Did You Know Bathrooms Can Be Dangerous for Seniors?
Pascal really worried about his elderly uncle, whose health had declined in recent months. As the family caregiver, Pascal knew that his uncle’s health and safety were his responsibility. After a few close calls in the bathroom regarding slip and fall accidents, Pascal’s uncle became quite resistant to bathing and toileting on his own. With advice from the home care provider, Pascal focused on boosting bathroom safety for his uncle and making it easier to assist as needed for himself and the others.
Home Health Care in Glenolden PA: Senior Bathroom Safety
It’s common for seniors to develop physical limitations as they age due to chronic illness, surgery, diseases, or injuries. Even the side effects of medication or cognitive decline can impact their safety in the bathroom. Slip and fall accidents are quite common in seniors, and the majority of those that result in serious injuries happen in the bathroom. Family caregivers who want to make the bathroom less dangerous for their aging loved ones can actually do a lot to reduce the risks.
Any family caregiver that wants to make changes to the bathroom and improve on safety features and procedures can follow these helpful tips
1. Focus on the Floors
Whether it’s slipping on a wet floor or tripping on a bath rug, slip and fall accidents are common in senior bathrooms. Remove bulky bathroom rugs and replace them with non-slip bath mats that give seniors sure footing. If the floor of the shower or tub is quite slippery, family caregivers can get textured stickers to apply.
2. Installations That Provide Stability
One of the best things to do for seniors in the bathroom is to install grab bars. These strong handholds should be put in place in the shower and near the tub and toilet. When mounted properly, they are incredibly strong and give seniors a way to keep their balance and stay upright. Other things to install that provide better safety include handheld showerheads, bath chairs, and one-handed soap and shampoo dispensers.
3. Hiring Home Care Providers
Being alone in the bathroom really increases the risks of a slip and fall accidents for seniors. A home care provider can be a real asset for aging adults and their safety, not only in the bathroom but throughout the day. Home care providers can assist seniors in showering, bathing, toileting, dressing, and grooming. They can also help around the house with laundry, light housekeeping, meal preparation and more.
4. Bathroom Remodels and Upgrades
Some bathrooms are so old or awkward that family caregivers decide to remodel or upgrade them completely. One remodel idea that is getting a lot of attention is the walk-in tub. This is installed in place of an existing shower or tub and has a formed seat inside of a tub feature with a door. When the senior steps into the tub and takes a seat, closing the door, the tub is then filled. After a safe and stable bath, the water is drained and the senior exits.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Glenolden, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care.
Call today: (484) 206-4544
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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