NATIONAL BATH SAFETY MONTH
January is National Bathroom Safety Month, which is an important topic when caring for seniors. 80% of all falls in the home take place in the bathroom! A quick run-through could prevent slips and falls which often result in serious (and sometimes fatal) injuries.
How safe is the bathroom in your loved one’s home?
Is there sufficient lighting in the bathroom? No? Put in the highest wattage bulb allowed for the socket. Also, use a night light or an illuminated switch which can be seen in the dark.
Do any floor surfaces become slippery? Yes? Put in non-skid mats or non-slip strips on bathtub and shower floors. For rugs or mats, use rubber-backed floor coverings, or put on double-sided rug tape or rubber carpet mesh.
Does a low toilet seat make it difficult to rise when finished? Yes? Use a toilet seat extender or purchase a toilet with a higher seat.
Are the faucets (sink, bathtub, shower) easy to maneuver? No? Install lever handles on sink, bathtub and shower faucets.
Are there grab bars in the bathtub/shower and toilet areas? No? Install grab bars in the bathtub, shower and toilet areas. These can be done professionally, but there are also easier suction-based options at hardware stores.
Are any hot water pipes exposed beneath the sink? Yes? Wrap insulation around any hot water pipes beneath the sink.
Do you have a handheld or adjustable-height shower head? No? Put in a handheld or adjustable showerhead.
Does the bathtub or shower have a bath seat? No? Put in a permanent bath seat or bench, or purchase a mobile one.
Is the hot water heater set at 120°? No? To prevent burns, set the water heater to 120°.
Are small electrical appliances (hair dryers, curling irons, shavers) plugged in when not in use? Yes? Unplug all electrical appliances when not in use – and remind everyone to never use electrical appliances near a filled sink or bathtub.
-------------------------
Also important – never leave someone unattended in the bathtub if they require stand-by or full assistance. Preventing bathroom accidents is important, and easy if you take the right steps!
At BrightStar Care, we're committed to helping older adults in every way we can. If you have questions or concerns about the bathroom safety in your loved one’s home, reach out to us at (805) 335-1200 for advice or assistance.
January is National Bathroom Safety Month, which is an important topic when caring for seniors. 80% of all falls in the home take place in the bathroom! A quick run-through could prevent slips and falls which often result in serious (and sometimes fatal) injuries.
How safe is the bathroom in your loved one’s home?
Is there sufficient lighting in the bathroom? No? Put in the highest wattage bulb allowed for the socket. Also, use a night light or an illuminated switch which can be seen in the dark.
Do any floor surfaces become slippery? Yes? Put in non-skid mats or non-slip strips on bathtub and shower floors. For rugs or mats, use rubber-backed floor coverings, or put on double-sided rug tape or rubber carpet mesh.
Does a low toilet seat make it difficult to rise when finished? Yes? Use a toilet seat extender or purchase a toilet with a higher seat.
Are the faucets (sink, bathtub, shower) easy to maneuver? No? Install lever handles on sink, bathtub and shower faucets.
Are there grab bars in the bathtub/shower and toilet areas? No? Install grab bars in the bathtub, shower and toilet areas. These can be done professionally, but there are also easier suction-based options at hardware stores.
Are any hot water pipes exposed beneath the sink? Yes? Wrap insulation around any hot water pipes beneath the sink.
Do you have a handheld or adjustable-height shower head? No? Put in a handheld or adjustable showerhead.
Does the bathtub or shower have a bath seat? No? Put in a permanent bath seat or bench, or purchase a mobile one.
Is the hot water heater set at 120°? No? To prevent burns, set the water heater to 120°.
Are small electrical appliances (hair dryers, curling irons, shavers) plugged in when not in use? Yes? Unplug all electrical appliances when not in use – and remind everyone to never use electrical appliances near a filled sink or bathtub.
-------------------------
Also important – never leave someone unattended in the bathtub if they require stand-by or full assistance. Preventing bathroom accidents is important, and easy if you take the right steps!
At BrightStar Care, we're committed to helping older adults in every way we can. If you have questions or concerns about the bathroom safety in your loved one’s home, reach out to us at (805) 335-1200 for advice or assistance.