Reducing the Risk of Falls In the Bathroom
Most falls occur in the home and the bathroom is one of the main areas where falls occur. It can also be one of the most dangerous because much of the bathroom environment is hard and unyielding, making even a simple fall more likely to end up in a serious injury such as a broken bone or deep muscle bruise.
Four Biggest Culprits Leading to Bathroom Falls
Bathrooms have some unique elements that make them more dangerous than other rooms of the home when it comes to creating an environment that may increase the risk of your elderly loved one taking a tumble.
- Water. Water creates a slick environment, making it more difficult to get a good grasp on something or find firm footing. A wet floor can easily cause a foot to slip out from under your loved one. Dropping something in the shower and then trying to bend over and reach it can cause water to get in your loved one’s eyes, making it difficult for him to see. Hot water can also create steam on every surface of the bathroom, making even a toilet seat slick and leading to a fall as your loved one tries to use it.
- Urgency. Just about everyone has had to rush to the bathroom for an urgent need at some point. Rushing to the bathroom to use the facilities can cause your loved one to be less careful in watching where their feet are landing and lead to tripping over something.
- Lighting. Those who have middle-of-the-night bathroom visits often have to decide between being blinded by turning on the light or using the facilities in the dark to protect their eyes. Both can prevent your loved one from seeing tripping hazards.
- Bathroom Rugs. Since bathrooms need tile flooring due to the moisture, but that is often cold and slippery on bare feet so most people add a bathroom rug or mat to stand on once exiting the tub or standing in front of the mirror. Those mats can easily have upturned corners or not lay flat, increasing the risk of tripping over them.
Reducing the Risks of Falling for Your Loved One
There are two main areas to make changes to when trying to reduce the risk of falling for your loved one. The first involves making changes to the environment and the second involves setting up safety features for their personal care at home.
Reducing the amount of water spills in the bathroom is key to protecting your loved one from slipping on a wet surface. Proper clean-up after a bath or shower as well as wiping down counters can help.
To help with those middle-of-the-night bathroom visits, install a night light that offers just enough light when the overhead lights are off, making sure your loved one can see without blinding them.
When your loved one has mobility or balance issues that can increase her risk of falling, adding safety practices as well as installing supportive devices in the bathroom can help. A personal care at home provider can be hired to help your loved one when they need assistance with showering or bathing. Personal care at home providers will oversee bath time, lending a hand when needed and protecting your loved one from injury by falling when bathing.