Every year, around 235000 people end up in the emergency room due to injuries caused by an accident mostly in the bathrooms. Over 81 percent of the injuries are caused by falls and older adults are more to suffer a serious injury than younger people. It is important that we do something to help a senior person in avoiding a mishap in the bathroom. If your senior family members are suffering from mobility issues or memory problems, it is advisable to go for an assisted living facility which will give your loved ones the best experience of their lives. If you are a resident of the Phoenix region in Arizona, you can book a suite at the acclaimed Anthem Senior Living where experienced caregivers take round the clock, high-quality care of the residents. Anthem Senior Living is an award-winning assisted living Anthem facility in the region.
Here’s a lowdown on valuable tips that you might find useful in evaluating and modifying a senior person’s bathroom:
Tub and Shower Safety- For older adults, stepping in to and out of the shower can be extremely dangerous. In order to keep your loved one safe, install a step-free shower stall or hire a contractor to modify an existing bathtub. Place non-skid mats on the shower or tub floor. You can also buy a shower chair which will help your parents or grandparents in taking shower from a seated position.
Use a Night Light- The risk of falling increases with poor lighting and light switches that are difficult to reach. In addition to that, vision issues which are common with ageing like cataracts and glaucoma make rooms appear even darker. Make an assessment of your loved one’s bathroom for good lighting and upgrade it if necessary. If possible install motion-activated lights in the bathroom and along the path from the bedroom to the bathroom.
Install a Raised Toilet Seat- It is mainly around the toilet where most of the accidents and falls in the bathroom occur which can be attributed to the balance issues faced by seniors or lack of strength which makes it very much difficult to get up and down from the toilet seat. Install a raised toilet seat which will hugely reduce the risk of fall. Make sure that the seats have handles on both sides in order for the senior person to get something sturdy to hold on to.
Emergency Call Pendant (Waterproof) - Purchasing a waterproof emergency call pendant for your loved one to wear is the best purchase that you can make. The pendant will make it easier to call for help during an accident.
Install Sturdy Grab Bars Instead of Towel Bars- If your senior loved one is suffering from mobility or balancing issues, they need something for stability while walking around the bathroom which most probably is towel bars in your bathroom. These bars can become less sturdy over a period of time which may cause a senior person to fall. It is better to remove towel bars in the bathroom and replace them with sturdy grab bars. Properly installed grab bars are designed to support the weight of any adult.
Flooring should be Skid-proof- In the bathroom, both tile floors and throw rugs can be hazardous because wet feet on slippery floors can lead to injuries and one can easily trip on throw rugs. Consult a flooring expert for advice on skid-proof flooring like bamboo or cork. It may be expensive but it will keep your loved one safe.
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