The bathroom is notorious for its wet and slippery surfaces. Of course, we can all do our parts to keep our bathrooms as slip-free as possible. For example, keep the floors dry and remove tripping hazards. Rugs and mats that bunch up should be kept out of the bathroom. Unless they are affixed to the floor with non-slip padding, they can cause people to take tumbles. Of course, this is a particular concern for seniors who are unsteady on their feet.
Have a balance disorder is just one of the many medical concerns that may cause accidents in the bathroom. Let’s examine some of the issues that can make the bathroom a dangerous place for seniors.
Reduced mobility.
This should come as no surprise. Older adults who experience mobility issues will have harder times navigating bathroom safety. Conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and general muscle weakness increase the risk of slips and falls. “Muscle weakness, especially in the legs, can increase the risk of falling,” affirms Occupational Therapy (OT) and Me, “This could be a result of arthritis, nerve damage, or muscle loss.”
Installing grab bars and non-slip mats can help seniors maintain their balance. “Hazards in the home, such as loose rugs, cluttered floors, or inadequate lighting, can increase the risk of falling,” adds the OT and Me website, “It is critical to eliminate these hazards and make the home as safe as possible.”
Vision impairment.
Also no surprise is the fact that the older we get, the harder it is to maintain perfect vision. Age-related vision changes, such as cataracts or macular degeneration, can affect a senior’s ability to see clearly. Naturally, this can increase the risk of accidents in the bathroom. It’s of vital important that your bathroom is well-lit. Make sure all bulbs are functional and add some more lighting, if necessary.
“Poor lighting makes obstacles difficult to see and increases the risk of falling,” affirms OT and Me, “Lighting is essential in all areas of the home, including hallways, stairs, and bathrooms.” Seniors are reminded to always wear their prescription eyewear too.
Medication side effects.
Of course, it is quite common for seniors to take prescription medications to ease the symptoms presented by their ailments. However, it is just as common for those drugs to have pretty serious side effects. Some medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness or other issues that can increase the risk of accidents in the bathroom. It’s super important to be aware of the potential side effects of medications and take precautions.
Always Best Care Senior Services offers up a list of 9 medications that increase fall risk. They are Benzodiazepines; Non-benzodiazepine Prescription Sedatives; Antipsychotics; Anticonvulsants; Opioid Analgesics; Anticholinergics; Antihypertensives; Antidiabetic Drugs; and Antidepressants.
At LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we offer a wide variety of home bathroom modifications. They include oversized light switches, roll in showers, bath lift chairs, transfer benches, walk in tubs, night lights, grab bars, raised support toilet seats and shower chairs. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
