Bathroom Safety for Seniors
As people get older and their bodies give out, they are more prone to accidents and physical harm. One common place where accidents happen is the frequently used bathroom. Taking the time to "accident proof" the bathroom of a senior citizen can prevent injury, pain and discomfort.
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The Shower
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Due to its inherent wet and soapy nature, the shower can be a dangerous place prone to slips, trips and falls. To protect seniors from falling in the shower, a few simple features can be added. Adding guardrails to the shower walls will provide a safe object to grab onto if someone loses his balance. To provide better footing you can also add a nonslip bathmat to the floor of the tub or shower. Another good idea is to remove the glass on the shower doors and replace them with unbreakable plastic.
Hot Water
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Hot water in the bathroom can be regulated to prevent scalding. You can set the hot water thermostat below 120 degrees F so the water in the shower and sink facet do not exceed uncomfortable levels. Another good idea is to make sure the hot- and cold-water faucets are clearly labeled. Painting parts of them red or blue will give the user a clear idea as to which is which.
Medicine Cabinet
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Since many people keep their medicines in the bathroom medicine cabinet, special care and attention should be made to ensure that there are no mix-ups. If there is not already a light in the medicine cabinet, you should think about adding one. This will give a senior better clarity when she grabs her prescription from the shelf, preventing what could be a disastrous mix-up.
Lighting
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With age comes poor eyesight. Replacing the existing bulbs in the bathroom with higher-wattage bulbs will enhance the lighting throughout. For nighttime safety, add a nightlight near the bathroom entrance and one at the opposite side, as well.
The Toilet
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The toilet is another area where many accidents occur. Adding guardrails near the toilet will give the user something to grab onto for better balance. Remove the bathroom mat to prevent trips and falls leading up to the toilet. Since bathroom mats can easily get moved around or creased, they present the user with an unneeded obstacle.
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- Photo Credit disables bathroom image by Wolszczak from Fotolia.com
Comments
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Tidbits .
Oct 14, 2008
They work for my son because he loves food. All I have to do is threaten not to cook anymore and viola...the bathroom is clean!
