For seniors living alone showering can be a scary activity. If your senior parent has been avoiding showering lately, they could be nervous about falling while in the shower. Most of the falls that happen to seniors who are living alone happen in the bathroom or the kitchen, so seniors should be careful when they are showering.
But there are ways to help your senior parent shower safely. Personal care at home is a type of home care for seniors that is focused on hygiene care and showering, as well as helping seniors get dressed and transfer in and out of bed safely.
Personal care at home means that your senior parent will have a kind, experienced, and compassionate care provider with them to help shower, brush their teeth, use the bathroom, and do other hygiene tasks safely. It’s recommended that seniors who are nervous about falling or who have experienced a fall in the past have personal care at home.
In addition to getting personal care at home, these things may also help your senior parent stay safe while they are showering:
Install Grab Bars
Grab bars are one of the best ways to prevent falls in the shower. Unlike towel racks, which are not designed to support weight, grab bars provide a strong, steady grip.
They should be installed near the entrance of the shower, as well as inside, so your parent can hold onto them while stepping in, standing, or sitting. Look for bars that are securely mounted to the wall and made of non-slip material.
Use a Shower Chair
A shower chair allows your parent to sit while bathing, reducing the risk of slipping. This is especially helpful if they have trouble standing for long periods or have balance issues.
Choose a sturdy, waterproof chair with rubber feet to prevent sliding. Some models also have armrests and back support for extra comfort. With a shower chair, your senior parent can wash safely without feeling unsteady.
Add a Handheld Showerhead
A handheld showerhead makes bathing easier and safer. Instead of turning and reaching for water, your parent can hold the showerhead and direct the water where they need it. This is especially useful if they are sitting on a shower chair. Look for a model with an easy-to-use on/off switch and a long hose to reach all areas of the body without excessive movement.
Use Non-Slip Mats and Strips
Slippery surfaces are one of the biggest dangers in a bathroom. To prevent falls, place a non-slip bath mat just outside the shower to absorb water. Inside the shower, use non-slip strips or mats to provide extra grip. These simple additions reduce the risk of slipping when stepping in and out of the shower. Make sure the mats have a strong suction grip to stay in place.
Improve Lighting and Accessibility
Good lighting is important to help your parent see clearly in the bathroom, especially if they have vision problems. Install bright, energy-efficient lights to reduce shadows and glare.
Consider adding a motion-activated nightlight for safety during nighttime bathroom trips. Also, make sure the shower area is easy to enter and exit. If there is a high step or ledge, a walk-in shower or a low-threshold entry may be a good option to prevent tripping.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Redding, CT, please contact the caring staff at Elderly Caregivers LLC. today at (203) 628-7438
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