Bathroom Dangers Mitigated With In Home Care Services

By Author: Kevin Bush
Total Articles: 14
Comment this article

In home care services can help to mitigate what is surprisingly one of the most dangerous rooms in the house for seniors: the bathroom. Maintaining independence is what senior care is all about, but independence at the expense of safety just isn't worth it. Understanding the dangerous presented to seniors in the bathroom and how in home care services can help to alleviate these concerns can create a better lifestyle for your entire family and everyone involved in the care of your much-loved senior family member.The Tub and ShowerThe tub and shower can present serious risks to seniors, even in large bathrooms. Slippery surfaces can lead to dangerous falls on brittle bones, and water temperatures that can sometimes be difficult to control may result in scalds or burns.Additionally, many elderly are injured simply by getting into the tub or shower, which may require a long step-up and step-down, confined spaces and little to grab onto. Standing for long periods of time may be difficult or impossible for some seniors, leading to slips and falls. Other mobility or range of motion issues can be seriously exacerbated by these conditions.Finally, ...
... there is always the risk of drowning during a bath, especially if the person falls asleep or suffers a cardiovascular or neurological event.The ToiletLike the tub and shower, sitting down on and getting up from the toilet can not only be very difficult for some elderly people, it can also cause pain and injury. The low proximity to the floor is hard on older knees, legs and core muscle and ligament groups and can lead to strains, tears and falls that can cause dangerous fractures.Toilets also often sweat and sometimes they leak, creating a slip and fall hazard that could be disastrous.Dryers, Curling Irons and other AccessoriesHair dryers, curling irons, electric and straight razors - there are many things in the bathroom that present some danger even for younger, fully healthy people, so when senility and/or mobility issues are present these dangers can be greatly amplified and result in injuries, electrocution or fire.How In Home Care can HelpIn home care services can help to mitigate the risks of what is usually the most dangerous room in the house by taking the following steps:*Education of fellow caregivers and other family members about the potential for injury in the bathroom and other rooms in the house that are normally considered safe.*Assistance with preparation & adaptation of the bathroom, including installing safety bars around and near the toilet, sinks, tub and shower. Anti-slip surfaces installed in wet locations and on any steps or other difficult-to-navigate surfaces.*Direct in-home senior care services including observation and monitoring, help with mobility issues in the bathroom, help with incontinence issues, help with bathing and grooming and general companionship, among other significant benefits.While it might seem strange to some that care could be required to minimize what are normally simple tasks in the bathroom, the fact of the matter is that for our beloved seniors these things may not be so simple. Give them the help they need while allowing them to preserve their independence - contact a professional provider now for an immediate consultation about how dedicated in home care specialists can help to improve the lifestyle of your senior family members.