{"id":2163,"date":"2019-05-23T17:58:19","date_gmt":"2019-05-23T17:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/?p=2163"},"modified":"2022-07-27T23:33:05","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T23:33:05","slug":"54-bathroom-safety-tips-for-seniors-a-helpful-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/54-bathroom-safety-tips-for-seniors-a-helpful-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"54 Bathroom Safety Tips For Seniors &#8211; A Helpful Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p>Living with my mom, as I do, I am constantly checking for things which might cause her to fall, and the bathroom with all that water is the prime area for a nasty accident.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<strong>Bathroom safety tips for seniors &#8211;<\/strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n\t<li><strong>solutions to slippery floors in and around the bathroom<\/strong><\/li>\n\t<li><strong>accessible medical alerts systems if there is a fall<\/strong><\/li>\n\t<li><b>grab bars<\/b><\/li>\n\t<li><b>shower and bath chairs<\/b><\/li>\n\t<li><b>specialist faucets<\/b><\/li>\n\t<li><b>overflow devices<\/b><\/li>\n\t<li><b>toilet safety devices<\/b><\/li>\n\t<li><b>transfer seats<\/b><\/li>\n\t<li><b>proper lighting for the visually impaired<\/b><\/li>\n\t<li><b>motions sensor lights<\/b><\/li>\n\t<li><b>water temperature control<\/b><\/li>\n\t<li><b>handy grabbers<\/b><\/li>\n\t<li><b>no sharp corners<\/b><\/li>\n\t<li><b>don&#8217;t rush seniors in the bathroom<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n&nbsp;\n\nA large percentage of seniors are reluctant, or scared, to shower and bathe as often as they would like, due to the fact that slipping in the bathroom is such an easy thing to do.\n\nEven getting on and off the toilet, climbing in and out of bathtubs or the shower, can be daunting when you have reduced mobility, balance, and serious stiffness.\n\nCoupled with a lack of energy and the longer times it takes to do, even the easiest of tasks, the bathroom can become a dangerous place for our elderly parents.\n&nbsp;[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=&#8221;Contents Overview &#038; Quicklinks&#8221; open=&#8221;on&#8221; open_toggle_text_color=&#8221;#005bdb&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#005bdb&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_text_color=&#8221;#005bdb&#8221; body_ul_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; body_ul_text_color=&#8221;#59bdd6&#8243; background_color=&#8221;rgba(190,229,247,0.47)&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|10px|10px|10px|10px&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#0b00ea&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p><a href=\"#bathroomsafetylist\"><strong>The list<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#bathroomsafetyfloor\"><strong>For the floor<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#bathroomsafetyshower\"><strong>For the shower<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#bathroomsafetysink\"><strong>For the sink<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#bathroomsafetytoilet\"><strong>Toilet<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#bathroomsafetybathtub\"><strong>Bathtub<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#bathroomsafetyalert\"><strong>Medical alert buttons<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#bathroomsafetylighting\"><strong>Lighting<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#bathroomsafetygeneral\"><strong>General things you can do<\/strong><\/a><\/p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;bathroomsafetylist&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2><strong><\/strong>The List !<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 1<\/h2>\n<h3>Vayyar Care<\/h3>\n<p>Vayyar Care the latest, and most advanced Automatic Fall Detection system on the market today, is designed to detect falls in the bathroom and throughout the house, and to instantly send alerts to a monitoring service, family and caregivers !<\/p>\n<p>The system is 4 times more accurate than any other system on the market, and using radio waves, it can tell when a person is lying on the floor where they shouldn&#8217;t be.<\/p>\n<p>There is nothing to wear or carry around the house, you can be unconscious, and the emergency call is activated.<\/p>\n<p>The system can also be voice activated if need be.<\/p>\n<p><strong>It was initially specifically for the bathroom, but now you can have the system throughout your house or flat.