Slips and falls can happen at any age, but older adults are especially prone to them. In addition, the bathroom can be particularly hazardous.
Vision impairments, trouble with balance, conditions affecting mobility such as arthritis, and cognitive issues such as dementia are more common with age. All of these factors can increase the risk for falls. These incidents can be problematic for older adults, whose bones may break more easily and who may be slower to heal from wounds.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce risks, such as installing shower chairs and grab bars and taking some simple steps to make safety a priority.
Bathroom Safety Issues
One of the most dangerous rooms in the home for people prone to falls is one you likely visit several times a day. Bathroom floors, tubs, and showers are more likely to be wet and thus slippery. Activities such as bathing, showering, and even using the toilet can be challenging for people with mobility issues.
That’s why safety measures are so important in the bathroom for older adults or anyone who has a health condition or disability that makes movement a little more challenging.
It’s the little, common-sense things that people tend to miss when it comes to safety, such as:
- Keep walkways clear of clutter, dry and well-lit.
- Use bath mats or rugs with non-slip backing.
- Use non-skid grip tape or a non-slip mat on the shower floor.
Some people also benefit from additional interventions, such as shower chairs and grab bars.
Shower Chairs
Shower chairs make it possible to bathe while sitting down. These chairs are specially designed to offer sturdy support even in a wet shower.
In addition, they have drainage holes so that water doesn’t collect on them during use. Mobility aids shower chairs can especially beneficial for people who have balance issues.
Depending on individual needs, you may use a shower chair on your own or with the help of a caregiver. A handheld showerhead can help make it easier to bathe your whole body from a seated position.
Grab Bars
Unfortunately, towel bars and shower curtain rods aren’t designed to support body weight and can come unattached from the wall if someone grabs them, making a fall worse. Instead, grab bars anchor into sturdy wall studs or attach with super-strong suction cups to support a person’s full weight, should they need them to lean on, pull up, or grab onto something.
Grab bars provide steady support while climbing in and out of the shower or while sitting down or rising from a shower chair or toilet. These sometimes are called toilet seat safety rails.
If you or someone you care for is in danger of falls in the bathroom, it may be time for a safety upgrade. Simply Medical is a great source for shower chairs, grab bars and more.