The bathroom is widely regarded as a place where you can spend some time alone and enjoy a relaxing shower to wash the daily stresses away. However, if you share your home with a senior or a disabled person, then it can be one of the most dangerous rooms for them.
Did you know that over 400 people die in bathtubs every year? Also, thousands of seniors slip and fall in bathrooms which lead to painful and serious injuries. As a result, it is essential that you make a few alterations to their bathrooms so that vulnerable family members are well protected and taken care of. By making a few slight changes, you can make their bathroom time more enjoyable, knowing that they will not slip, fall or have an embarrassing accident which will also give them the piece of mind they deserve.
One of the easiest things that you can quickly install is a safety grab bar which will provide support. The best place to install these grab bars are next to the toilet and inside the shower. The reason being is that as a senior or disabled person tries to get off the toilet, he or she may not have the strength to do so. A support bar will help provide the support needed. Also, in the shower, it is quite easy to slip on the tiles due to the presence of soap and water. The bar would be extremely useful in the shower to grab onto to avoid slipping or falling.
Another fantastic piece of equipment that you can use in the shower is a bath or shower chair. There are numerous types of portable and foldable shower chairs that you can choose from to fit any type of shower. By adding one of these chairs to the shower, it will greatly help anyone to sit and better enjoy the water.
If you have a senior or disabled person who is particular about retaining their independence and bathing on their own, this is a safer way to shower. It is essential that we accommodate for this desire as every human being, no matter what their age or disability may be, deserves to have their privacy and dignity for as long as possible.
Raised toilet seats with safety frames are another way that you can improve the safety and comfort of the bathroom. As mentioned previously, a grab bar should be placed above the toilet. However, if someone you love suffers from limited mobility, you should also install a raised toilet seat. This will raise the seating position by about 3 to 6 inches, which can making using the toilet a lot easier. There is even an option on some of these to install with removable arms on the sides of the seat for even more comfort and ease of use.
You can install a variety of shower aids to make the showering process easier and safer. Some of these aids include a handheld shower spray, portable bath step, hair wash and rinse tray. The bath mats can prevent slips and falls as this is the most common injury that occurs in the shower.
These are just a few ways that you can alter a bathroom in order to make it safer and easier to use for any senior or disabled family member. Remember, it is our responsibility to love and care for those who are vulnerable and by doing so, will make their lives safer, happier and more fulfilling.
Jeff Wise is a health care professional who specializes in senior care. If you are looking for premium in-home care for your loved one, visit Miami Home Care Services today.