Bathroom Safety Tips for Elders: Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe

Author

Brightstar Care of MSC

Posted on

Aug 23, 2024

share-this
Share This

Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous rooms in the house regardless of age. Each year, about 234,000 Americans experience bathroom-related injuries, and about 14% result in hospitalization, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over 80% of injuries sustained in the bathroom were caused by falls.

Because mobility and balance can deteriorate with age, bathroom safety is a critical concern for older adults. Among those who had bathroom-related injuries, the CDC says the injury severity and hospitalization rates were significantly higher in ages 65 and older and highest for those age 85 and older. Most of the injuries involved slipping and falling before, during and after bathing or showering and when standing up or sitting down on the toilet. Most of these injuries are preventable if you know how to make your bathroom safer.

Strategies for Fall Prevention

Millions of people 65 and older experience a fall each year, according to the CDC. It’s estimated that only half tell their doctor, so it can be hard to know exactly how many, but around 3 million older adults are treated in emergency rooms for falls annually.

Among these falls, bathrooms (along with bedrooms and stairways) are where elderly adults are most likely to fall and suffer an injury.

You can dramatically lower the chances of a fall by making just a few changes in the bathroom. Consider these fall-prevention safety tips exclusively for bathing areas:

  • Add no-slip strips to the bathtub and shower floor. They provide better traction than rubber mats.
  • Use rubber-backed bath mats outside the shower.
  • Mount grab bars both inside and outside of tubs and showers and near the toilet.
  • Install a shower chair or bench.
  • Place soap, shampoo and other items on waterproof shelves at spots that can be reached in the bathtub or shower without overreaching.
  • Install a walk-in shower with a bench and grab bars.
  • Install a handheld shower nozzle to enable self-cleaning while seated.
  • Replace any glass with non-shattering material.

Bathtubs and showers aren’t the only causes of bathroom falls. Ensure floors are always dry and use matte flooring finishes to enhance traction and visibility. You may also consider installing a taller toilet or a raised toilet seat with arms and encourage loved ones to urinate while sitting down and get up slowly afterward.

Tips to Prevent Accidental Scalding

Decreased sensitivity to temperature can mean the elderly are at a higher risk for accidental scalding. Here are some water temperature safety tips:

  • Check the settings on water heaters. Set the temperature on your water heater to 120°F to prevent burns. Installing a no-scald faucet adds an additional layer of protection.
  • Consider using a single-lever faucet in the sink and shower to easily mix hot and cold water.

What to Know About Electrical Safety

Bathrooms can put your loved ones at risk for electrical shock because of the potential for electricity to come into contact with water. This can land your loved one in the hospital — or worse. Consider taking these precautions:

  • Install GFCI on All Outlets: Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to protect against shocks, electrocution, burns and fires. They constantly monitor the current in your house and automatically and instantly shut off power to an outlet if a disruption is detected.
  • Cover Light Fixtures, Sockets, Outlets and Junction Boxes: Any time electrical receptors are exposed to water or steam, it can create the just-right environment for electric shocks or electrocution. Plus, any time electrical wires are left uncovered, they are at risk of being damaged or touched, even if accidentally.
  • Appliances Can Be a Hazard: Outlets and lights likely aren’t the only electrical items in your bathroom. Use caution with anything in the bathroom that you plug in, such as a hair dryer or electric razor. Here are some general bathroom appliance safety rules:
  • Before using a hair dryer, ensure your hands are completely dry. Wet hands increase the risk of electric shock.
  • Never use a hair dryer near water, such as a full sink or bathtub. Keep it away from the edge of the sink or countertop.
  • Use curling and flat irons that have automatic shut-offs.
  • Check cords and plugs regularly. If you notice frayed wires or exposed parts, discard the appliance.
  • Unplug after use and store in a dry place.
  • Never reach into water to get a fallen appliance unless the appliance is unplugged and uncharged and you’re wearing protective gear.
  • Update and check electrical systems regularly. Especially if you or your loved one live in an older home, consider having a licensed electrician inspect your system.

