Senior Safety - Bathroom Hazards and Quick Fixes

Are your parents safe living at home? Are they mentally pretty clear, but beginning to have physical or judgment deficits which might impact their safety? Do you worry that Mom may fall down and not be able to get to the phone? What would happen if Mom or Dad slipped and fell in the bathroom? Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths in people 65 years of age and older, according to The National Safety Council.

Most elderly people cherish their independence and will do just about anything to keep it. Sometimes a simple device or two, especially in the bathroom, is all that is needed to keep them safe and independent. This article will show you how to identify and reduce safety hazards in an older persons bathroom.

Water temperature: Set the hot water heater to no more than 120 F to lessen the risk of burns.
Toilet: If your loved ones have difficulty standing up from a low toilet, obtain an elevated seat. There are many types available; I recommend those with attached armrests, if space allows, that fit directly over the existing seat. They are easy to install and don't seem to get in the way when others use the seat. If the toilet height is okay as is, there are easy to attach stand-alone armrests.
Grab bars: It is not safe to pull on a towel bar or push on a toilet paper holder for support, as many older adults do. Instead, properly install grab bars on both sides of the shower/tub area and also within reach of the toilet.
Lessen the risk of slipping or falling. Use a non-slip bath mat or non-skid tape on the tub/shower floor and use a shower or bath chair specifically designed for bathing. Do not try to use another type of chair in the tub or shower, as this could actually cause increased risk of injury. There are also transfer chairs available that have 2 legs on the outside and 2 legs inside the tub so your loved one can easily slide over and use the shower.
Water spills are especially dangerous in the bathroom because fixtures and floor surfaces are typically very hard. Be sure that shower curtains fit properly and there are no plumbing leaks.
Lighting: Light switches should be easy to reach and in good repair. Check that lighting is adequate, use a night light for the path from bed to bathroom and be sure pathway is clear of obstacles.
Consider installing a phone line in the bathroom. This could prevent carelessness while hurrying to catch the phone in the next room.

Hopefully these tips will keep your senior loved ones safe and independent at home.

Ronna Sather is a licensed physical therapist with over 30 years of professional experience, assisting and guiding thousands of families dealing with the safety and independence of elderly loved ones at home. You can visit her website at http://www.seniorsafetyathome.com to find more articles, resources and products which promote senior safety and make life easier in the home environment.