Bathrooms are rooms that can quickly become a danger zone if your senior is not paying attention or if her needs aren’t being met. Take the time to go through the bathroom and see if you can spot anything that needs correcting.
The Water Temperature Is Set Too High
Many people aren’t aware that the temperature on a water heater is actually adjustable. If you lower the temperature just a little bit, you lessen the risk that your senior could accidentally burn herself on water that’s too hot right out of the tap. This might be a project that you want to leave to a handyman or to someone that you know is familiar with these types of tasks. You can also make sure to put tap covers onto the existing hot and cold knobs to make it really obvious for your senior which is which, because it can be easy to forget.
The Floors Are Incredibly Dangerous When Wet
The type of floor surface in your senior’s bathroom makes a big difference in how safe she is in that room. Some surfaces, like tile, get incredibly slippery with just a little bit of water. Other surfaces are designed to be used in a bathroom and either absorb water or have a coating that keeps the surface from being slippery. Pay close attention to any bathmats or rugs in the room, too. If they don’t have a backing, they’re too easy to slip on.
She Can’t Get into Her Tub or Shower Stall Easily
How easy is it for your elderly family member to get into her tub or her shower stall? If she has to lift her leg beyond her comfort level, she might experience pain or send herself off balance. It’s also possible that your senior isn’t able to quite clear the edge on her own, which can cause her to fall or to injure herself. Transfer benches can help quite a bit, as can installing a walk-in tub or shower. It might be time for your senior to have extra help bathing. Elder care providers can help you and your senior to learn what to do.
Towel Holders Aren’t Secure
Pay close attention also to towel holders. They should be secure on the wall so that they don’t fall when they’re holding towels. If they’re loose at all, that might be a sign that there’s more going on. Your senior could be reaching out and using the towel holders to catch herself if she feels she’s falling or when she needs to feel more secure. This could be a sign that it’s time to install handrails prominently throughout the bathroom.
Most of the safety issues your senior encounters in her bathroom are ones that are easy for you to correct. Doing so quickly gives you a head start on keeping her as safe as possible.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING ELDER CARE IN ZEBULON, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.