Other Bathroom Safety Concerns

Bathrooms include a number of other safety threats to watch out for:

  • Carbon Monoxide: If you use a gas water heater, you need a venting system to remove the exhaust gasses, including carbon monoxide (CO). The gas, which you cannot see or smell, can build up in closed spaces. CO poisoning can be fatal. Consider adding a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
  • Drowning: Seniors with mobility or cognitive impairment may be at risk of drowning in the bathroom. Consider staying in the room while your loved one bathes to ensure their safety.
  • Medication Storage: Despite the fact that many bathrooms have a medicine cabinet, you shouldn’t store medicine in the bathroom. The environment is too moist and can decrease the effectiveness of some medicines. Store them in cool, dry areas outside the bathroom and kitchen.
  • Sharp Items: Use safe storage solutions for razors, scissors and other sharp tools.
  • Lighting: Improve lighting to brighter rooms that are easier to navigate. That includes the bathroom. Use brighter bulbs in fixtures—as long as they don’t exceed maximum wattage. Leave a light on in the bathroom at night or use a nightlight.
  • Emergency Alerts: Consider using an emergency response system or device that allows seniors to call for help in case they need immediate assistance. This is particularly important if your loved one lives alone or with another elderly relative.

Meet Their Specific Needs with Thoughtful Caregiving

Ensuring bathroom safety is crucial and can be straightforward once you’re aware of the basic dangers. But even as you run down a printable bathroom safety checklist, keep in mind what features your elderly loved one would most benefit from. A wheelchair user may have different needs than someone recovering from surgery. You don’t have to make every recommended change — just make sure your loved one has what they need to stay safe.

BrightStar Care in-home nurses and caregivers are well-versed in bathroom safety. They know what to watch for and how to avoid it. Whether you're looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.

Other Articles You May Like

Will Selling Their Home Cost You a Client?

