A warm bath is a relaxing and comforting experience, particularly on a cold day. However, the bathtub can pose a hazard for your senior. In fact, The National Safety Council states that more than 400 people drown in bathtubs each year.1 This does not account for the hundreds more who slip and injure themselves entering or exiting the tub. To keep your elderly loved one safe as they enjoy a bath, keep these tips in mind:
Install a bath rail
A bath rail is an essential device that helps to ensure that your senior gets in and out of the tub safely. There are many different styles to choose from, and they are able to fit over the tub without doing permanent damage to its structure. Grab bars are also useful. They come in a number of different lengths, and give the elderly individual something to hold on to in the event that they start to slip.
Both of these tools help seniors to keep their balance, and can be used to stop a fall before it happens. Remember that towel bars are not sufficient substitutes for bath rails and grab bars. Senior care professionals encourage families to have these tools professionally installed to ensure that they are set up properly.
Invest in a bathtub chair
According to those who work in home care, Asheville-Hendersonville families should think about investing in a bathtub bench or chair that assists an elderly individual as they enter and exit the tub. These products have legs that sit both inside and outside the tub, and allow the senior to sit on the bench and slide across, thus making getting in and out less dangerous.
Mechanical bath lifts are also helpful as elderly individuals get in and out of the tub, note eldercare professionals. There are battery or water-powered lifts, though battery-operated models are preferable as they cut down on the risk of mold developing within the device.
Also, home care professionals encourage families to install non-slip treads or a bath mat inside the tub to cut down on fall risks. This is useful for all family members, and not just elderly individuals. Keeping tubs clean can also make bathing safer, as soap scum or mold buildup can quickly make the surface slick and dangerous.
1 http://seniorliving.about.com/od/improvepersonalsafety/a/bathtub_safety.htm