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vayyar Care ($249.95) has recently teamed up with Amazon and the system is now only available with an Alexa device, and an Alexa Together subscription &#8211; $19.99 plus tax\/ month.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;bathroomsafetyfloor&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2><strong><\/strong>For the floor<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 2<\/h2>\n<h3>Rough floor<\/h3>\n<p>If you can re-do your loved one&#8217;s bathroom floor with rough tiles, you will drastically reduce the chances of people slipping.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 3<\/h2>\n<h3>Non-Slip floor tape<\/h3>\n<p>If your parent&#8217;s floor is very smooth and slippery when wet, you can get a non-slip floor tape which you just put down in strips, and which help to stop them from taking a tumble.<\/p>\n<p>I would take a look at<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>3M<\/strong>\u00a0&#8211; makes a whole range of tapes available in the US and the UK.<\/li>\n<li><strong>NAC Safety<\/strong> &#8211; makes a commercial grade non-slip tape for swimming pools, washrooms, boats etc., which is not expensive and available in the US and UK.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 4<\/h2>\n<h3>Non-Slip floor mats<\/h3>\n<p>Any mats that you put on the bathroom floor need to be non-slip.<\/p>\n<p>You can either place the mat over a piece of non-slip PVC liner, or get purpose made non-slip mats.<\/p>\n<p>It doesn&#8217;t really matter what brands your loved ones buy, just don&#8217;t put something down which is so thick down that you can easily trip on it.<\/p>\n<p>You also need to make sure mats don&#8217;t curl up at the corners, and if they do, just get yourself some good DIY double-sided carpet tape and stick the mat down.<\/p>\n<p>The safest option is to get rid of any floor mats.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 5<\/h2>\n<h3>Keep the floor dry<\/h3>\n<p>It sounds obvious, but some seniors have age related eye problems, and they won&#8217;t easily see if a floor is wet.<\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget that much used statistic, that 80% of falls occur in the bathroom !<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;bathroomsafetyshower&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>For the Shower<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 6<\/h2>\n<h3>Walk in shower<\/h3>\n<p>To help your loved ones to not have to go up and down steps, and particularly in an environment with water everywhere, get a walk in shower for them. Fewer chances of slipping and tripping.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Tip# 7<\/h2>\n<h3>Wall mounted shower seats<\/h3>\n<p>Your loved ones may wish to sit in the shower and, may either not have a lot of room for a shower chair, or not find them very comfortable.<\/p>\n<p>A folding wall mounted seat may be the answer. It is obviously very sturdy as it is fixed, and it takes up little room compared to the alternatives.<\/p>\n<p>The seat folds up when you are done, so it really doesn&#8217;t involve a lot of moving things around. And for others it isn&#8217;t in the way.<\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget to check weight limits and the fixing system, as certain showers can&#8217;t support them &#8211; you need a solid wall to fix them to.<\/p>\n<p>The more popular brands are<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Homecraft (US and UK)<\/li>\n<li>Moen (US and UK)<\/li>\n<li>CSI Bathware (US)<\/li>\n<li>Healthsmart (US)<\/li>\n<li>Days &#8211; this has arms (UK)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>They generally don&#8217;t have arms that you can use to guide yourself when you sit down, so may be a little difficult for seniors who are not so steady. But you can remedy this by putting grab bars around it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 8<\/h2>\n<h3>Shower chair<\/h3>\n<p>This is a pretty obvious tip, but it is much easier for someone who lacks stability to shower sitting down, and they are much less likely to have a fall or to slip.<\/p>\n<p>Your loved one may want more, or less stability in their chair, or they may need to be in a chair which can be wheeled into the shower.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe they just want a chair which is more like a stool or bench, rather than a chair. You just have to bear in mind how strong and stable your loved one is, and that the shower is the most lethal spot for falls.<\/p>\n<p>For those who need to be wheeled into the shower, the company <strong>Etac<\/strong> make a range of commode shower chairs which can be wheeled in and out of the shower, which are available both in the US and the UK.