Is Your Elderly Loved One’s Bathroom Still Safe Enough for Her to Use on Her Own?

Home Care in Shrewsbury CT

As your loved one grows older, it’s natural to worry more about her safety while performing seemingly normal daily tasks. One room that you might be concerned about first is the bathroom because it’s a room that your elderly loved one can be particularly vulnerable in.

Improve Lighting in the Room

One of the easiest things for you to do to improve safety in the bathroom for your elderly loved one is to improve the lighting in the bathroom. This might mean installing brighter light bulbs, changing out light fixtures, or even changing out older fixtures for new ones. If you’re planning on a more elaborate lighting upgrade, it’s a good idea to work with a licensed electrician.

Check Water Temperature

Another important factor in your loved one’s safety is the temperature of your loved one’s water heater. Locate an owner’s manual for your loved one’s water heater and turn it down by 10 or 20 degrees. You and your loved one won’t feel a difference in the hot water, but your loved one will be less likely to accidentally scald herself.

Add Non-slip Mats Inside and Outside of the Tub

Non-slip mats made to go inside your loved one’s tub or shower stall can help to make sure that she doesn’t slip and slide on the hard surface. You’ll need them outside the tub or shower stall, too. Some have tiny suction cups that grip hard floors while others use a material that has non-slip properties. You may want to try several options to find the one that works the best for your elderly loved one.

Consider Adding Grab Bars and Other Safety Tools

Grab bars inside the tub or shower can help your loved one to feel secure as well. Make sure to keep them parallel to the floor so that your loved one’s hand doesn’t slip while soapy. Consider adding grab bars strategically throughout the rest of the bathroom, too. Other safety tools, such as shower seats or detachable shower heads can also make bathing both easier and safer for your elderly loved one.