FAQs About Bathroom Safety and Seniors
Hundreds of thousands of elderly adults are injured in slip and fall accidents that happen in their bathrooms. The combination of slippery surfaces and wetness are just a few of the reasons why bathrooms are often considered the most dangerous rooms in the house for the elderly. Family caregivers should take the time to learn more about the hidden hazards in the bathroom and what they can do to reduce the risk of a slip and fall accident for their aging relative.
Elderly Care in Deerfield IL: Bathroom Safety for Seniors
Here are some frequently asked questions about bathroom safety and seniors:
Q: Why are bathrooms so dangerous for the elderly?
A: Many elderly Americans have a slip and fall accident that can lead to concussions, scrapes, bruises, and broken bones. They are also required to do a lot of moving around in the bathroom, whether they are showering, bathing, or using the toilet. They are also often alone and without help, making it hard for them to do everything on their own.
Q: What can be done about slippery floors?
A: The dangerous combination of water on tile or vinyl can lead to serious slip and fall accidents. The good news is that there are many things family caregivers can do to eliminate slippery floors. A popular and affordable solution is installing soft flex tiles, which are rubber squares that interlock. They provide good drainage and a soft but gripping surface to walk on. Avoid thick bath mats and other tripping hazards on bathroom floors.
Q: How can family caregivers make showers safer?
A: The best thing that family caregivers can do to make tubs and showers safer is to install safety handrails. These should be permanently affixed to the wall studs, so they are sturdy and strong. Family caregivers can install them near the tub and inside the shower, where their aging loved one can easily grab them for support. Another safety feature is a shower chair, so the senior can sit down instead of balancing on a slippery floor.
Q: Are there any other bathroom devices that enhance safety?
A: There are numerous bathroom devices that enhance safety for elderly adults as they get around. Some of the more popular include wall-mounted shampoo and soap dispensers, hand-held shower heads, raised toilet seats, bath lifts, clamp-on tub rails, and more.
Q: How can elderly care providers improve bathroom safety?
A: A professional elderly care provider can increase bathroom safety tremendously. First, they can prepare the bathroom to be ready for whatever the elderly person needs, such as filling the tub or clearing away clutter. The elderly care provider can assist the senior in entering and exiting the tub or shower and help them get clean faster and more efficiently. It doesn’t take long for an elderly care provider to aid the senior in drying off and getting dressed. The extra support makes all the difference for bathroom safety.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Deerfield, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
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