Common Bathroom Dangers for Seniors (and Our Solutions)

Falls are the most common cause of injury in older Canadians and can be very serious and even life-threatening in some cases. Further, research shows that up to 80% of falls in the home are in the bathroom, so addressing fall risks in the bathroom should be a number one priority.

Take a look at two of the most common causes of bathroom falls and ways to eliminate them.

Slippery Surfaces

There’s a reason bathrooms were once called ‘water closets’. There’s water flowing from the shower, from the toilet, and from the sink, so it’s no surprise that the room itself gets a little wet. The glass and tile surfaces in your bathroom are meant to be cleaned easily, so they get very slippery when wet. When you combine slick surfaces, water or moisture, and an unstable individual, you have a recipe for disaster.

Solutions: Non-Slip Tub Mats and Grab Bars

By using a bath mat outside the tub and a non-slip rubber mat inside the tub, you can greatly reduce the risk of slipping. It’s important to note, though, that towels shouldn’t be used instead of these mats. They can increase the chances of slipping and become tangled in your feet, increasing the risk of a fall. Consider adding multiple grab bars to prevent falls and to add better stability as well.

Low Seats

As we age, simple tasks like standing up from a chair can become difficult. Bathrooms present a unique challenge for the elderly for this reason as suddenly lifting themselves from the toilet or from the bottom of the tub can seem impossible.

Solutions: Toilet Seat Frame and Bath Stools

Instead of reaching for a towel bar or countertop, a toilet seat frame can offer the elderly more stability and make it much easier to raise and lower themselves from the toilet as needed. An adjustable bath stool allows them to enjoy bathing more conveniently based on their specific needs as well.

Using these options can offer an elderly individual more independence and comfort in their own home. If you’re ready to install these tools in your home or in the home of an elderly relative, we are ready to help. Adapt Home Health Care is your number one medical supply store in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area and our knowledgeable team is ready to help you get all the home health care products necessary to keep your elderly relative safe and to give you peace of mind for years to come.