On average, people use the bathroom about 7 times a day. Hence, it is extremely important to ensure that your bathroom is safe, especially for the elderly. They face many different types of challenges which makes a simple activity like going to the toilet dangerous. They may have issues with balance, cognitive problems like Alzheimer’s, weak limbs, and more. Here at our senior living community, we ensure that all our bathrooms are safe for the elderly to use. Read on to find out more about other bathroom safety tips for the elderly for your own home.
Why Are Bathrooms Dangerous?
Bathrooms can be very dangerous as they tend to be a small space that has many corners and hard surfaces, such as the sink, the bathtub, the showerhead, and more. Furthermore, sometimes the sitting up and standing down can cause the elderly to be dizzy and lose balance due to blood pressure changes. When this happens, they could fall and it could lead to serious consequences.
Add Handle Bars for Extra Support
The first thing you could do to make your bathroom even safer is to add grab bars that the elderly can hold on to beside the toilet bowl. This allows them to be able to hold on to the bars even as they stand up or sit down. These toilet safety frames are also installed very easily and do not require many tools. They can be easily removed as well. Grab bars can be placed in many areas- they can be mounted on walls, installed as floor-to-ceiling poles, and more.
Ensure that the Path to the Bathroom Is Clear and Lit
Another thing you should do is to ensure that the path to the bathroom is clear, with high levels of visibility, especially at night. It is important to remove any objects or clutter along the path. If it gets dark at night, consider adding stick-on lights or automatic night lights to illuminate the path. Take away floor mats or rugs as they tend to be a slipping hazard. In cases where the bathroom door has a raised threshold, try to teach the elderly to side step it to prevent them from tripping over it.
Install a Raised Toilet Seat that Has Arms
A raised toilet seat can help reduce the amount of effort needed to sit and stand, and is extremely useful for the elderly that do not have much strength in their legs. These seats are easily installed and removed and can make it a lot safer for them as they are able to grab onto the arms to steady themselves onto the raised toilet seat.
Conservatory At Alden Bridge Provides a Conducive Living Environment
If you or your loved one are thinking about moving to a senior living community but are not sure if the amenities cater to you or your loved one’s needs, then you can rest assured knowing that the senior living community at Conservatory At Alden Bridge does our best to ensure that all the needs of our residents are met. We uphold the strictest safety standards and ensure that our bathrooms are safe for all residents to use. Feel free to contact us to find out more about what we have to offer.
