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If you provide elderly care for a loved one, consider evaluating the safety of their home environment during Bath Safety Month in January. With more than one in three seniors falling every year – and with 80% of those incidents occurring in the bathroom – it’s important to ensure your loved one’s shower area is properly equipped. As part of your elderly care routine, discover more about the biggest problems with the bathroom and what you can do to make it a safer space.

How Can Bathrooms Be Dangerous for Seniors?

From slippery surfaces to awkward layouts, the bathroom poses a serious threat to many elderly individuals. Most bathroom floors are a tile or laminate material, which means they become very slippery when wet. Because many seniors already have balance issues, the added element of the slick floor can increase the odds they will experience a fall.

As you age, your body becomes less flexible, and you may notice a decrease in strength. This makes it more difficult for elderly individuals to step over the side and get into the bathtub, as well as attempting to get up when their bath is over – which puts them at risk for serious injury due to falling.

How Can You Improve Bathroom Safety for the Elderly?

elderly careLuckily, there are several changes you can make to create a senior-friendly bathroom. For starters, consider getting rid of the bathtub altogether and installing a walk-in shower, instead. While baths can be soothing, they can be difficult for seniors to easily get out off.

A walk-in shower reduces the need to step over the side of a tub and a shower chair can be used to offer a more relaxing experience. Additionally, make sure to install a handrail for your senior loved one to grab onto as they move around, whether in the shower or simply stepping out. You can also install slip-resistant decals that will help prevent an accidental fall.

 

Whether you need elderly care assistance during National Bath Safety Month in January, or simply think your loved one could benefit from a home caregiver, trust the professionals at Deer Valley Home Health Services in Missouri. Providing care for Berkeley, St. Charles, and St. Louis, Deer Valley Home Health Services offers vital senior services, like home health aides and nurse visits. To learn more about this care provider, visit them online or call (314) 355-3679.

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