Each year throughout the United States millions of adults over the age of 64 fall, and many end up needing to seek emergency medical attention to handle the injuries that can occur as a result of these falls. A large percentage of the falls that occur within the home happen in the bathroom. This is by merit of the environment of the bathroom itself as well as the activities that are performed there. As a caregiver it is important that you help your parent to reduce their fall risk in this room, as well as the rest of the home, so that they can avoid the potentially catastrophic injuries that can result and can continue to maintain the active, independent, and fulfilling lifestyle that they desire and deserve throughout their later years.
Use these tips to help reduce fall risk for your senior in their bathroom:
- Have a shower mat. While most contemporary baths and showers have some texturing on their bottom, this might not be enough to help prevent all slips, and those that don’t have this feature can be extremely slick. Add a shower mat or adhesive texture stickers to the bottom of the tub to provide extra traction and reduce slips. If you do not have access to one of these, putting a towel on the bottom and allowing it to soak before your parent steps in can also help.
- Install grab bars. Having appropriate grab bars will help them maintain their balance and mobility as they move through the space and perform potentially challenging maneuvers. Position these bars in the shower or tub, along the walls, and on either side of the toilet for extra support.
- Consider a textured floor. While smooth, slick tile is easier to clean, it can also become a serious slipping hazard when damp or if any type of body product gets onto it. If your parent is having a particularly difficult time walking through their bathroom, consider changing out their flooring for textured tile that has more grip and will help your parent maintain better balance.
Starting elderly care for your aging parent can be a fantastic way to help keep them safer and healthier throughout their later years. An elderly home care services provider can be with your senior loved one on a schedule that is right for them. This is not just about addressing their needs and limitations, but also giving them the support, care, and assistance that they need to help them to achieve and maintain a higher level of independence, activity, and fulfilment as they age in place. When it comes to helping them to stay safer, this care provider can give your parent physical support and assistance to help them stay mobile and to handle personal care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or toileting. They can also help your love one with tasks throughout their home and in their daily life that might challenge their physical abilities, such as helping them keep their home neat and tidy, or going to the grocery store with them to help pick up and carry purchases. As a family caregiver this can help you to have peace of mind knowing that your senior can maintain an active, engaged, and fulfilling lifestyle while staying safer, healthier, and more comfortable. Particularly when it comes to the bathroom, having an elderly care provider in the home with your senior can also help to reduce stress by enabling you to rely on this care provider to handle tasks that might be outside of your comfort zone or that your parent might prefer that you not handle. This ensures that those tasks are handled properly, while reducing stress and keeping your parent’s emotional health and dignity intact.
If you or a family member are in need of elderly care in Tamarac, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
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