Obtaining Peace of Mind

Posted on: 10 August 2015

If you have elderly relatives who are living on their own in their own home or apartment, you may often get worried about their well-being. If they have a bit of difficultly with their mobility, there are a few steps you can take in helping minimize the risk of injury as they move around the home. The bathroom is one area you will want to focus your attention on to keep your loved one safely off the floor. Here are some tips you can use to help make your loved one's bathroom easily accessible and safer overall.

Replace The Bathtub

Instead of having to use a bathtub where you need to lift your legs to get inside, install a tub aimed toward seniors and those with mobility issues. These tubs have a hinged door so there is less risk of falling as your loved one gets inside. There is a bench seat inside so they can rest comfortably, with a removable shower head so there is no reaching up to angle the direction of the water. Place non-skid tape inside the bottom of the tub to help your loved one stay upright.

Add Some Rails

Rails are a necessity in a bathroom for someone with mobility problems. Place rails inside the bathtub area to reduce the chance of slipping when standing up after taking a shower or bath. Place rails outside the tub as well so your loved one can get themselves safely out of the tub without sliding on any moisture that may have accumulated on the floor. Rails should be placed on each side of the toilet so they can lower and raise themselves up without worry of toppling over.

Ditch The Rugs

Do not use area rugs on the flooring in your elderly relative's bathroom unless they have a skid-free backing. Your relative could easily go flying across the room on a rug without grippers on the underside. Make sure the room has adequate lighting so they will be able to see where they are placing their feet as they walk as well.

Hire Some Assistance

Consider having a home health aide service come to check on your elderly loved one. You can have your loved one wait to shower until the assistance arrives. They will also be able to give help in physical therapy, dispensing any medication, or doing light chores around the home. Having someone come to the home each day will be a great benefit to your loved one, and you will have peace of mind knowing someone will be there to check on them. Your loved one will soon grow to enjoy the social time a home health care worker will give them as well.