Every independent living, assisted living, and memory care community has experienced it.A prospective resident and their family tour your community. They love the apartment. They are emotionally ready to make the move.Then comes the sentence that changes everything:"We have to sell the house first."Suddenly, what seemed like a straightforward move becomes filled with uncertainty.How long will it take to sell?How much will they actually receive?Will the buyer's financing fall through?Will repairs be required?Will inspections uncover expensive issues?Will the move be delayed for months?Unfortunately, these unknowns often result in families postponing their decision. Some decide to "wait until next year." Others choose another community with different availability. Sometimes a health event forces an emergency move that could have been avoided with better planning.In many cases, everyone loses.The family experiences unnecessary stress.The senior delays the next chapter of their life.And your community may lose a future resident.The Home Is Often the Biggest ObstacleFor many seniors, the home represents decades of memoriesbut it is also the largest financial asset they own.Many families simply cannot commit to a move until they know:When the home will sellHow much they will receiveWhether repairs will be necessaryWhen they will have access to the proceedsWithout those answers, planning becomes difficult.That's where we help.Did You Know?Many prospective residents delay moving into an independent living or assisted living community simply because they are uncertain about selling their home.In many cases, one conversation with an experienced real estate professional can eliminate that uncertainty and give families the confidence to move forward.One call gives families two professional options:A fast, guaranteed cash offer through Sarasota Cash Home BuyersA traditional MLS listing through Jeff Nemeth Real EstateThere is no obligation and no pressure - just honest guidance to help families choose the solution that best fits their goals, timeline, and financial needs.One Contact. Two Professional Solutions.Unlike most companies, we can provide both of the primary options available to homeowners.Our goal isn't to convince someone to choose one path over the other.Our goal is to help families choose the solution that best fits their situation.Solution One: Sarasota Cash Home BuyersSome families need certainty.Perhaps Mom needs to move within a few weeks.Perhaps Dad has already moved into assisted living.Perhaps the family lives out of state.Perhaps the home needs extensive repairs.Perhaps maintaining the property has become overwhelming.A direct cash purchase often removes nearly every obstacle.Benefits include:Sell completely as-isNo repairsNo cleaningNo paintingNo stagingNo open housesNo repeated showingsNo financing contingenciesNo appraisal concernsNo commissionsNo waiting for a buyer to qualify for financingChoose the closing date that works with the move-in scheduleGreater certainty throughout the entire processInstead of wondering whether the house will sell, families know exactly when the transaction will close.That certainty often makes scheduling a move into your community much easier.Solution Two: Jeff Nemeth Real EstateSometimes, selling through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the better option.Every family's goals are different.If maximizing the sale price is the highest priority and the family has flexibility with timing, a traditional listing may produce the best overall outcome.With nearly two decades as a licensed Realtor and hundreds of successful real estate transactions, Jeff Nemeth helps families understand the advantages and trade-offs of listing their home traditionally.Our philosophy is simple:Recommend what's best for the clientnot what's best for us.That means families receive honest advice about both options before making any decisions.Why This Matters to Senior Living CommunitiesWhen a family delays selling a home, the move into your community is often delayed as well.Those delays can affect:OccupancyMove-in timelinesApartment availabilitySales forecastingFamily confidenceResident planningHaving a trusted housing resource available early in the conversation can eliminate many of these roadblocks before they become major problems.Even if a family ultimately chooses to list the property rather than accept a cash offer, they now have a clear roadmap and realistic expectations.Knowledge reduces uncertainty.And reduced uncertainty helps families move forward.We Become Part of Your TeamWe regularly work alongside:Independent Living communitiesAssisted Living communitiesMemory Care communitiesContinuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)Senior placement agenciesSenior move managersEstate planning attorneysElder law attorneysProbate attorneysTrust officersFinancial advisorsGuardiansHome health agenciesHospice providersProfessional organizersSenior relocation companiesOur role is simple:Help families solve the housing piece of the transition.When that obstacle is removed, everyone benefits.One Contact. Two Solutions.Sarasota Cash Home BuyersJeff Nemeth Real EstateImmediate cash offerTraditional MLS listingSell completely as-isProfessional marketingNo repairsMaximum market exposureNo showingsBuyer competitionNo financing contingenciesGuidance throughout the selling processFlexible closing dateMarket-based pricing strategyFast, predictable closingIdeal for families with more flexibilityThere is no "one-size-fits-all" solution.Every family deserves to understand both options before making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.Why Families Appreciate Working With UsFamilies often tell us that what they value most isn't simply buying or selling a home.It's having someone who explains every option without pressure.We believe education comes before transactions.Sometimes the best recommendation is a cash sale.Sometimes it's listing on the open market.Sometimes it's waiting.Our responsibility is to help families make an informed decision based on their financial goals, timeline, and personal circumstances.Helping Seniors Move ForwardMoving into a senior living community is a major life transition.The process should feel supportednot overwhelming.If one of your prospective residents needs to sell a home before they can move, we'd be happy to provide a complimentary consultation, explain every available option, and help the family determine the best path forward.There is no obligation.No high-pressure sales presentation.Just experienced guidance from professionals who understand both the real estate market and the unique challenges families face during senior transitions.One conversation today could be the difference between a delayed move and a successful move-in.At Sarasota Cash Home Buyers and Jeff Nemeth Real Estate, we're committed to helping seniors, their families, and senior living professionals remove one of the biggest obstacles to a successful transition - selling the home with confidence.Together, we can help more seniors move forward with certainty.Contact Jeff Nemeth at 941-202-6957 for more information.    