<\/p>\n<p>In some cases, it is more practical to have a <strong>swivel chair<\/strong> for the shower, especially if there is a step into the shower.<\/p>\n<p>You\u00a0place the swivel chair in the shower facing outwards, and your parent can sit down and then swivel round facing the shower.<\/p>\n<p>This avoids having to step up on to a slippery surface, if you have a shower with a step.<\/p>\n<p>You can find both chairs and stools which are built for this.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Some examples of the swivel chairs &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Eagle Health Swivel Shower Chair<\/li>\n<li>MMOB Premium Bathroom Swivel Chair<\/li>\n<li>Platinum Health Revolution Pivoting Shower Chair<\/li>\n<li>Drive Medical Bathroom Safety Swivel Seat Shower Stool<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Shower chairs with arms and a back are made by &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Medline<\/li>\n<li>Vaun<\/li>\n<li>Aidapt<\/li>\n<li>Primatik<\/li>\n<li>VidaXL<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you don&#8217;t want arms on your chair, the main brands are &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Vaun<\/li>\n<li>NRS Healthcare<\/li>\n<li>Medokare<\/li>\n<li>Carex and Drive Medical<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The last type of seat is a stool\/bench seat.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>It just has a couple of slots in the seat for your hands to hold onto as you sit down &#8211; I don&#8217;t recommend them for the elderly as they are smaller and have less distance between the legs, and you really have to reach down to get a hold of it &#8211; the main brands are &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Medokare<\/li>\n<li>Drive Medical<\/li>\n<li>Dr Kay<\/li>\n<li>Primatik<\/li>\n<li>Aidapt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you already have a 3-in-1 bedside commode, and it fits in your shower, this is pretty much the same as a shower chair (Only use it in the shower if you have a waterproof model).<\/p>\n<p>Just take out the potty, and put the seat and the lid down.<\/p>\n<p>The only way it might not suit your loved one is if, with the seat and lid down, there is no back rest. If you can push it against the wall, that may work, but only do it if it is comfortable.<\/p>\n<p>It has arms and adjustable legs in most cases, so if your shower is big enough to fit it in, you can use it. You can also put a towel over it and give your loved one a sponge bath.<\/p>\n<p>If you haven&#8217;t yet bought a bedside commode, but are going to, you may want to buy a shower chair\/bedside commode.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>There are several combined types &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>static shower chair \/ bedside commode<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>shower chair \/ transport chair \/ bedside commode<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The shower chair \/ transport chair \/ bedside commode models can come in two types &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>with wheelchair wheels for self propelling<\/li>\n<li>with small casters or wheels if you are pushing your loved one around<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Tip# 9<\/h2>\n<h3>Hand held shower head<\/h3>\n<p>It makes showering much easier, especially if you are sitting down, if you have a handheld shower head.<\/p>\n<p>It is simpler for washing as you don&#8217;t have to move around, you move it around you, and this means less moving around in the shower, and so less risk of slipping.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 10<\/h2>\n<h3>Grab bars<\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s important for anyone who is not steady on their feet to have something to hold onto in the shower, and it will certainly make it a safer place.<\/p>\n<p>There are many types of grab bars, as they are called, which you can attach in the shower.<\/p>\n<p>I don&#8217;t like the suction ones.<\/p>\n<p>I have had three sets from different brands, and all came off unexpectedly, from perfectly smooth glazed tiles on which they were sucking. I wouldn&#8217;t trust my mother&#8217;s safety to one of those, and I don&#8217;t know if you should either.<\/p>\n<p>I would, if it is possible, go with fixed, drilled grab bars if you can do it.<\/p>\n<p>As for the shape and the size, you really need to adapt that to your shower, if you look on the internet you will see all the shapes and sizes.