4 Tips to Making the Bathroom a Safe Place for the Elderly and Disabled


This may sound like a dilemma if taken at face value, but the bathroom, along with the kitchen, has the potential to be one of the most dangerous rooms in the house, especially for the elderly and disabled. Considering that the bathroom is a place where one tends to take care of business and maintain personal hygiene and therefore promotes health, it looks like a dilemma because it is necessary.

There are many elderly people who have had accidents in the bathroom either because they tripped slipped and fell or were met with scalding water temperatures. The thing is that these accidents can be prevented, only if one follows some helpful tips.

  1. Simplify the Shower and Tub Design
    Slipping and falling in the tub is not pleasant, especially for an elderly, they can suffer from crippling injuries. In such a case, it is better to modify the shower or tub area of the bathroom so that they do not have to climb into the tub.

Sunken tubs and walk in showers are the perfect way to counter this problem. But make sure not to go overboard with it. Going for design instead of functionality will defeat the purpose. Steps pose a slip and fall hazard and so is a curb where the walk in shower is located. You can also have a hire home care services for your elderly or disabled loved one so that they can bathe safely without having to worry about a slipping hazard

  1. Sizing Up the Commode Right
    Elderly or disabled may have problems with getting on the commode properly, either due to arthritis, osteoporosis or some other ailment. They may also have back, hip and other joint problems preventing them from getting rid of excrement. Moulded seats that raise the level of the commode from the usual 15-17 inches to something more comfortable for the elderly is a possible solution and is available at www.safetyandmobility.com.au. The additional railings will also help them with additional support to help them get up.
  2. Don’t have Locked Doors
    Locking doors will make things difficult even though the bathroom is meant to be a place where someone takes care of private business. In case your elderly or disabled loved one suffers from a fall or a chronic medical condition while in there, you will have no way to access them if the door is locked. They won’t be able to make it outside on their own either.

People with chronic problems and especially the elderly are prone to this. So it is important to have a way to mitigate the risk. Also have walk-in shower doors that open outward, this way, in the worst case scenario, you or another caregiver can access the person in question.

  1. Grips and Rail Additions
    Grips can also be a good way to ensure that the elderly or disabled don’t fall. You may also want something that helps them support their weight in case of a fall. Get customized railings that anchor well into the wall and allow the weight of an elderly or disabled to be supported.

Image courtesy of [sirirakphotos] at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by – May 24, 2018 at 12:29 am

Categories: Health Information Tags:

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