Slick floors, sharp counter corners, and a lack of physical supports make the bathroom a perilous place for seniors. Families and their elderly loved ones are urged to perform a bathroom safety evaluation during National Bath Safety Month and make modifications that reduce the risks of slips and falls.

National Bath Safety Month occurs every January. This month is set aside to encourage families to promote safety in the bathroom. Floors covered in condensation can lead to slips. An older adult can tumble off a toilet seat that is too high and exceedingly hot water can cause burns.

During National Bath Safety Month, inspect the bathroom and identify safety risks. Take extra precautions by modifying the area so that it is accessible to the elderly. A fall in the bathroom can be unforgiving, considering its hard surfaces and sharp countertop corners.

Here are nine helpful questions to ask when thinking of risks that may occur in the bathroom:

1.Are the floors slick?

Hot showers can turn the bathroom floor into a slick mess. The floor of the bathtub itself can be slippery. Caregivers increase seniors’ safety by laying non-skid rugs on the floor. In the bathtub, add non-skid mats or non-slip strips to reduce their risk of slipping.

2.Do seniors have difficulty moving around?

Despite its small size, the bathroom can be challenging for seniors to navigate when they lack support. Provide the elderly with something to hold onto as they move around. Grab bars near the toilet and in the shower give them the support they need to stabilize themselves.

Discourage seniors from using the towel bars for support, as they hold minimal weight. Rather, install grab bars that support at least 250 pounds. Avoid versions that use suction cups to attach to the wall, since they can quickly come loose. Opt for wall-mounted grab bars instead.

3.Is the toilet seat too low?

Older adults can become injured when they try to rise from a toilet seat that sits too low. Caregivers have a few options, including swapping the low toilet for a taller type. A taller seat helps the senior remain steady as they stand up or sit down.  It is also a good idea to install grab bars on a wall close to the toilet, or if that is not possible to exchange the toilet seat for one that has handrails on the side.

Alternately, replace the toilet seat with a raised one. A toilet riser is available in various heights from 2 to 4 inches. Placing a toilet frame (aka commode) over the top of the toilet is a third option; the frame increases the seat height up to 23 inches.

4.Is the water too hot?

Excessively hot water is responsible for about 5,000 injuries per year. Scalding can also occur when a senior touches an extremely hot water faucet. Avoid injury by setting the water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature of bath water is 97 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

Water that is too hot is also dangerous for seniors with heart conditions. It can cause an excessive flow of blood to their skin, which strains their cardiovascular system. It is important for caregivers to test that the water is temperate before the elderly individual steps into the bath.

5.Are styling devices near the water?

Seniors should never use electric razors and hair dryers near the sink, tub, or shower, as they can cause an electric shock. Dry the senior’s hands before operating gadgets and unplug them after use. Install a GFCI outlet (a circuit breaker that cuts off electricity flow upon contact with water).

6.Is the bathroom lighting bright?

Good lighting in the bathroom is critical to preventing a fall. Examine the current lighting fixtures and install the highest-wattage bulb. Plug in nightlights in the bathroom and in the hallway leading up to it. Replace the light switch panel with an illuminated one for added convenience and safety.

7.Is the bathroom cluttered?

Clutter is a big cause of falls in the elderly. Remove shampoo bottles and soap from the edge of the tub, which can cause a fall as the senior enters or exits. Instead, keep the area clutter-free by placing bathroom products on shelves or in a shower caddy.

Accessibility is key to safety, too. Older adults who bend down to reach for soap and shampoo could easily slip. Consider purchasing a soap dispenser that can be mounted on the wall to eliminate the slip-hazard. The shower caddy mentioned earlier also keeps products within easy reach.

8.Does the senior fatigue easily?

Bathing can be exhausting for older people, making a shower bench or chair a practical investment. A bath chair provides them with the stability they need to bathe safely. Some versions also help seniors transfer into the tub with greater ease. Many different options accommodate specific needs.

9.Is emergency help nearby?

Every senior’s bathroom should be equipped with a way to call for emergency assistance. A help button or a wearable device, such as a medical alert necklace, can be a lifeline if seniors fall. It also provides them with greater peace of mind as they navigate the bathroom space.

The best safety measure is to enlist a caregiver from Assisting Hands Home Care to support the older adult in the bathroom. Professional caregivers are ideal when the senior prefers a non-family member to help with intimate hygiene tasks. We provide help with bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, and more.

Our award-wining home care agency offers additional non-medical senior care services that keep seniors safe and comfortable. We shop for fresh groceries, prepare healthy meals, give timely medication reminders, perform light housekeeping, and provide transportation to doctor appointments.

Take the time during National Bath Safety Month to improve your aging loved one’s safety. Also consider Assisting Hands Home Care for added peace of mind. We serve seniors in BallenIsles, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, Wellington, West Palm Beach, FL and the surrounding areas. Call us at (561) 566-5989 to schedule a free in-home consult today and learn more about quality in-home care.