Water provides us with life. Needless to say, we all require it for hydration. Our crops wouldn’t grow without it. As well, it’s our source of staying clean. It’s not like we need to go on and on about the necessity that is water. It’s clear (see what we did there?). It is, however, necessary to point out that water can be dangerous.
Water damage can destroy our belongings. It can create slippery surfaces that cause slips and falls. Not to mention, water is obviously a drowning hazard. For older adults, it is particularly important to practice water safety. We’re talking about the type of safety measures that will keep them safe while using water in the home as part of their daily routines.
Adjust your home’s water temperature.
Bathing is a normal part of everyday life. However, it’s important to know that older adults are more susceptible to burns from hot water. Seniors have both thinner skin and slower reaction times to coming into contact with extreme temperatures. To play it safe, an elderly person’s bath water should range between 38 to 43 degrees Celcius. This temperature is hot enough for a comfortable bath, but will significantly reduce the risk of scalding and burns.
It’s also advisable for seniors to not hold on to a hot water tap. Some may consider doing so for the purpose of maintaining balance. However, older adults could accidentally increase the water temperature by turning the tap during a slip. Another wise safety measure would be to keep the water heater temperature in your home below 49 degrees Celcius.
Clean up all water spills right away.
It’s important to not underestimate the dangers caused by spilt water. Even the tiniest of puddles in your kitchen or bathroom could turn into a hazard. To avoid slips and falls in the home, immediately wipe up liquid spills. Grab an absorbent towel or mop and make sure that your floors are clean and dry. It’s wise to perform random checks of the areas around your sinks, toilets and showers. Of course, water is transparent so you may miss spills if you’re not on the lookout for them.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) reports that statistics show that the 67 percent of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. “Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips,” alerts their website.
Invest in home bathroom modifications.
Shower chairs work wonders in the world of keeping seniors upright. For those who contend with balance issues, a shower chair can provide a stable place to sit while bathing. This significantly reduces the risk of falling in bathtub. Grab bars are also tried-and-true slip-preventing solutions. Especially when your bathroom floor is wet, grab bars offer great support to those getting in and out of the tub or shower.
At LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we offer a wide variety of home bathroom modifications to help keep seniors safe. In addition to shower chairs and grab bars, they include oversized light switches, roll in showers, bath lift chairs, transfer benches, walk in tubs, night lights and raised support toilet seats. 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!
