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10 Tips for Safe Bathroom Care: Reduce Injury Risks

November 15, 2022
When it comes to bathroom safety, seniors face many risks. Caregivers need to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risks of slips and falls. With BrightStar Care, we share useful tips that could help you and your loved one in the long run. Keep your loved ones safe while they take care of their hygiene!


1. Install grab bars in the bathroom

The use of grab bars can be very helpful for seniors who have trouble maintaining their balance. Your loved one can easily enter the bathroom without fear of injuring themselves by installing bolt-on bars in areas that are prone to slipping and falling, such as the tub/shower area and near the toilet.
 

2. Keep the shower and tub floors non-slip by using non-slip mats

A bathroom is a common place for seniors to slip and fall, especially as they try to navigate. Therefore, nonslip mats are important in areas like showers and tubs, which can be dangerous. You can help your loved ones maintain good hygiene by keeping them safe.
 

3. Keep the Bathroom Floor Clean and Dry

Maintaining a clean and dry bathroom floor is one of the best ways to keep your elderly loved ones safe. A wet floor can be extremely slippery, which can cause serious injuries. You can reduce the risk of slips and falls by cleaning up any messes and making sure all surfaces are dry each day.
 

4. Ensure that the bathroom is well-lit

For elderly and senior care, a well-lit bathroom is crucial. Besides making them feel more comfortable, it also reduces the risk of falling while they take care of their hygiene. You can prevent potential accidents by making sure your loved one's bathroom is well-lit.


5. Use a Raised Toilet Seat if Needed

Senior and elderly care can be greatly improved by using a raised toilet seat. In addition to making it easier for seniors to sit on the toilet and stand up, it also prevents them from slipping or falling. Choose a raised toilet seat that is best suited for your loved one based on its size and shape. 
 

6. Ensure that frequently-used items are within easy reach

Keep frequently-used bathroom items within easy reach, especially for seniors who may have difficulty reaching high. Then they won't have to strain themselves or risk falling to grab what they need. Make the bathroom safer and more comfortable by keeping commonly used items within easy reach.
 

7. Use a shower bench or chair in the shower

Taking care of elderly and senior loved ones involves making sure they are safe while taking a shower. It is possible to accomplish this by using a shower chair or a shower bench. By doing this, they will feel more comfortable while taking a shower, and they will also be less likely to slip and fall.
 

8. Replace inward doors with outward doors

Most bathrooms have inward doors that can pose a hazard to the elderly if they get stuck inside. Seniors will have an easier time entering and exiting the bathroom if the door opens outward. As a result, caregivers will have easy access to their patients in case they fall in front of the door.


9. Adjust the water temperature to prevent scaling

Caregivers need to take extra precautions when adjusting the water temperature in a senior's bathroom because seniors are more likely to get scalded by hot water. Your loved ones will be safer from potentially dangerous scalding injuries if you turn the water heater down a few notches.
 

10. Make sure your loved one has a medical alert device

A medical alert device is one of the best things you can do for your elderly loved ones. Emergency responders will be able to get in touch with your loved one quickly if they wear a medical alert device around their neck or wrist.
Seniors can benefit from medical alert devices, but caregivers can as well. Your loved one can get the help they need if an emergency arises by having a medical alert device.


Contact BrightStar Care of Pembroke Pines

These are just a few of the many ways that you can help keep your elderly loved ones safe in the bathroom. Looking into caregiving services may be overwhelming, but with BrightStar Care, we ensure to make the process so much easier for you. We are confident that our team of professionals will assist you in looking for the right caregiver to take care of your loved one by keeping you in the loop and more.
You can always contact BrightStar Care of Pembroke Pines at 954-518-3420 or visit us at 7951 Riviera Blvd Suite 103 Miramar, FL 33023, and speak with one of our experts who will help you get started. Thank you for taking the time to read this!