Safe Bathing for Seniors

About one in three seniors experiences a fall, and 80% of those falls happen in the bathroom. Keep yourself or your loved one safe by knowing the risks related to bathroom falls and ways to prevent them.

Navigating Safety In The Bathroom

As individuals age, there can be a significant decline in abilities related to cognitive function, balance, coordination, strength, and mobility. The risk of falling becomes higher when in the bathroom due to actions like stepping into a bathtub, sitting on and rising from the toilet, standing on wet and slippery surfaces, and reaching for items in difficult places.

As a person ages, personal hygiene often becomes difficult to maintain. This is because of the physical demand often associated with bathing or showering, or a feeling of being unsafe in the shower. It is important to identify the challenges of showering so that a proper solution can be put in place.

Consider the following tips to decrease the chances of falls in the bathroom and practice safe bathing:

• Updating lighting

• Adding grab bars & safety rails

• Getting organized

• Installing a walk-in shower

• Using a shower chair

• Keeping everything handy

• Using non-slip mats

• Adjusting water temperature

How Caregivers Help With Bath Safety And Hygiene

In-home Personal Care Attendants provide hands-on support for activities of daily living (ADLs), such as hygiene and mobility. By assisting with these tasks, caregivers help reduce the risk of falls stemming from unsteady movements or fatigue.

A Sunlight Senior Care caregiver can visit as often as needed to aid in bathing and other hygiene related tasks. Our caregivers are thoroughly trained on safe practices to ensure the care they provide makes their clients feel confident and comfortable in the services they receive.

While promoting physical safety, this support also provides emotional reassurance, empowering clients to feel secure and independent. It is the goal of Sunlight Senior Care home care to keep seniors aging at home for as long as possible, and as safe as possible.