<\/p>\n<p>If you are going to fit grab bars, I would get a professional to do it, as some showers will need reinforcing before the grab bars can be attached.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 11<\/h2>\n<h3>Non-Slip tape on grab bars<\/h3>\n<p>Grab bars are invariably made of plastic, or metal, and when either of these gets wet it is hard to get a good grip.<\/p>\n<p>So, if your bars are slippery when wet, so that your loved ones can really keep a hold of the bars in the shower, it&#8217;s a great idea to give them a layer of non-slip gripping tape.<\/p>\n<p>3M does a <strong>3M GM gripping tape<\/strong> which is suitable for the job, and you can find this easily on the internet.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 12<\/h2>\n<h3>Non-Slip mat<\/h3>\n<p>Always have a non-slip shower mat in the shower, especially if your loved ones are standing.<\/p>\n<p>You will find them all over the\u00a0 internet, and you can even get non-microbial, anti-mildew, antibacterial, but most importantly non-slip.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 13<\/h2>\n<h3>Non-Slip Safety Shower Tread Stickers<\/h3>\n<p>If you don&#8217;t have a non-slip mat in the shower, you can get adhesive anti-slip treads.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Affinity <\/strong>is a popular brand in the US, and the UK <strong>NAC Safety aqua slip waterproof anti slip discs.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 14<\/h2>\n<h3>Shower Caddies<\/h3>\n<p>Using a shower caddie means that all the items that your loved one needs in the shower &#8211; sponges, cloths, shampoos, conditioners and any other products &#8211; can be kept in one place, and within easy reach.<\/p>\n<p>Just make sure it is hung at the right level if they are seated. There are many, many brands to choose from.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 15<\/h2>\n<h3>Soap on a rope<\/h3>\n<p>So that your loved ones have one less thing to drop, and then pick up, try using a soap on a rope.<\/p>\n<p>If the rope is too short, you can attach a longer piece of string to it.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;bathroomsafetysink&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2><strong><\/strong>For the sink<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 16<\/h2>\n<h3>Special faucets<\/h3>\n<p>The elderly, if they have weaker hands or arthritis, will find it much easier if you get taps with a lever handle, rather than knobs &#8211; I know my mother says they are much easier.<\/p>\n<p>Another option is push taps, but these are a little more difficult to find.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 17<\/h2>\n<h3>Overflow safety devices<\/h3>\n<p>If your loved ones are prone to forgetting to turn the taps off, you can have some serious problems, and that&#8217;s not just slipping over in the water.<\/p>\n<p>If you have an upstairs bathroom, a flood can seriously damage both floor and ceiling.<\/p>\n<p>To remedy this, you can get <strong>&#8220;Flowban&#8221;<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This is a special valve\/kit which fits to the pipes and the overflow.<\/p>\n<p>As the overflow starts to take in water, it goes into the valve and creates more pressure as it rises, finally shutting off the water flow to the tub. As soon as the water level in the tub drops, the flow to the taps will resume.<\/p>\n<p>It can&#8217;t be fitted on all types of bath, and it does require some serious plumbing to be installed, so it is not the cheapest option.<\/p>\n<p>Another, cheaper and really easy option for your loved ones is <strong>&#8220;Magiplug&#8221;<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This plug has a pressure plate, and when the water reaches a certain depth, and thus weight, the plug starts to let water out of the tub.<\/p>\n<p>This requires no special installation and is just placed in the drain of the tub, like your normal plug would be. For ease of use, it is pretty simple.<\/p>\n<p>If those two solutions don&#8217;t float your boat, then you could try sink taps which shut off automatically.<\/p>\n<p>These are sometimes called <strong>&#8220;Time Flow Shut Off Taps&#8221;<\/strong>, &#8220;<strong>Self Closing Taps&#8221;, &#8220;Saver Taps&#8221;, &#8220;Auto Shut Off Taps&#8221;, &#8220;Touch Free&#8221; or &#8220;Hands Free&#8221;<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Some of these taps work on a sensor and will only run when your hands are underneath the spout.<\/p>\n<p>Or you can get taps which are set to run for a certain time.<\/p>\n<p>You push, and then the water runs for 3 -15 seconds, for example, and when it shuts off you can just push it again.<\/p>\n<p>This second type of tap is far cheaper than the taps with sensors.