Key Points
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The bathroom poses risks of slipping and falling, especially for the elderly.
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Falls are a common cause of injuries in adults aged 65 and older, with approximately 25 percent of older adults falling each year.
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Understanding the risks lets seniors create a safe and comfortable bathing environment.
Have you ever fallen in your bathroom? If not, you probably know someone who has. An American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine article reports, "Falls are a common cause of injuries in older adults, those aged 65 and older. Each year, 1 in 4 older adults falls."
Not every fall requires a trip to the ER, but approximately 3 million older adults end up in a hospital ER, and 950,000 are hospitalized due to fall-related injuries each year. The more you know about the causes of these injuries, the more you can do to create a safe bathing environment.
Understanding the Risks
The most common hazard in the bathroom is a slippery surface — the tub, shower, and bathroom floor. Those with limited mobility have a higher risk of falling on slippery surfaces.
Conditions like arthritis, balance issues, and vision impairments exacerbate the risks associated with bathing. Understanding these risks is essential to prevent falls.
Preparing the Environment
Installing non-slip flooring and mats reduces the likelihood of falls, creating a secure foundation for seniors to bathe comfortably. Strategically placed grab bars and handrails offer vital support for seniors when entering, exiting, and moving around the shower area, enhancing stability and confidence.
Adequate lighting is essential for seniors with vision impairments. Lights must be easy to access, especially at night. Keep a plug-in night light on at all times, or install a motion sensor light in every bathroom. Proper ventilation maintains a comfortable and mold-free bathroom, contributing to seniors' well-being and safety.
Setting the water temperature to a safe and comfortable level prevents scalding or discomfort during bathing, promoting a relaxing and secure experience. A water temperature set at 110 to 112 degrees takes at least 25 minutes to burn the skin. Do you know what your water heater is set at? Check it after reading this article.
Choosing the Right Shower or Bath Option
Walk-in showers offer easy access without stepping over a high threshold, making them an excellent choice for seniors with mobility challenges. Adding shower benches and seats provides a stable and comfortable surface for seniors, reducing the risk of fatigue and falls during bathing.
Walk-in tubs offer a convenient bathing option for seniors with mobility issues, providing a secure entry and exit without compromising comfort. Transfer benches allow safe entry and exit for seniors using standard tubs. Shower chairs are versatile aids providing stability and support for seniors who prefer or need to sit while bathing.
Shower Safety Techniques for Seniors
Even though you have been showering your entire life, you must adjust to match your evolving needs as a senior. The following step-by-step instructions on safe entry and exit techniques help seniors navigate the shower area confidently and reduce the risk of slips or falls.
Step 1: Preparation
Before entering the shower, be sure the bathroom is well-lit and clutter-free. Remove rugs or mats that may cause tripping.
Step 2: Install Grab Bars
Install grab bars securely in the shower area. These bars provide seniors with something to hold onto for support. Place one near the entrance and another near the showerhead for balance. Install them at the proper height, firmly attaching them to the wall.
Step 3: Anti-Slip Mats
Place anti-slip mats inside and outside the shower stall to reduce the risk of slipping on wet surfaces. Ensure the mats have a non-slip backing.
Step 4: Adjust Water Temperature
Before entering the shower, set the water temperature to a comfortable level to avoid sudden shocks or burns.
Step 5: Entry Technique
1. Stand in front of the shower stall, facing the entrance.
2. Hold onto the grab bar at the entrance for support.
3. Take a moment to gain your balance and grip on the bar.
4. Slowly step into the shower.
Step 6: Showering
1. Use a non-slip mat if standing or a shower chair if sitting.
2. Be cautious when using soap or shower gel to avoid making the floor slippery. Consider using a soap dispenser with a non-slip grip.
3. Use a handheld showerhead to direct water where needed without moving too much.
Step 7: Exit Technique
1. Ensure the water is turned off before attempting to exit.
2. Hold onto the grab bar placed near the showerhead for support.
3. Step out of the shower stall slowly, placing one foot at a time onto the non-slip mat outside.
Step 8: Towel Off
Use a towel to dry yourself while standing on the non-slip mat. Make sure you're fully dry before leaving the bathroom to avoid wet feet causing slips elsewhere.
Step 9: Footwear
Wear non-slip shower shoes or sandals with a good grip, especially on a tile floor.
Step 10: Review and Practice
Seniors must review these steps and practice these techniques under supervision until they feel confident. Regular reminders and practice establish safe habits.
Following these instructions and taking common sense precautions allow seniors to confidently navigate the shower area, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Safety is always the top priority. Make necessary adjustments to the shower accessories to meet your individual needs.
Selecting Appropriate Bathing Aids and Accessories
Handheld showerheads offer flexibility and control during bathing, allowing seniors to direct water where needed. Long-handled sponges and brushes allow seniors to reach and clean areas that may be difficult to access, ensuring thorough hygiene without strain.
Properly positioned soap dispensers and holders create an organized and accessible bathing environment, promoting convenience and safety.
Reaching aids enable seniors to easily access toiletries and personal care items, promoting independence in their daily routine. Well-organized toiletry caddies and organizers ensure essentials are within reach, reducing the need for excessive stretching or bending.
Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular cleaning and disinfecting routines are essential to prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and slippery substances. Periodic checks of grab bars, handrails, and other safety devices ensure they remain sturdy and effective, promptly addressing potential hazards.
Timely attention to plumbing and drainage concerns prevents water buildup and potential hazards, maintaining a safe and functional shower area.
Additional Considerations
Installing communication systems, such as emergency buttons or intercoms, allows seniors to seek assistance promptly. This is especially true for seniors living alone.
Exploring accessible design principles helps caregivers and family members create a safe and convenient bathroom environment.
Encouraging Independence and Dignity
Encouraging seniors to safely bathe themselves gives them independence and self-confidence, contributing to their overall well-being. Respecting seniors' privacy during bathing reinforces their dignity and makes them feel comfortable and secure in the bathroom.
Support, encouragement, and positive reinforcement build seniors' confidence in their showering abilities, reducing anxiety and promoting safety.
Keep Your Home Safe
Creating a safe home provides an environment that allows seniors to age in place. Of course, just because you're aging in place doesn't mean you have to stay in that place all day long.
South Philly resident Michele Taylor is happy aging in place in her home. She also finds a lot of benefits by stepping out to Trinity Health's Mercy LIFE PACE Center, where she participates in various activities to keep her engaged.
"I feel like I'm being built up here — that I can remain in my home and remain independent," Taylor told a local newspaper on September 28, 2023. "That's one of my goals."
Empowering seniors to take an active role in their own safety and well-being in the home, especially in the bathroom, is key to maintaining their independence and quality of life.
Subscribe to Gold Years for more information about how to stay safe in your home.
