It’s no surprise that the bathroom is one of the most common rooms in a home where seniors fall. When seniors try to bathe or shower, they may get dizzy, slip, or experience a fall when they reach for something or bend over. If your senior parent doesn’t have personal care at home services and they fall in the shower, they could be alone and injured for a long time before help arrives.
It’s always best to have personal care at home services for your senior parent, even if they can move around pretty well on their own. All seniors can fall in the shower, no matter how mobile they are.
In addition to getting personal care at home to help protect your senior parent against falling in the shower, you can use these tips to help your senior mom or dad shower safely:
Install Grab Bars in the Shower
Grab bars give your senior parent something steady to hold onto as they enter, exit, or move around in the shower. Place them on the walls where they are most likely to reach for support. A bar near the entrance helps with getting in and out, while a bar inside the shower can assist with standing or turning. Make sure these grab bars are properly installed and can hold your mom or dad’s weight.
Install a Shower Chair or Bench
A sturdy shower chair or bench can make showering much safer and easier. Choose one that is designed for wet environments, with non-slip feet to prevent sliding. If you’re worried about using a portable shower bench or chair, talk to a contractor about having a permanent one installed in the shower.
Your parent can sit while they wash, making it easier to reach different areas without risk. This is especially helpful if standing for long periods is difficult or if they feel unsteady. Make sure the seat is the right height so they don’t have to bend too far down.
Use Non-Slip Mats Inside and Outside the Shower
Wet floors can be slippery, both inside and outside the shower. Place a non-slip mat in the shower to reduce slipping. Outside the shower, put a mat with a rubber backing to help with stepping out safely. Ensure these mats stay in place and are cleaned regularly to prevent soap or mildew buildup. Mats made specifically for bathrooms are often the best choice for safety.
Adjust the Water Temperature and Use a Handheld Showerhead
Set the water heater to a safe temperature to prevent scalding. Aim for a maximum of 120°F (49°C). For more flexibility, consider installing a handheld showerhead. This allows your parent to direct the water flow without moving too much. They can sit on a shower chair and control the water easily, reducing the need to reach or twist.
Encourage a Regular Shower Routine with Assistance if Needed
Having a routine can make showering feel safer and less overwhelming. Try to set up a time of day when your parent feels most comfortable and energetic. If your mom or dad has personal care at home services, make sure to schedule their personal care at home provider to come at a time when your mom or dad feels comfortable showering, like early in the morning after they wake up.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Swampscott, MA, please contact the caring staff at Uniting With You Home Care today. Call (781) 593-1682
Uniting With You Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Marblehead, Nahant, Salem, Danvers, Lynn, Saugus, Revere, Beverly, Malden, Peabody, Melrose, Chelsea, East Boston, Middleton, Andover, Lynnfield, Somerville, Swampscott, Everett, Winthrop, all of the North Shore, and Essex County.
Our staff includes nurses (RNs and LPNs), Home Health Aides (HHAs) and Personal Care Attendants (PCAs). We also offer Homemaker/Companion Care and other supportive services, available to our clients 24/7. All staff members are bilingual (English/Spanish). Through continuing education opportunities, we ensure that all staff members employed by Uniting With You Home Care maintain their professional development and exceed industry skill standards.
We recognize that welcoming caregivers and companions into your home requires a high level of trust and confidence. To ensure this trust, all staff members are carefully screened through extensive background checks.
Uniting With You Home Care provides services to clients on the North Shore and Greater Boston area; payment for services is accepted through Medicare or private pay.
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