The mother of a caregiver we know contracted COVID the weekend before Christmas 2023. Because the woman has COPD and other cardiovascular issues, her symptoms were amplified, and she experienced difficulty breathing, a persistent cough, and extreme fatigue, among other things.
Her daughter, the caregiver, was out of state visiting her in-laws over the holidays, so the sick Mom’s youngest daughter stepped up to help.
Her Mom was so weak that walking across the room was a chore, so managing her hygiene was an even bigger challenge. The daughter helped her mom into the shower and assisted with shampooing her hair and washing her body.
Unfortunately, the shower was not exactly safe for the weak elderly woman because there was only one small grab bar for her to hold onto and nothing to prevent her from slipping in the slick porcelain tub. Both daughters became very concerned about their Mom’s safety in the shower.
According to the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA), “Our bodies change as we age, but often our homes do not. As a result, it can become harder or less safe to do things that used to be easy. For example, almost 80 percent of falls in the home occur in the bathroom, and according to the CDC, more than 200,000 seniors are treated in emergency rooms each year for bathroom-related injuries.”
Damey and I share this story and the CDC statistics because January is Bath Safety Awareness Month, and it is our job at Home Helpers to keep seniors safe and independent in their homes for as long as possible.
The ODA offers the following 5 solutions to create a safer bathroom environment for seniors to prevent serious falls and injuries:
- Add Grab Bars. Professionally installed, secure grab bars deliver reliable support inside and outside of showers and tubs, as well as next to commodes and sinks. Be careful with suction-style grab bars because they may not provide adequate support.
- Use Non-Slip Mats and Rugs. Place a non-slip mat or appliques on the floors of showers and tubs to help prevent slipping. Also, non-slip rugs can be placed on the floor outside of the shower or tub to gain proper footing.
- Organization Helps. To prevent the need to stretch to reach what you need while in the tub or shower, use a bath caddy to keep toiletries nearby at eye or shoulder level. It is also beneficial to keep frequently used items like toothbrushes, lotion, and other toiletries on a convenient shelf at eye level.
- Keep it Clean. Keep necessary supplies in the bathroom for easy clean-ups. Water, lotion, oil, and powder on floors can all cause nasty slips and falls. Having basic cleaning supplies like a hand broom, mop, sponges, and cleansers close will help with quick and easy clean-ups. Also, remove wet and dry towels from floors so feet don’t get tangled in them, or they become tripping hazards.
- Invest in Good Seats. Invest in a removable shower chair or have a shower chair or transfer bench professionally installed in the shower or tub. Additionally, a raised toilet seat can prove beneficial for seniors with ambulation difficulties or arthritic conditions.
The compassionate caregivers at Home Helpers® Canton, OH, deliver personal care, support, and assistance to seniors daily. If you are concerned about a senior loved one and their bathroom safety, Damey and I are happy to schedule a FREE consultation at your convenience to assess safety concerns, offer specific recommendations for making the home and bathroom environments safer, and determine ways a professional caregiver can make life easier and provide you and your senior loved one more peace of mind. 330.892.9329
Home Helpers® Canton, OH, is Veteran-owned and operated. We are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award, the Shooting Star Award (2011), and multiple Platinum awards for the superior level of care we provide. We are Certified Senior Advisors and members of the Home Care Association of America, Alzheimer’s Association, and the International Franchise Association. In addition, we were ranked in the Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019.
Home Helpers® Canton proudly serves male and female seniors in Stark County, Portage County, and portions of Summit County including the communities of Akron, Alliance, Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Massillon, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, and surrounding areas.
Source:
Ohio Department of Aging
