I have a client who has endured many surgical procedures over the last few years which have resulted in ambulation problems for the senior woman. Her last back surgery prompted her to get estimates for bathroom renovations for the master bath because it became too difficult for her to get in and out of the tub and shower.
When she found a contractor with a reasonable estimate and who she deemed trustworthy, the project was scheduled, and the crew completed the job in one day. She was delighted to have a low step-in shower with a bench and grab bars to make bathing and hygiene more manageable with her physical condition.
I realize that many of our Home Helpers clients and other aging adults do not have the financial means to hire a contractor for bathroom renovations, even though these projects are beneficial to improve bathroom safety and reduce fall risks for seniors. However, there are ways to achieve bathroom safety goals without breaking the bank to do it.
- Add grab bars. If there are no secure grab bars built-in to the existing bathroom, specifically, the tub and shower design, you can find sturdy suction-style grab bars at your local home store. They are easy to install, they do not damage surfaces, but they are not designed to support a lot of weight. Bolt-on grab bars and towel racks are better suited to support heavier adults. If suction-style grab bars are your only option, remember to follow all directions carefully to ensure they are completely secure when installed in areas where seniors with balance issues can reach them easily: in the tub or shower and near the commode. 3M Scotch Gripping Tape is a strong, thin tape that is applied to grab bars to add another layer of protection from slips and falls because the tape adds gripping power for seniors with limited grip strength, and wet or oily hands. Floor-to-ceiling pole grab bars are another solution when securely mounting grab bars is not an option. The floor-to-ceiling grab bar is easy to install without tools, and it is not permanent, so it can be moved where it is most needed.
- Use a slip-resistant shower chair or sliding transfer bench. When chronic pain or balance issues are a concern, it makes sense to invest in a shower chair or bathtub transfer bench with rubber slip-resistant tips to prevent sliding on wet surfaces. These provide an easier transition to the shower or tub and a place to sit and rest while bathing or showering. There are various styles available, depending on the tub or shower design and the physical constraints of the user.
- Apply shower mats, tub appliqués, or an anti-slip tub coating. Newer tubs and showers may include a non-slip floor surface, but older tubs and showers typically do not. A slippery surface can be made safer by applying non-slip appliqués or bathtub/shower mats to reduce fall risks. Better still, an anti-slip tub coating will prevent mold and mildew that can occur with plastic mats and appliqués.
- Keep bathing items within reach. Soap, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner are toiletries seniors use when bathing. If they have to reach or bend too far to retrieve them while bathing, this can create a falling hazard. Use a shower caddy to keep toiletries within reach. Refillable dispensers for body wash and hair products are also an option to prevent individual bottles from slipping from narrow tub edges and corners which can be problematic.
- Install a higher toilet seat. Seniors who experience difficulties sitting on lower seats due to back, knee, or hip issues can benefit from a raised toilet seat. They increase the height by as much as four inches, which can make a big difference for seniors. Most raised toilet seats come equipped with grip bars.
- Examine lighting and doors. Proper lighting is always important, especially for seniors with vision impairments, and balance and ambulatory issues. Make sure the lights are bright enough along the path to the bathroom, as well as in the bathroom. Nightlights in the bedroom, hallway, and bathroom will help illuminate the way when it’s dark. LED Night Lights have sensors, so they illuminate only when the lighting is low.
- Subscribe to a monitoring service. Home Helpers® utilizes a 24-hour monitoring service called Direct Link because they offer an exclusive line of monitoring systems that allow seniors to live independently and securely in their own homes longer than they might otherwise. Direct Link systems are always monitored 24/7/365 by a CSAA 5-Diamond Certified Care Center, allowing you or your loved ones a way to reach out to a live person with the simple touch of a button, anytime, day or night. This adds an extra level of security when seniors are at risk of falling in the bathroom or elsewhere in the home, or in case of unexpected emergencies.
- Hire an In-Home Caregiver. For seniors who may be at risk of falling or who struggle with activities of daily living, Home Helpers® employs highly skilled, professional caregivers to make life easier. An experienced, compassionate caregiver is trained to assist with in-home care services, like personal care, to lend support while bathing, toileting, and dressing, and to help seniors stay safe and steady on their feet in the bathroom and throughout their home.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Home Care Pulse Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2023 and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award 2023, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice Award 2023, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Award 2023, and the Caring Super Star 2024 Award.
We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ 727.942.2539
Sources:
Daily Caring
Aging.com
