Bathroom Safety for Seniors

During the month of January we are reminded how important safety precautions are for seniors when it comes to the bathroom.

Private Home Health Care prioritizes safety and well-being and when the majority of falls occur in the bathroom we pay attention.

You can help yourself by following some best practices when using the bathroom.  Slipping is a huge factor.

You should place non-slip mats or rubber decals in the bottom of your bathtub or shower.

Your bathmat when you get out should also have a non-slip bottom.

When in the shower, use a built in or added seat for additional safety.  Hand held shower heads are helpful.

Be sure to add grab bars that hold in the shower space.  You should be sure to place these vertically or horizontally, not diagonally.

It’s best if your water heater is not set about 120 degrees so it doesn’t burn you.

Additionally, the toilet can also be hazardous so a couple of tips:

For everyone, you may find that it’s a better idea to sit rather than stand to urinate.

Get up slowly so that you don’t get dizzy.

Consider a toilet seat that is elevated to help you not have to sit too far down.

Aging is a slow process but at some point most of us need to watch how we use the bathroom even though it is something we have done all of our lives

Stay cautious and safe to avoid falls and broken bones.  Stay well.