Falls can be extremely dangerous for seniors because their fragile bones can break easily. Therefore, it’s important for caregivers to do everything they can to prevent their senior loved ones from tripping or falling. The bathroom is one of the locations that’s most likely to cause falls because it tends to contain a lot of slippery, wet surfaces. Use these tips to lower your senior loved one’s chances of falling in the bathroom.
Add a Motion-Activated Light
Many bathroom falls happen at night when it’s too dark for seniors to see where they’re placing their feet. Putting a night light or a motion-activated light in the bathroom provides some extra lighting so your loved one can see where he or she is going.
Having a professional caregiver nearby can greatly reduce your loved one’s risk of being injured in the bathroom. Elderly home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Remove Tripping or Slipping Hazards
Since seniors can slip or trip so easily, anything on the bathroom floor could be hazardous. Remove stools, floor mats, and small trash cans that could cause your loved one to trip. If you must have a mat on the bathroom floor, make sure it has a sturdy rubber backing. Check the bathroom regularly and mop up puddles.
Put Anti-Slip Grips on the Floor
You can easily find anti-slip stickers in most stores, and they’re simple to install in bathrooms. These small grips provide traction to prevent feet from sliding along smooth surfaces. Make sure to put them on the floor of the shower or tub, and you may need to place some around the sink as well.
Install Grab Bars
Grab bars are great tools that help seniors sit and stand safely while they’re in the bathroom. These bars can help your loved one maintain his or her balance on the toilet or in the tub. Just make sure to install them on wall studs for extra security.
Provide Assistance
Some seniors feel awkward about having assistance while in the bathroom, but safety is so important that this might become necessary. You may need to have a talk with your loved one so you can begin helping him or her in the restroom. Having a caregiver help a senior sit on the toilet or enter and exit the bath can increase safety.
Safety is an especially urgent concern for aging adults with Alzheimer’s. If your senior loved one has Alzheimer’s and needs help managing daily tasks, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Portland Assisting Hands Home Care provides reliable caregivers around the clock to help your loved one age in place safely and comfortably while living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Consider Assistive Technology
There are many new devices that can make the bathroom a safer place for a senior. You can install a riser on the toilet to help your loved one sit down and stand up, and you can get a bath chair that helps him or her safely sit in the bath or shower. These types of bathroom features are normally quite affordable, and they can help seniors stay safe and comfortable in the restroom.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional Home Care Portland seniors can trust and rely on. Call Assisting Hands Home Care today at 503-664-7934 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
