Aging in Place and Bathroom Safety

When it comes to home safety for elderly seniors, bathrooms are one of the most important things you should address early.  The leading causes of death in seniors, after all, are falls and the complications that result from injuries sustained in them. 

Just think about your home and the possible places you could slip.  How many places do you have water on the floor?  How many places become steamed-up and difficult to see in?  These things can lead to a serious injury, or even death, of a family-member you love and cherish.

Creating a safe and accident-free environment in a senior’s bathroom is essential today when so many elderly people are aging in place.  If you take steps early you will reduce your chances of having to go to the ER.  After all, many seniors who fall, and are lucky enough to call for help, will most likely call family or authorities first, and injuries will often require professional help.

Preventing Falls

There are many things you can do to prevent falls before they occur.

• Insert a non-slip mat or coating directly onto the shower floor will reduce needless slipping.
• Putting a shower seat in may allow greater ease for seniors.
• Grab bars allow seniors to hold on to something when moving about, whether in the shower or on the toilet.
• Textured tiles will be better for bare feet.  Be wary of place-rugs that can slide out from under you.

Lighting

Seeing clearly in the bathroom can be difficult at any time of day, and especially at night.  There are several things you can do in this area to make a senior’s visit there easier.

• Put in natural, non-glare light fixtures.
• Move the light switch as close to the door as possible.
• Install a light on the shower ceiling or wall.
• Place an automatic night light somewhere convenient.  Don’t buy one you might forget to turn on.

The Shower and Bath

Of all of the places in the bathroom, this area sees the most injuries resulting from falls.  Many things can be done to ensure accidents don’t happen to a senior in your family.

• Walk-in showers and tubs will eliminate the need to step over a barrier.
• Shower racks can make shampoos, soaps, and other toiletries easier to reach.
• Adjustable shower heads can increase the ease of a senior’s mobility in the while bathing.
• Shower seats will make it so seniors don’t have to stand for long periods of time.
• Convenient towel-racks close to or even in the shower will make things easier.

Miscellaneous Ideas

There are many areas of the bathroom that are overlooked entirely when it comes to seniors and safety.  Don’t let one of these neglected areas hurt your senior.

• Counters, shelves, and any other surfaces should be clear of needless clutter.
• Fix your bathroom door so that it opens outward, not inward.
• Anti-scalding controls on all water fixtures, especially showers that can get hot, can reduce possible accidents.