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Bathroom safety: How to make the bathroom safe for showering

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Thu, 22/09/2011 - 5:48pm
Grab rails are one of the simplest and most effective safety devices that can be installed in a bathroom.

The bathroom is a potentially dangerous place and most are not designed for frail older people. Ignoring safety issues can result in devastating effects.

In this article:

  

The dangers of bathrooms

Falls frequently occur in bathrooms. Problems getting in and out of bathtubs, difficulty standing for long periods in showers with no support and walking on slippery surfaces all increase the risk of falls.

Most safety issues can be fixed with home modification or the use of home care aids.

Carers also need to think about their own safety. One of the most difficult tasks for carers can be bathing someone in an awkward, confined space. Mobility aids and mobility equipment often can't fit in a small bathroom.

Safety and accessibility problems may be hard to address in old houses without major modifications. If you are caring for an older person with a chronic disease who will potentially need more assistance in the future seek expert opinion from an occupational therapist.

An occupational therapist can help identify safety and accessibility problems and suggest suitable adjustments and aids. They can also give you some idea of what to expect in the future. 

 

Bathroom safety - Home care aids for the bathroom

Home care aids help make attending to personal hygiene easier. Bathroom aids can help increase safety, confidence and independence for older people.

An older person can find bathing very difficult if they cannot bend over, reach certain body parts or have enough strength or grip to turn bathroom fixtures. A carer can spend long hours attending to personal hygiene.

There are many home care aids and assistive devices that can make your job easier and safer. 

 

Useful home care aids and bathroom safety tips

  • Walk-in bathtubs make getting in and out of a bath easier
     
  • Use a shower seat in the shower recess to sit on whilst showering
     
  • Shower chairs with wheels allow carers to transfer a person in and out of the shower recess without lifting
     
  • Use hand-held shower hoses to encourage independence
     
  • Install grab rails in the shower or bath for balance and safety (towel racks are not strong enough)
     
  • Transfer benches allow for easy transfer in and out of a bath, a person slides on the bench into the tub and remains seated
     
  • Use a non-slip mat in the shower/bath and on the shower landing
     
  • Use a lifting device to help with getting into a bath
     
  • Mobile bed baths can help with bathing people who are bed bound
     
  • Hand held brushes and back scratchers help with washing hard to reach areas
     
  • Install a heater on the bathroom wall for comfort
     
  • Install heat sensors to prevent scalding
     
  • Remove any locks from inside the bathroom door in case of a fall
     
  • Place all towels and bathing accessories within reach
     
  • Encourage an older person to wear a medical alarm in the shower
     
  • Place contrasting items on bathroom cabinets to enable the visually impaired to recognise fixtures and bath edges in white bathrooms.

 

Where can I purchase home care aids and assistive devices?

People with complex care needs and mobility problems should be assessed by an occupational therapist. Choosing the wrong device can be dangerous, and carers can also risk injuring themselves. You can find an occupational therapist online from the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists.

If you are buying home care aids or equipment from a rehabilitation shop ask to speak to an occupational therapist to help you choose the best product to suit a family member's needs.

Independent Living Centres around Australia help with choosing home care aids and assistive devices. You can also view different products, compare brands and download information sheets. You cannot buy products from a centre but you can organise to speak to an occupational therapist.

 

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