Shower Safety Tips for Seniors

Any of us who are caregivers realize that bathroom safety is an important issue to consider. When we were younger, we never had to consider it, because if we fell, we would be able to bounce right back up feeling a just a little embarrassed. Our elders don't have the same options.

Many family members of aging parents and relatives fail to understand the type of reality that seniors are faced with on a daily basis. Due to the lack of strength that they have, simple tasks like bathing and showering become extrememely dangerous. Understanding that lack of balance may be an effect of their aging, the chances of falling and injuring themselves increases. With that in mind, it is imperative that bathroom safety become a primary concern.

Senior Fall Prevention

The CDC has reported that for seniors who are 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths. So, even though, falling may not be something that should be taken that seriously, these facts show otherwise.

Based on the reports from the CDC men are at much greater risk of dying as the results of falls than women are. They are 49% more likely. This may be due to gender roles in the household.Due to the traditions that many of our older family members may have, Men may be expected to perform more of the dangerous tasks around the home. This could be using ladders to change bulbs or retrieving items that are out of reach. Serious injuries can be caused by simply falling from a standing position. Some of those injuries might include broken bones or brain injuries from hitting ones head. But, it's important to know that the risks of death increase dramatically if an elder falls from an elevated position.

On of the first and most important steps in preventing fall is education. But, with that being said, sometimes education isn't enough. For seniors with low vision issues, it may be hard to spot standing water in places like the kitchen for bathroom. Another important factor to consider is that seniors may have problems getting in and out of the shower or tub. Therefore, it's important to make bathing safer. There are a variety of options on how you can do this, some require structural changes to the bathroom area.

Is Bathroom Remodeling Necessary?

We all know that remodeling a bathroom is no easy task, especially when you consider cost, but consider the cost if nothing is done at all. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued another report that showed the average cost of healthcare related to a fall was in the range of $19,000. This estimate considered cost factors of hospital visits, home care , ER visits and nursing homes. But, any additional doctors services costs were not considered.

But before you run off to call the contractor, there are thing you can do yourself to make things safer. First, you may want to remove slippery surfaces. You can add rugs in those areas, but make sure the rugs are taped down, as not to cause another hazard. Handles are a great addition, but they also need to be non-slip. Placing handles around the bathtub and toilet can help an older adult stand up more easily, which can provide more privacy and independence. It also helps to have a non-slip chair in the shower for adults who have problems standing for prolonged periods of time.

If your aging loved one notices that they are having problems with trying to stand from a seated postion, then it may be a good idea to recommend some type of physical regimen. Regular exercise can be anything from taking a tai chi class, physical therapy or getting a gym membership. But, it is definitely important to incorporate.

It is important not to deny the shocking reality that falling is a serious risk to our older relatives. However, there are ways to help prevent the risk of injury or death by implementing a few changes. Try improving lighting in the home and hallways, removing trip hazards like cords and rugs, consider installing safety railing as well.

At Connecticut Live-Ins we understand that everyone's in-home care needs are unique; which is why we offer a wide variety of Home Health Care services in CT and senior care specialists to assist you. Our Client Coordinator will meet with you to discuss your senior home care requirements and goals, so we can custom tailor a program that best addresses your personal situation and matches you or your family with the proper in-home caregiver.