Safety First: Getting a Grip on Bathroom Safety for Seniors

Last Updated on March 18, 2019

Did you know an elderly person dies every 19 minutes from a fall? That’s three per hour. What’s worse is how the number of injuries that happen in the bathroom increase as seniors age. And considering most people use the bathroom about seven times a day, the chances of a fall are even greater. If you have an aging parent or loved one, then you may already be facing this reality.

The good news is there are proactive measures to help seniors feel more at ease in the bathroom while maintaining their dignity and independence. Here are some important bathroom safety tips that may help prevent injuries and bring peace of mind:

GRAB BARS

Installing grab bars in, around and outside the tub or shower is a must for ensuring stability. Just be sure the placements of the bars are in easy-to-reach areas and installed at the proper height to gain hold.

Raised Toilet Seat with Arms

This is by far one of the easiest and most used bathroom safety features to keep aging seniors safe and comfortable in their own bathrooms. Raised toilet seats with arms not only reduce the distance to sit and stand but give stability and peace of mind. Plus, they are easy to install and remove without using any tools.

Wall Mounted Grab Bars

Wall mounted grab bars by the toilet provide secure support when sitting and standing. Just be sure they are properly positioned and installed to ensure safety.

Shower Seat

Shower seats may be one of the best investments you make. Showering may not seem like a strenuous activity, but for an aging adult it can feel as if they ran a marathon and they can become dizzy and unsteady. Whether the choice is to have one installed, as shown here, or to purchase a free standing shower chair, seniors will be able to shower with confidence.

Other important bathroom safety tips

You can never be too careful. After all, one fall can land an aging loved one in the hospital—or worse. Here are some other bathroom safety tips to keep in mind:

• Place non-skid mats or decals on the shower or tub floor to help prevent slipping
• Keep toiletries in easy reach
• Place nightlights in the bathroom and wherever you can to light the way for your loved one’s walk from the bedroom to the bathroom
• Use anti-slip mats instead of throw rugs around the shower or tub.
• Be sure faucets are clearly marked “hot” and “cold” and are easy to turn, as scorching hot water can take seniors by surprise and put them at risk of losing their balance.

You can’t put a price on safety. Are you or a loved one considering a bathroom renovation? Contact Granite and Trend Transformations for a free in-home consultation today. And remember, safety first!