Millions of older adults fall throughout the United States each year, and a large percentage of these happen in the bathroom. Due to the nature of the activities performed in the bathroom as well as the slippery conditions that can be caused by water, soap, and other products, falls are not only more common in this room, but can be more devastating. As a family caregiver, you can help your parent to stay safer and avoid the potentially devastating consequences that can occur as a result of a serious fall by making meaningful modifications to their bathroom that will make the space more secure and more easily navigated by your senior.
Some meaningful modifications that you can make to your parents bathroom to help reduce fall risk include:
- Consider replacing a slick tile floor with textured flooring. This helps provide more grip and becomes less slippery when wet
- Install grab bars throughout the bathroom to provide points of stability and balance as they are moving through the room. Make sure that they are rated to support your parents weight and they’re installed properly
- Remove the towel rod or any loosely attached shelving from the walls. This will prevent your parent from grabbing on to them and possibly experiencing an even more serious fall when the bar or shelf breaks away from the wall
- Add steps that lead into and out of the bathtub to make this transition easier
- Consider replacing if they have a traditional bathtub and shower with a walk-in version that allows your parent to simply open a door and walk into the bath rather than having to step up and over the side of a tub
- Add a textured layer the bottom of the tub to reduce the risk of slipping and falling while bathing
- Add grab bars to the sides of the toilet to provide leverage and balance while sitting and standing
- Consider replacing the conventional toilet with an a DEA compliant elevated version that reduces the distance your parent must sit and stand
- Ensure that the toilet paper is kept easily accessible so that your parent does not have to lean or bend to get it
If your parent has been struggling with a health challenge or limitation that has increased their care needs, your own schedule or ability to care for them has changed, or you simply feel that they would benefit from more diversified care, now may be the ideal time for you to consider home care for them. An in-home senior home care services provider can be a valuable source of support for both you and your parent, supplementing the care that you already give them, and helping them to pursue a lifestyle that is more independent and fulfilling as they age in place. These care services can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with activities of daily living, mobility support, meal preparation, help with sensitive care tasks such as bathing and toileting, companionship, medication reminders, and more.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME CARE IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.