When to Pay Attention to Hip Pain

Living with hip pain can be frustrating, limiting your movement and affecting your overall quality of life. If hip discomfort is interfering with your daily activities, your primary care provider can help determine the cause and guide you toward the right treatment.Signs Your Hips Need AttentionSymptoms of hip deterioration that patients might first notice are a loss of motion, such as bending over to tie shoes. Another indication of hip injury is a sharp pain in the groin area. The first step to healing is scheduling a thorough exam with an orthopedic specialist specializing in hip repair.You don't have to be older to experience hip or joint pain. These issues can affect anyone, including active adults and athletes. At AdventHealth, our expert specialists use physical exams and diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, to better understand the cause of your discomfort and recommend the treatment options that best fit your unique needs and lifestyle.Will I Need Surgery, or Are Other Treatments Available?Only your doctor can determine if surgery is a good option for you, and they might offer other treatments to alleviate pain, such as cortisone injections. Its important to note that hip replacement surgery is completely your choice. Some treatments dont require surgery, like anti-inflammatory medications.Depending on the severity of your condition, there may be lifestyle changes you can incorporate to alleviate your pain, such as a weight-loss program or low-impact exercises.Another option for some patients is physical therapy. Sometimes, our muscles and joints get unaligned, and it takes the help of a trusted physical therapist to help you walk pain-free. They may also recommend heat therapy, which increases blood flow to the applied area and improves flexibility.Who Needs Hip Replacement Surgery?The good news about hip replacement surgery is that its very common. There are roughly 350,000 hip replacements in the U.S. every year. Patients are often good candidates for hip replacement surgery if they have:Benign tumorsContinued chronic pain even while sitting or asleepExhausted all other forms of treatmentHip dysplasiaMaintained an active lifestyleRheumatoid arthritisTotal hip replacement surgery does come with some risks and should be taken into consideration. Hip replacement is better tolerated than other joint replacements, and they can last a lifetime with appropriate care. Its important that you speak with your doctor to know if surgery is the best option for you.What Should I Expect Before and After Surgery?Your care team will start by performing a physical exam, including some tests before your surgery. They note all your symptoms and check your pain level and range of motion.Once your medical team recommends surgery as an effective option for treating your chronic hip pain, your primary care provider or orthopedic specialist will work with you to ensure that hip replacement surgery is safe.The surgery typically lasts one to two hours, with an additional two hours for prep and recovery in the operating room. During hip surgery, doctors may use the direct anterior approach, which is muscle-sparing with smaller incisions, ultimately leading to a faster and easier recovery. This surgery can be life-changing for patients who have lost mobility to injury or arthritis.Hip surgeries are typically outpatient procedures, allowing you to go home that same day. In some cases, you may need to stay overnight for your care team to examine the results.Hip replacement surgery is extremely effective at restoring your mobility and helping you get back to the life you love. Trust our leading orthopedic experts at AdventHealth to be there for you with a compassionate spirit and pioneering surgery options dedicated to getting you back on your feet.Will I Need Physical Therapy After Surgery?Physical therapy after surgery is essential to recovery. In just four to eight weeks, with physical therapy, you can be back on your feet with considerably less pain. The normal healing process takes about 16 to 20 weeks, as soft tissue takes longer to heal. As for scarring, the incision is only as big as it needs to be. Special care and concern are taken to minimize scarring related to the procedure.Live Pain-Free AgainOur hip replacement surgery experts are here to help you get moving through life comfortably again. To learn more about our orthopedic care services or to schedule an appointment today, visit AdventHealthPortCharlotte.com.  

