What is the most dangerous place in a home for aging adults? The simple answer is the bathroom. It is slippery and wet, and most slips and falls among adults, aged 65 years and above, tend to be in or around the bathroom area. This is where our loved ones can be very vulnerable. To prevent any mishaps from happening, there are bath safety guidelines that can ensure your loved ones are safe when using the bathroom. These safety guidelines are very important to follow especially for our loved ones.
How Important are Bath Safety Guidelines?
Statistics have shown that adults who are 65 years and older, tend to slip and fall at least once a year, and 80% of these falls happen in the bathroom. Bathrooms genrally have hard flooring, with countertops and solid fixtures such as a sink and bathtub. An injury that occurs in the bathroom can result in trauma to the neck or head. That is why bath safety guidelines are important. It prevents any accidents that your family members might suffer from and there are several things that you need to take note of.
Things to Take Note Regarding Bath Safety
There are a few things that you and your loved ones need to take note of regarding bath safety. These guidelines could be the difference between safety and potentially risky injuries.
- Be sure to clear any debris, clutter, or objects that might be a hindrance for your loved ones.
- Add automatic lights that turn on by themselves, so that your loved ones would not have to fiddle around for a light switch.
- Remove any unnecessary floor mats. It could be dangerous as your aging loved ones might slip or trip on them.
Adding Safety Measures and Aids in the Bathroom
As you reduce the clutter in your bathroom, you should also think of ways to make it a safer place for your loved ones. Adding items that can help them will provide them with a safer bath experience.
- A shower caddy might be useful for your loved ones to use. They can place all of their showering needs such as shampoo and body wash in one place and hang it out of the way.
- When taking a shower, a hand-held showerhead is helpful in terms of its functions. They come with a variety of settings, which is great for those who like their water pressure customizable. Add to that a shower seat and you have a great combination.
- Installing a grab rail or bar is one of the first things that should come to mind for bath safety. Having something to grab and hold on to helps your loved ones in using the bathroom safely, potentially preventing any unfortunate accidents.
Why Choose Discovery Commons At Wildewood
Bathroom safety is crucial to have in your home. Having a set of guidelines can prevent any mishaps from happening to your loved ones. If your loved ones live on their own, they might be prone to slips and falls, with no one to assist them. If you are considering letting your loved ones stay at community home then at Discovery Commons At Wildewood, you can be sure that your loved ones are always taken care of. We have many living programs on offer, with state-of-the-art amenities and daily activities. With team members always on hand to assist we are sure that your loved ones will feel right at home here with us. Schedule a tour with us now.