One of the most dangerous rooms in your senior’s home is her bathroom. So anything that you can do to make the bathroom safer for her to use is definitely worth the extra time and effort.

Has She Fallen or Almost Fallen?

A near miss on a fall or an actual fall can be your biggest indication that your elderly family member needs some extra help in the bathroom. She may lose her balance easily or she might be afraid to be in the bathroom alone. Talk to your senior about what would help her to feel more comfortable.

Are There Grab Bars in the Tub or Shower?

One of the best tools to help your family member to avoid falling is simply having something solid she can grab if she feels off balance.

Grab bars or handrails in the shower and around other areas in the bathroom can really help so much. Look for places where you can install them and make sure they’re secure.

Would a Shower Seat Help?

Some aging adults burn a lot of energy just taking a shower. One way to help her to conserve energy and therefore be safer when she’s showering or bathing is to use a shower seat. This type of chair fits directly in the shower stall or tub and allows your senior to sit and to bathe.

Does the Toilet Seat Need to Be Higher?

But the tub isn’t the only danger zone in the bathroom. Using the toilet is an extremely vulnerable position and your aging adult could easily fall then, too. A raised toilet seat can help because your senior doesn’t have as far to go to get back into a standing position. They install easily and give your elderly family member immediate results.

Is the Bathroom Easy to Get To?

If the route to the bathroom is difficult, that can be a problem, too. Make sure there’s a clear pathway and that it’s well lit. Anything that doesn’t absolutely have to be along the way to the bathroom should be moved somewhere else. Be sure to check flooring and carpeting for safety hazards as well, just to be on the safe side.

Something else that you might want to consider is hiring home care providers. They can help your senior to maneuver in the bathroom and handle what needs doing without causing her to lose any dignity.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering home care in Lynchburg VA, please talk to the caring staff at Acti-Kare of Blue Ridge.  Call 888-451-5273. Our office provides senior care and home care services in the following locations including Blue Ridge, Lynchburg, Salem, Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, and Bedford in Virginia.