Bathrooms are known for their slippery surfaces. And because of those slippery surfaces, bathrooms have the unfortunate distinction of being the most dangerous room in the home. This is especially true for seniors and those with mobility issues. In blogs of past, we’ve revealed a number of statistics that show the alarming rates at which seniors slip and fall and then become hospitalized, as a result.
Minimize “escaped water”.
Okay, we all know that water requires mandatory inclusion in our bathroom activities. Whether it’s the sink, the toilet, the shower or the bathtub, running water is necessary in order to perform our daily personal hygiene routines. The problem with water, however, comes when it escapes. It belongs in the sink, the toilet, the shower and the bathtub – not on the floor.
As Paula Spencer Scott explains on Caring.com, “poorly fitting shower curtains and simple wet feet are two of the biggest causes of water winding up on the bathroom floor.” She stresses the importance of having shatterproof glass doors on showers instead of curtains in order to block water from escaping the showers. “Failing that, you can minimize leaks by hanging a curtain liner that falls inside the tub and a second, decorative curtain that falls outside,” she suggests.
Make the floors skid-proof.
Perhaps keeping a bathroom floor from every getting wet isn’t the most realistic of tasks. The truth is, even without water, bathroom tiles are pretty slippery. Some homeowners place rugs in their bathrooms to help them avoid having the slippery cold surfaces touch their feet. These rugs, however, only present more tripping hazards.
Non-slip mats are the ideal alternative. “While they may be pretty, throw rugs in the bathroom can be a hazard,” affirms Vivian Goldschmidt on SaveOurBones.com, “They can slip out from under you or slide along the floor when you step on them. Using towels on the floor as bathmats poses a similar danger. Instead, put down rubber, non-slip bathmats and make sure your bathroom floor is clear of clutter.”
Help seniors to stay steady.
Understandably, the majority of seniors battle with balance issues. With strength and balance decreasing as we age, the slippery surfaces that bathrooms are known for become even more of a health hazard. It stands to reason that a bathroom known for its slippery surfaces should have grab bars put in place in order to allow older users to steady themselves.
“Being able to grab onto something stable can make the difference between falling and staying upright,” says Goldschmidt, “Install rails in the bathtub and if necessary, even beside the toilet, the two areas where most falls occur.”
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we understand that safety and peace of mind are of the upmost importance to you and your family. To keep your elderly family members safe in the bathroom, we have a variety of accessibility devices that include grab bars, bath chairs, bath lifts and transfer benches just to name a few.
For more information about the bathroom accessibility devices offered by Advantage Home Health Solutions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
