bathroom for elders

How to Fall-Proof a Bathroom for Seniors

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places for seniors. Tiled floors and loose electrical appliances increase the chances of a fall in one of the most used rooms in the home. Fall-proofing a bathroom takes a little bit of thought and time, but will help reduce the chances of a dangerous accident that could leave an elderly person bedridden or needing additional care for a long time.

Things You'll Need

• Non-skid mats and strips
• Grab bars
• Stud finder

Instructions

1. • 1

     Look at the bathroom with a critical eye. Are floors bare and tiled? Can puddles from the shower or bathtub accumulate and cause a fall hazard? Are electrical cords trailing down past counter spaces or across the floor from electrical sockets to countertops? Is the bathroom cluttered with too many objects, which may make navigation difficult? Factor in vision problems and mobility difficulties when assessing such hazards.

   • 2

     Install nonskid floor mats in the bathroom, especially in front of the tub or shower and the toilet. Place nonskid stickers on the shower floor or along the bottom of the tub. Make sure bathroom rugs in front of counters or toilets won't slip, even when wet. If the floor always gets wet after a shower or bath, find out why. If necessary, purchase a heavier shower curtain or caulk the sides of the tub or shower space to reduce chances of water buildup.

   • 3

     Install grab bars near the bathtub to facilitate ease of getting in and out of the tub. Place a grab bar inside the tub or shower to help with balance or for added security. Install a grab bar near the toilet area to help with sitting on or rising from a toilet. Make sure such bars are installed properly, according to package directions. Use a stud finder to find the wall studs and anchor these bars or they may pull out of the wall when weight is placed on them.

   • 4

     Remove unnecessary appliances from the bathroom when not in use. For example, store floor heaters during warmer months, and put accessories in cabinets to reduce the chance of someone tripping over dangling cords.

   • 5

     Install hooks or racks for towel and clothing storage. Again, find the studs in the wall for added security. Don't leave clothes, towels or other objects lying around on the floor. Install a bench or chair to help with dressing and undressing.

Tips & Warnings

• Reanalyze the bathroom regularly to make sure you've optimized safety. Adjust for changing physical conditions of elders and do what you can to reduce fall risks.

• Broken bones in seniors often lead to permanent injury and hospitalization. Do your part to prevent accidents in the bathroom.
  

http://www.ehow.com/how_4696350_fallproof-bathroom-seniors.html