04/20/2023
Aging often comes with new mobility challenges, and the risk of a serious fall increases for adults over 65. The CDC lists the bathroom as the most dangerous place in the home for seniors, and 81% of all injuries in the bathroom are due to falls.
Caregivers and family members can help the seniors in their lives remain independent with some simple bathroom additions. Below are our picks for the top ten products to add to improve bathroom safety for seniors.
1. Raised Toilet Seat
Raised toilet seats allow adults to sit down and get up more easily from the toilet and reduce the chance of a fall. Get extra comfort and security with a padded, locking model of a raised toilet seat.
Try the Cardinal Health Raised Toilet Seat with Lock and Padded Arms which requires no tools to install and locks securely to most standard and elongated toilets.
2. Anti-slip Bathtub Mat
Tripping in the bathtub or shower can be extremely dangerous for seniors with limited mobility. Look for mats made of antimicrobial materials that protect against bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Try the Momentum Bath Mat, which has built-in textured foot scrubbing zones for a soothing, exfoliating foot massage while you bathe or shower.
3. LED Night Light
Get more independence for nighttime bathroom trips with a long-lasting LED night light. Night lights with automatic sensors will only turn on when low light or darkness is detected, saving energy. Consider buying several night lights to illuminate a path to the bathroom to reduce falls.
4. Bath Transfer Bench
Make getting in and out of the tub with limited mobility stress-free with an adjustable transfer bench for your bathroom. Look for models with a backrest for added security and get extra comfort with a padded seat.
Try the Maddak Sliding Rotating Transfer Bench for the extra convenience of a swiveling seat plus no-tools-required assembly and quick change adjustability.
5. Grab Bar
Install grab bars throughout the bathroom for easy accessibility. Many seniors find it convenient to have a grab bar near the toilet, on the wall outside the shower or tub, and inside the shower or tub. Make sure to follow mounting instructions carefully and consider adding anti-slip tape to the handle for extra grip.
Try the drive Chrome Knurled Grab Bar with an engraved diamond-shaped pattern for better grip, even with wet hands.
6. Toilet Safety Frame
A toilet safety frame is a great idea for anyone with trouble sitting on and standing up from the toilet. Find a frame that can support at least 300lbs for extra stability.
Try the McKesson Toilet Safety Rail with padded armrests for extra comfort and adjustable height and width.
7. Handheld Showerhead
Switching to a handheld showerhead can provide safety, convenience, and a little extra tranquility during shower time, especially when using a shower chair to bathe. Look for simple models with easy-to-adjust spray options.
Try the McKesson Deluxe Hand-Held Showerheadwith three spray options and an extra long 84-inch hose for greater maneuverability.
8. Handled Lotion Applicator
Mobility issues can make it difficult to apply lotions or topical medications, and moving around to try and get a hard-to-reach spot can cause a fall or injury. Get an extendable, handled lotion applicator to make applying lotions or medications easier!
Try the Maddak Lotion Applicator with a replaceable sponge head, ribbed handle, and angled thumb rest for maximum grip.
9. Personal Wiping Aid
It can be stressful and emotionally challenging when physical limits make cleaning up after using the bathroom more difficult. A personal wiping aid can help the user stay more independent when it becomes more difficult to wipe effectively.
Try the Long Reach Comfort Wipe Toileting Aid, which features a soft, flexible head and an easy-to-use release button to dispose of toilet paper or wipe in a quick and sanitary way.
10. Waterproof Medical Alert Device
Even a bathroom with all imaginable safety features can’t prevent 100% of accidents. If falling is a major concern, consider getting a waterproof medical alert device. There are many different waterproof med-alert devices made specifically to be worn in the bath or shower. You can find models available from discreet wristbands or necklaces to wall-mounted emergency buttons or all of the above.
Improve safety and remain more independent with bathroom safety features.
Declining mobility can leave seniors feeling like they are losing their independence. The good news is that there are many products on the market to help make life easier. Many bathroom safety products are even FSA and HSA eligible, and some are covered by certain Medicare plans or private health insurance.
Ask Rivers s.a.s-Shower Aide Services about what safety items you may need in your loved one’s home ❤️‼️