The Best Ways To Help Your Senior Parent Avoid Falling In The Shower
Personal care at home provides support and safety to aging seniors for daily activities.
Seniors are likelier to fall in the bathroom than any other part of the house. If your mom or dad lives independently, the bathroom is the most dangerous room in the house, and showering is the most dangerous activity.
According to the CDC, more than 25% of seniors over 65 will experience at least one fall yearly. In most of those cases, falls happen in the bathroom. But some of the biggest dangers for seniors in the bathroom aren’t what you might think.
Slippery floors and a slippery shower are very dangerous for seniors. But small actions can also be dangerous. Your mom or dad could reach for a bottle of body wash, drop it, and fall while leaning over to pick it up. Or they could not have the grip strength to pick up a bar of soap, which can fall and make the floor slippery and dangerous.
The best way to prevent your mom or dad from falling and getting hurt while showering is to get personal care at home services. If your mom or dad has personal care at home, they will have help with tasks like showering, drying off, washing their hair, and getting dressed. Professional personal care at home caregivers with safety training and know how to safely and gently help seniors with delicate tasks like showering can help your mom or dad shower safely.
Other things that can make the bathroom and shower safer for your senior parent are:
Install Grab Bars
Grab bars are a must-have for bathroom safety. These sturdy bars can be mounted inside the shower and near the entrance to provide support when stepping in, out, or moving around.
Make sure the grab bars are securely anchored to the wall, not suction-based, as these can come loose. They will give your mom or dad something stable to hold onto so they don’t lose their balance or slip on a wet floor.
Use Non-Slip Mats or Stickers
Slippery shower floors are a leading cause of falls. Placing non-slip mats or adhesive strips on the shower floor can create traction and make slipping less likely.
Look for mats specifically designed for wet areas, as these are durable and effective even when soaked. Make sure mats have a non-slip back so that they won’t move around when your mom or dad steps on them.
Install a Shower Chair or Bench
Standing for long periods in the shower can be tiring and risky for seniors with balance issues or joint pain. A shower chair or bench allows your parent to sit while washing, making the process safer and more comfortable.
Choose a chair with rubber tips on the legs to prevent it from sliding, and consider one with a backrest for added stability. You can also have a contractor install a solid bench into the shower so that your mom or dad has a permanent bench in the shower.
Install A Handheld Showerhead
A handheld showerhead can make showering much easier and safer for seniors. It makes it easier for your mom or dad to direct the water flow without moving around too much, reducing the chance of slipping. Combine this with a shower chair so your parent can sit comfortably while washing. Make sure the hose is long enough to reach all areas but doesn’t tangle underfoot.
Improve Lighting
Poor lighting can make it difficult for seniors to see hazards in the bathroom. Install bright, energy-efficient lights near the shower to ensure visibility. Motion-sensor lights can be a great option, as they automatically turn on when your parent enters the bathroom, reducing the risk of tripping over unseen obstacles.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Highland Park, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 948-0860. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette, and the surrounding areas.
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