Practical ways to prevent falls in the bathroom for the elderly
The risk for falls for the elderly can be higher in the bathroom than in other rooms in the home. After all, it’s here that you find condensation, and slippery tub and shower floors among other things.
Here are some practical ways to prevent falls in the bathroom for the elderly. These suggestions also include questions to ask yourself.
Assessing conditions leading to and into the bathroom
Bathroom area lighting
Good lighting increases visibility. Good lighting could help eyesight recognize dangers such as slippery floors and how to best navigate the bathroom.
At night, provide nightlights
Is the light at the entrance into the bathroom adequate?
During the day time, are there shadows? Think of ways to eliminate these shadows by light placement and brightness.
Analyze the location of lights. Does the function play a big role in their placement? Consider the light’s brightness as it relates to what the elderly can see.
Bathroom floor condition
Place safe, non-skid mats inside the shower/bath tub and just outside the shower/bath tub, by the toilet and by the sink.
Is the flooring material the best material to prevent slips and falls?
Large chain hardware stores and flooring stores sell slip resistant tiles.
Consider having a contractor replace your slippery tiles with these if necessary.
Is the floor clean and free of debris?
How is the air flow in the bathroom?
Are there adequate windows/vents?
How quickly does condensation build up on the floors and if that’s the case, how quickly are the floors wiped dry?
Is the tub/shower free of slippery soap scum?
Durable Medical Equipment
Many elderly fall near the toilet as they transition on or off the toilet seat. Raising the height of toilet seat helps prevent falls. Another helpful tool is a shower chair.
Are there hand rails/grab bars in shower/bath area?
Could your bathroom use a security pole?
How about hand rails/grab bars in the sink area and the toilet area?
A local Durable Medical Equipment supplier in the North County of San Luis Obispo County is Wallace Home Medical Supplies located at 549 Tenth Street in Paso Robles. Telephone 805-238-3935.
Zap clutter
For some folks the bathroom can become a place for storage. Extra storage in the bathroom may include those large pack toilet tissue rolls on sale at the grocery store which you just couldn’t pass up. Or that extra step stool.
Clutter poses a serious tripping hazard. Not to mention that it is an energy sapper, because clutter causes our brain unrest.
There is wisdom in the adage that every item brought into the home has it’s own (storage) home.
Please declutter the bathroom floors and counters and place respective items safely in closets, shelves, cupboard and you eliminate tripping hazards.
Other considerations
Clothing
Ensure that your loved one is wearing safe footwear. Non-skid, flat shoes work well as do non-skid socks.
Some elders may wear house slippers which are frayed or are not sized correctly, thus posing a risk for falling. Is the footwear stable? Does balance come easy with the footwear?
Are the hemlines of their clothes at a safe length or do they pose a tripping hazard?
Improve balance
Here’s a way to provide maintenance of dexterity as well as being pro active on preventing falls.
If they are able to, encourage your elder to stay active physically. One exercise the elderly enjoy if they are able to is walking. Walking improves balance. If they use a walker or a cane, ensure that these are functioning well.
First get clearance by medical professional to regularly walk.
Monitor their effort, and their exertion. Make sure they take adequate breaks. Suggest that they go slowly. Encourage hydration.
Eye sight and hearing affect balance and safety in and around the bathroom.
Has the elder’s eye sight recently declined?
Are the elder’s prescription eye glasses up to date?
Has the elder’s hearing recently declined?
If your elder has hearing aids, are the hearing aids functional and optimized for best hearing?
According to a report by John Hopkins Medicine, hearing loss can be linked to walking problems, and falls.¹
Incontinence
Elders often have to go to bathroom on short notice. Is the pathway from other parts of the home to the bathroom clear and free of clutter or tripping hazards?
Likewise, is the pathway well lit? If incontinence is a challenge could it help for the elder to wear incontinence disposable briefs for convenience and confidence building?
Get help in the home
An in-home (non-medical) caregiver can assist your elderly loved one with standby safety and help with dressing, grooming and other help around the home.
Whenever I have assisted elders with their showers as stand by safety help, and helped in the bathroom with other Activities for Daily Living tasks such as dressing and grooming I gently coach the elderly on what next procedures are. I also point out ways to avoid slips and falls. I’ve personally seen that having a person providing standby safety definitely helps the elderly with gaining confidence with their showers. It all contributes to helping them age in the comfort of their own home.
Source:
¹John Hopkins Medicine (accessed 2024, February 24) The Hidden Risks Of Hearing Loss. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
