Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in seniors, and falls in the bathroom can be especially dangerous. According to studies, one out of three adults age 65 and over suffers a fall each year, making bathroom safety for the elderly a top priority in senior care.
Due to a multitude of reasons, bathrooms are extremely hazardous for seniors. The floors are often slippery surfaces and the walls provide few sturdy things to grasp on to in the event of a fall. These factors greatly increase the chances of serious injury, which can result in anything from from minor cuts, scrapes and bruises to more severe injuries like hip fractures, concussions and spinal cord injuries.
The good news is that there are relatively simple and cost-effective ways to ensure you or your loved ones enjoy the comfort and reassurance of a senior safe bathroom. Simply read on below for a quick guide on how to make your bathroom safe for the elderly for just $250 using a variety of bathroom safety equipment for seniors.
Bathroom safety equipment for seniors
There are many grab bars and tub rails available that provide an inexpensive solution for those that need support getting in and out of the bathtub, and can greatly increase bathroom safety for the elderly and reduce the risk of falls. The steel clamp on tub bar is designed to fit almost any style of bathtub, is available either perpendicular or parallel, and can be purchased for just $65. Custom made options are also available.
There are a variety of raised toilet seats available ranging from a simple hinged toilet seat riser to a more complex design like the toilet elevator with arms for those who may require more support when standing up or sitting down. Both models are removable and provide convenience and safety while using the toilet. They are easily attached to most standard toilets without the use of tools and, at only $50, are a very cost-effective way of creating a senior safe bathroom.
Making sure you can get in and out of the bathtub safely should be a top priority while planning a senior safe bathroom. The I-class transfer bench extends beyond the edge of the bathtub so you can safely get in and out of the bathtub without standing on slippery surfaces. A transfer bench is an invaluable piece of bathroom safety equipment for seniors as bathtubs are not only slippery, they also have extremely hard surfaces that can cause serious injury. Transfer benches are available for roughly $140.
All of the equipment we briefly outlined above is available for under $250 and is a great way for you to start your journey towards creating a senior safe bathroom. However, there are some other basic steps you can take to increase bathroom safety for seniors in your home and prevent unnecessary accidents.
Some of these safety measures include removing rugs (or replacing them with safe bathroom rugs) and other hazards in order to prevent tripping, putting a rubber bath mat on the floor of the shower or tub, fastening non-slip strips to any surface where someone could lose their grip, and making sure the bathroom is well-lit. For more general safety tips for seniors, we highly recommend you read this article on preparing to age at home as well as this review of different bathroom safety equipment for the elderly.
Remember, if you have any questions about the above equipment and how to create a senior safe bathroom, or any other aspects of ageing in place, feel free to contact us. We are always here to help.
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