Understanding the Different Types of ERs

At times, it can feel easy to navigate our physical health. But sometimes, we can feel like we don't know where to turn. Whether youve been injured while seeking adventure or experienced an illness with severe symptoms, youve likely wondered where you should go. Knowing where to seek emergency medical attention can make all the difference in getting proper care.Did you know that there are different types of ERs? Onsite ERs are those connected to a hospital. Offsite, or freestanding ERs, stand independently and operate from an isolated location.While both ERs provide emergency care, there are some differences between them. Keep reading to learn the differences and benefits. While we hope youll never have to go to the ER, its good to be prepared should the need arise.What is an Onsite ER?An onsite ER, or a hospital-based ER, is an emergency room department staffed by medical professionals trained to care for life-threatening conditions. These ERs are physically connected to a hospital location and offer leading-edge technologies and treatments. If you have an emergency requiring surgery or extensive intervention, full-service, onsite emergency rooms are where you should go.Onsite emergency rooms offer access to specialists and advanced imaging, like MRIs, and can provide the expertise and support required to treat patients at high and ICU levels of care.Onsite ERs are also more traditional and widely known, and many patients tend to visit their local onsite ER for most emergencies. However, know that our hospital-based ERs follow a prioritization process with our patients known as triage. This process prioritizes patients who face life-threatening or critical conditions. Sometimes, patients who arrive after you in the ER may get treatment before you to ensure they get the immediate, specialized care they need.What Is an Offsite or Freestanding ER?When you think of an emergency room, you might immediately picture a hospital. However, our freestanding ERs, also referred to as mini ERs, are structurally separate from our hospitals as standalone buildings. Theyre designed to offer the same expert care as our hospital-based emergency rooms, but with added benefits like pediatric emergency care, locations closer to home, convenient parking and shorter wait times. When the unexpected happens, our freestanding ERs are ready to serve you and your family at a moments notice.Although our freestanding emergency rooms arent physically connected to our hospitals, theyre connected to our AdventHealth network. Their services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates. Be comforted knowing youll receive the same high-quality care you need.Benefits of Freestanding ERsWe understand that seamless and coordinated care matters in an emergency. Thats why each of our facilities is equipped with state-of-the-art [HT1] technology to give our patients quick and accurate treatment and answers on their paths to recovery. Our freestanding ERs enhance our ability to provide lifesaving care quickly and efficiently by aspiring to provide shorter wait times than traditional ERs in a hospital setting. This allows us to meet the growing health care needs of our communities.Our freestanding emergency rooms are open 24/7 and are staffed with expert teams of emergency physicians and highly trained providers who compassionately and effectively treat your medical needs. Were delighted to have board-certified ER physicians, critical care nurses, chest pain experts and stroke specialists staffed at our facilities to meet your needs while keeping your whole health in mind.When you need emergency care for your little ones, you can trust theyll be in great hands with us. Each of our freestanding ERs is backed by the nationally recognized AdventHealth for Children. We take the extra steps to ease the stress of an ER visit and ease your mind as a parent or guardian. We offer dedicated pediatric rooms designed to be extra comforting for kids.Your Ever-Present Health PartnerWe know you may feel shaken and uncertain when an emergency arises, but were here to provide solid support. Our state-of-the-art onsite and freestanding emergency rooms provide comprehensive and accurate results, giving you access to advanced care in a safe environment with the compassionate approach you deserve.To learn more about our emergency room care, or find a location near you, visit TheERExperts.com. 

Local Services By This Author

BrightStar Care of Venice

Non-Medical 425 Commercial Court, Venice, Florida, 34292

Dedicated In-Home Care by BrightStar Care of Venice and Port CharlotteBrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte is dedicated to providing the best in-home care for you or a loved one. We are a Nurse Owned and Family Operated Private Duty Home Care Agency, offering a range of services to meet your needs:Companion Services: Meal preparation, transportation, light housekeepingPersonal Care: Bathing, dressing, transfersSkilled Care: Assessments, medication management, med box fillsMedical Staffing: Providing professional healthcare staff for various needsBrightStar Care is Joint Commission Accredited and has been recognized as a Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice, and Employer of Choice from 2016 to 2020 by Home Care Pulse. All our caregivers are background checked, drug tested, bonded, and insured.We are available 24/7 and just a phone call away, ready to provide reliable and compassionate care whenever you need it.

BrightStar Care of Osprey / Nokomis / Palmer Ranch

Non-Medical 674 South Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, Florida, 34275

BrightStar Care of Osprey / Nokomis / Palmer Ranch is dedicated to providing the best in-home care for you or a loved one. We are a Nurse Owned and Family Operated Private Duty Home Care Agency offering Companion Services (meal prep, transportation, light housekeeping), Personal Care (bathing, dressing, transfers), and Skilled Care (assessments, medication management, med box fills). We also provide Medical Staffing. BrightStar Care is Joint Commission Accredited and Awarded Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice 2016 - 2020 by Home Care Pulse. All caregivers are background checked, drug tested, bonded and insured. We are available 24/7...Just a phone call away!

BrightStar Care of Port Charlotte

Home Health 1777 Tamiami Trail #408, Port Charlotte, Florida, 33948

BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte is dedicated to providing the best in-home care for you or a loved one. We are a Nurse Owned and Family Operated Private Duty Home Care Agency offering Companion Services (meal prep, transportation, light housekeeping), Personal Care (bathing, dressing, transfers), and Skilled Care (assessments, medication management, med box fills). We also provide Medical Staffing. BrightStar Care is Joint Commission Accredited and Awarded Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice 2016 - 2020 by Home Care Pulse. All caregivers are background checked, drug tested, bonded and insured. We are available 24/7...Just a phone call away!