There lurks, in your loved one’s home, a particularly dangerous, though extremely useful, location—the bathroom. It is the number one room in the home where seniors experience falls. According to NewsUSA, “More than one in three seniors over age 65 fall each year, and the National Institute on Aging says 80 percent of these falls are in the bathroom.”

What Makes the Bathroom so Dangerous?

The bathroom has received its notorious reputation for several good reasons. Senior’s that experience balance or changing blood pressure levels upon standing or sitting are particularly susceptible to its dangers. They increase their chances of falling every time they sit down or stand up from the toilet, get into or out of the shower, lie down or arise from the bathtub. In addition, standing water from the sink or shower can make floors slippery and the simple task of walking around the room difficult to perform.

Making the Bathroom Safe

While you cannot ensure 100 percent safety, you can significantly increase your loved one’s chances of staying fall-free by following these safety tips.

• Install grab bars in strategic locations by the toilet and in the shower as well as right outside of the shower. Toilet safety frames can be used for extra support when standing or sitting.
• Place non-skid mats in front of the sink, toilet and shower.
• Remove any throw rugs or non-stick mats that can produce slipping hazards.
• Make sure that there are no tripping hazards. Your parent may require a modified shower that they can walk in to without needing to raise their feet.
• Ensure their bathroom is well lit and place night lights in the room as well as the hallway.
• Install a raised toilet seat.
• Look into toilet tissue aids and moist wipes for easy cleanup.

Elder Care Provider

While aids and other precautions can help ensure safety, there is really nothing like a set of eyes and caring hands to help your parent remain safe. An elder care provider can assist with the everyday activities of living. They can provide transportation and run errands. They can accompany your parent on social outings and on daily walks or to their exercise class, ensuring that your loved one remain engaged and active as they navigate through the challenges and changing mental and physical attributes of aging.

If you or an aging family member are considering elder care in Buckhead, GA, please contact the caring staff at Caring Companions of Atlanta 470-514-5954 .

We provide quality non-medical services to our clients in their homes or in a facility if that’s where they live. Our staff is available for care plans for extensive care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or as little as 4 hours per visit. Reach out to us, and one of our outstanding administrative staff will meet with potential clients to assist them and their families in designing an effective, personal plan of care.

Resources

http://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/preventing-senior-falls-starts-in-the-bathroom.aspx