Creating a safe home environment for elders begins with the bathroom, which is where the majority of at-home accidents occur in the elderly. Falls and injuries are very prevalent in this section of the house, whether it’s a slip in the shower or stumbling on the way to the toilet at night. As a result, if you wish to increase bathroom safety at home, you must understand how to tackle bathroom danger problems. Here are some key modern bathroom safety tips to keep you or your loved ones safe at home:
- Set up grip bars.
Grip bars provide something to grab when going in and out of the shower, as well as a means to stop yourself if you are about to fall. Install toilet grab bars in Philadelphia and safety rails in the shower/tub and beside the toilet. Check that they are securely fastened enough to sustain an adult’s weight.
- Add non-slip surfaces.
While skidproof decals are a start in the right direction, they do not cover the full bathtub surface, so slips are still possible. Instead, look for a bathtub floor mat. Similarly, you might wish to put a rubber-backed mat on the restroom floor.
- Install nightlights.
Due to decreased vision caused by darkness and/or impaired eyesight; seniors are in danger of falling when walking to the restroom at night. Installing night lights in the corridors and bathroom can assist to prevent falls.
Nightlights offer light during those late-night journeys to the bathroom, making the difference between seeing your way directly to the toilet and tripping on anything along the route.
- Reduce the temperature of the water.
Set your whole-house water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below so that an older person is less likely to be damaged even if he or she cannot perceive the scorching temperatures.
- Make seats available.
Long durations of standing to brush teeth, wash up for bed, and so on can be exhausting for an aging body. Add seats to the bathroom so that you may sit while getting ready. Consider installing a shower chair with a strong back that allows you to sit while bathing.
- Elevate the toilet seat.
To avoid overexertion when going to the bathroom, install a raised toilet seat that makes sitting and getting up simpler. This can be a terrific, practical approach to increase toilet safety for anybody suffering from knee, hip, or joint discomfort.
- Keep stuff close at hand.
Keep products where you use them, whether it’s shampoo and conditioner in the shower or toothpaste and soap in the sink. This reduces the need for needless reaching, searching, and standing, as well as the risk of injury.
- Provide oversight.
In certain circumstances, the care of a loved one is the greatest and most vital approach to safeguarding a senior in the restroom. Having a caregiver to assist in providing safety and comfort is a terrific method to guarantee correct hygiene and bathing procedures are followed at all times. Having someone nearby, whether a relative, friend, or home health assistant, decreases danger.
It’s natural to become increasingly concerned about home safety as you or a loved one grows older. You want to know that ordinary chores like going to the restroom will not damage you. Because, while remaining at home might be a lovely comfort. But, at the same time, you must also keep safe. So, if you are looking for a barrier-free bathroom in Philadelphia, follow the above 8 tips and get a safer environment with fewer accidents! Get in touch with us for more!
