for older women with osteoporosis.

January is National Bath Safety Month. It’s a great time to take a closer look at your bathroom in order to prevent a fall. By taking a few precautions, you can reduce your risk for a fall in your bathroom and make your bathroom a safe space to unwind and relax. Here are a few tips to help create a safe space in the bathroom.

Maintain Slip-Free Surfaces

Take a closer look at your shower stall or bathtub. Is it time to replace or install slip-resistant strips on the bottom? Over time, slip-resistant strips can lose their grip, leaving seniors vulnerable for a fall. Don’t wait for a fall to happen before you repair your shower or tub floor. Speaking of slip-free surfaces, remove loose throw rugs that you have on the floor. Replace these with skid-resistant bathmats and only place the bathmat on the floor when you are planning to bathe.

Install Grab Bars

Install grab bars inside and outside of the shower or bathtub. If your shower does not have a built-in seat, purchase a shower chair to keep in the stall so that you can sit should you feel dizzy while bathing. Consider installing grab bars on both sides of the toilet or purchase an over-the-toilet commode with handles. Ensure that the grab bars are at an appropriate height for your reach. You may need to install grab bars at differing heights, depending on the height of your spouse.

Minimize the Clutter

As you’re examining your bathroom, see where you can improve cluttered areas. Do you have a pile of laundry that could be kept in a hamper? Do you have an over-decorated bathroom and could make more space by eliminating some decor? Are there any hair or skin products that cause skin irritation and need to be eliminated? Can you quickly access your first aid kit? Do you have any expired medications in your medicine cabinet? Spend a few minutes reorganizing so that your bathroom is neat and tidy, eliminating potential fall hazards and other mishaps.

Ensure Adequate Lighting

Because many seniors get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, it’s critical that the bathroom, and the pathway to the bathroom, has adequate lighting. Install nightlights to illuminate the walkway from bedroom to bathroom. Use nightlights that automatically turn on when natural light dims. Replace any lightbulbs that have burnt out.

Check the Water Temperature

In addition to preventing falls, ensure that the water temperature is set to a safe degree in order to prevent skin burns. Aging skin is not only susceptible to wrinkles, age spot, and dryness, but the skin itself thins. Thinner skin means that seniors are more in danger of burning themselves with scalding water. Be sure that the water heater is set at or around 120 degrees to prevent a burn.

Another bath safety tip is to have adequate help available for your bathing, toileting, and dressing needs. If you feel insecure as you take care of your basic hygiene needs, Visiting Angels Punta Gorda is here to help. We provide non-medical care to seniors so that they can live independently at home. We can help with showers, baths, toileting, dressing, and more. We can also assist with basic household chores, such as laundry or housekeeping, so that you home remains a safe place for you to live. We offer flexible scheduling so that your routine isn’t interrupted. Contact us today by calling 941-347-8288 Punta Gorda or 239-226-1620 Cape Coral and learn more about our senior home care services.