As we age, a number of everyday bathroom activities that require significant mobility becomes increasingly difficult for individuals and the bathroom present one of the biggest safety hazards for people with mobility issues. The combination of slippery floors, loose rugs and tight-fitting spaces makes the bathroom one of the most common areas for slip and fall accidents to occur. Since bathrooms are often small, poorly ventilated and lack telephones, seniors who experience injuries in the bathroom may not be able to call for the help they need.
Installing some of the following bathroom safety aids can dramatically reduce the risk of a fall in a bathroom.
Raised Toilet Seat
Sitting down and standing up are two actions that require considerable muscle strength and flexibility. Elderly people with back trouble can find ease, safety and comfort in a raised toilet seat, which can empower an impaired individual who might otherwise be dependent on a loved one or caregiver to use the toilet without someone else’s assistance.
Toilet Safety Frames
For additional support and to further reduce stress on the back, toilet safety frames and arms can be affixed to an elderly person’s toilet. Some toilet safety frames can also double as a bedside commode.
Bathtub Safety Rail
Slipping in or near the bathtub is dangerous in general but it is especially risky for the elderly, who are less likely to stand up unscathed immediately following the fall. The placement of a bathtub safety rail can decrease one’s chances of falling and make stepping in and out of the bathtub much easier.
Shower Chairs, Mats and Shower Commodes
For elderly men and women who rely on wheelchairs, the simple act of showering can seem overwhelming. Available with and without arms, shower chairs allow individuals who may not otherwise be able to wash themselves without the assistance of a family member or caregiver.
Shower chairs can hold up to 300kg and come equipped with non-skid rubber tips and adjustable legs for extra stability and security. To ensure easy access, some shower chairs have removable arms and backs.
Related: What to Consider When Buying a Shower Chair
Beyond the use of shower chairs, installing rubber-backed mats on the inside and outside of the shower are great for reducing the risk of slipping. For added independence, installing a detachable handheld shower head can make showering much easier without assistance from others.
By investing in bathroom safety aids, you are ensuring the safety of those with limited mobility. These prevention measures can reduce the risk of falls and serious injuries. Falls are the leading cause of injuries and death and the most common reason for hospital admissions. Hip fractures, head trauma and lacerations are common injuries sustained in a fall and these injuries can reduce a person’s mobility even further.
Select from dozens of our bathroom safety aids to keep you safe in the bathroom.