Prevent slips and falls in the bathroom

by We Care Home Health Services | 123 days ago | 602 page views
Topics: Health & Wellness

A few simple tips can help you prevent slips and falls in your bathroom.

Many falls happen in the bathroom. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that can be taken to ensure older Canadians are as safe and independent as possible.

Starting with the toilet, We Care Home Health Services registered nurse Sue Kelly recommends investing in a raised toilet seats. Available in models with and without arms, she says the toilets also come in different heights and you should choose the one that gives you a secure feeling “when you’re getting on or off the toilet.”

In the bathtub, Kelly says a grab bar is the best assistive device you can get. “It gives you that security,” she says, and can help prevent falls when you’re getting in or out of the tub. Also available in various heights, she explains you can customize the grab bars to meet your needs.

A second grab bar should also be installed on the other side of the bathtub wall. “It can go on a diagonal…or it can be vertically placed, depending if you like to shower.” But the registered nurse cautions that these grab bars should always be professionally installed for your security.

“A bath chair is wonderful,” Kelly admits. Raising you up so you don’t have to get all the way down into the tub, or back up, these chairs are available with backs, or just as a simple stool.

“And last but not least, you always should have a rubberized bath mat in the bottom of your tub.” Make sure it’s secure to the tub as they can slip, causing you to fall. “And then when you’re getting out of the bathtub your floor mat should have a rubberized back, again to prevent slips and falls.”

Kelly warns that nobody should ever use the soap dish or towel rack as a grab bar to get in or out of the tub. “They’ve been known to give way,” she admits – causing falls.

Providing additional support, We Care’s registered nurses can visit your home and conduct a bathroom assessment to help you develop a plan to make your bathroom environment as safe and functional as possible.

For a complimentary copy of We Care’s independent living guide, highlighting steps like these in and around the home, please call 1-877-853-1195 and visit www.wecare.ca for additional health and safety tips.

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