Did you know that many injuries in seniors happen due to falls in the bathroom? As people get older, they start losing their balance, coordination, and mobility skills. Luckily, you can significantly lower the risk of falls by bathroom safety modifications. If your loved ones are enrolled in the NHTD program, they can get bathroom safety modification services through the program. Learn everything about bathroom safety modifications through NHTD programs in this article. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you enhance your golden years.
Importance of Bathroom Safety & Risks for the Elderly
Bathroom safety is crucial for the elderly population because this is the most common place in the home that poses significant risks due to factors such as reduced mobility, balance issues, and weakened muscles, making simple tasks challenging and potentially dangerous. Falls, injuries, and accidents in the bathroom also cause a severe impact, affecting the well-being and independence of older individuals.
Most older adults have common concerns about reduced mobility and stability, especially in the bathroom environment, which often features slippery surfaces and tight spaces, thereby increasing these risks. Falls in the bathroom are the leading cause of injury in seniors. Around 1.6 million seniors need emergency medical attention for falls and related injuries each year in the US, and more than 80% of cases come from falling inside the bathroom. These falls are a very common cause among senior adults who are 65 or older. That’s why it is important to take safety precautions for elders to prevent these falls.
Bathroom Safety Checklist for Seniors
Bathrooms pose a higher risk of accidents for seniors due to slippery surfaces and mobility issues. A safety checklist for seniors can be used to enhance bathroom safety.
- Grab Bars: Install sturdy grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to provide extra stability and support. Make sure they are securely fitted to the wall for maximum safety.
- Non-Slip Mats: Use non-slip mats both inside and outside the bathroom, especially in the shower or bathtub areas, to lower the risk of slipping.
- Raised Toilet Seat: Add a raised toilet seat according to their height to make sitting and standing easier and more comfortable for seniors.
- Handheld Showerhead: A handheld showerhead allows seniors to bathe while seated, lowering the risk of falls and offering greater convenience during showering.
What are Environmental Modifications (E-mods) for Bathroom Safety available through NHTD Programs
The Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) program offers a wide range of environmental modifications (E-mods) for homes, including bathroom safety, to promote safety, accessibility, and independence for individuals living with disabilities. It includes:
- Enhancing bathroom accessibility:
Enhance bathroom accessibility to create a safe and accommodating environment. Make sure you modify the bathroom according to your elderly requirements, like installing grab bars near the toilet and shower area, adding non-slip flooring or mats to support individuals with mobility issues, and promoting independence and safety.
- Raised Toilet Seats:
This is a crucial safety device for the elderly because it significantly enhances their bathroom safety by lowering strains on joints and muscles, making it easier for them to sit down and stand up independently. Make sure these seats are elevated to their height, lowering the need for excessive bending or squatting. This reduces the overall physical effort required and prevents falls and injuries. So, choose a raised toilet seat that is compatible with the existing toilet and provides a secure and comfortable seating option.
- Shower stools and chairs:
These are another essential safety device that you can keep for your elders. It offers a secure and comfortable seating option while bathing, lowering the risk of slips and falls. These devices are designed with stability and safety in mind. They feature non-slip surfaces and sturdy construction to ensure seniors can bathe with confidence and without the fear of falling. These devices are especially beneficial for individuals who have difficulty standing for longer periods or maintaining balance while standing in the shower.
- Suction Cup Grab Bars:
These are essential additions to the bathroom for elderly people because they are designed to be easily installed and removed, making them a versatile safety device. They offer a secure grip and added support for seniors in the bathroom. These bars can be placed strategically near the toilet, shower, or bathtub, providing stability and preventing slips and falls. Make sure they are properly installed and regularly check the suction cups for any signs of wear or loss of suction to maintain their effectiveness.
- Adequate lighting:
Install bright and well-positioned lights in the bathroom to improve visibility and lower the risk of trips and falls.
Through NHTD programs, you can provide bathroom safety modifications for your loved ones to ensure their safety in the bathroom, where the risk of falls and injuries is common. Make sure you install all the above-mentioned devices in the bathroom to provide them with safety and independence.
Need help with NHTD program for loved ones? If you need any help with your application or have a query related to the NHTD program, contact us online or call us to get a consultation. Speak with our home care services coordinator to get a reliable care provider for your loved one, to ensure they get the best quality of care and companionship to live a peaceful, happy life. If you want to know more about adult day care services, HouseCalls Home Care offers excellent services for your aging loved ones. Feel free to call HouseCalls Home Care at 718-922-9200 if you or a loved one requires compassionate and competent in-home care services. You can also send an email to us at info@HouseCallshc.org for more information. Our goal is to help you find the best support for your needs.