<\/p>\n<p>The sensor taps are made by a range of companies like<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Fyeer (US)<\/li>\n<li>Apollo (UK)<\/li>\n<li>Fortana (UK)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The taps which you push are made by &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>American Standard (US)<\/li>\n<li>Premier (UK)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You get the best results on Google when you search of <strong>&#8220;hands-free taps&#8221;<\/strong> if you are looking for the sensor taps, and with <strong>&#8220;self-closing taps&#8221;<\/strong>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Tip# 18<\/h2>\n<h3>Sink Safety Rail<\/h3>\n<p>If your parents spend a good deal of time primping at the bathroom sink, they may find it more stabilizing to have a sink rail to hold on to.<\/p>\n<p>There are three kinds which could be of use here.<\/p>\n<p>There are the portable rails which are just like support rails for the toilet, and which go all the way around the sink like the<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Vaun\u00a0safety rails (US)<\/li>\n<li>LCM\u00a0safety rails (UK)<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0NRS Health\u00a0safety rails\u00a0(UK)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The advantage of these being that you can move them easily to where they are needed, and you only have to buy one item.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you prefer something which goes all the way round, and which is permanent, the following are all good examples &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Achfs handrail sink support<\/li>\n<li>KKCF bathroom grab bar for sink<\/li>\n<li>Daleys pedestal basin handrails<\/li>\n<li>WLLVM sink safety handrail<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>A third type of support for the sink is a <strong>fixed flip up grab bar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>When it is not in use, the grab bar flips up out of the way, but when needed the bar drops sticks out on the side of the sink. The more solid ones are the<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Moen R8960FD (US and UK)<\/li>\n<li>Dijod Elderly disabled handrail (US)<\/li>\n<li>Healthsmart fold away grab bar (US)<\/li>\n<li>NRS Healthcare M48465 (UK)<\/li>\n<li>Tropik Home\u00a0<span id=\"productTitle\" class=\"a-size-large\">Stainless Steel Hinged Bathroom Safety Rail Grab Bar (UK)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You can of course use a walker if you have one, or lower the counter and mirror and put a chair there.<span class=\"a-size-large\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 19<\/h2>\n<h3>Mirror and cupboard above sink reachable<\/h3>\n<p>This is pretty self-explanatory, you don&#8217;t want your loved ones over reaching if they aren&#8217;t stable.<\/p>\n<p>So put everything at a good height, and within reach.<\/p>\n<p>You can also put a clear film over any mirrors in case they may break, if you feel that it&#8217;s necessary &#8211; the film stops the glass shattering and going everywhere.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;bathroomsafetytoilet&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Toilet<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You must check the max loads that any devices mentioned here can take.<\/p>\n<p>If you wish to get anything for someone of considerable weight, then the term to search for is <strong>bariatric. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Simply place the term bariatric in front of the name of whatever article you are looking for, e.g. &#8220;bariatric raised toilet seat&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 20<\/h2>\n<h3>A toilet safety frame<\/h3>\n<p>If your parent&#8217;s toilet is the right height, but they need bars for stability, you can place a portable frame without a seat around the toilet.<\/p>\n<p>This gives you a couple of horizontal armrests which your parents can hold onto when sitting down and getting up.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>There are many makes of frames which suit most needs. You can find these anywhere, but if you want to look on Amazon, they are all there &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Vive<\/li>\n<li>Medline<\/li>\n<li>Vaun<\/li>\n<li>Drive Medical<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If the toilet is too low, you can just add a raised toilet seat.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Tip# 21<\/h2>\n<h3>3-in-1 bedside commode placed over the toilet<\/h3>\n<p>In my mom&#8217;s case, we have simply placed our 3-in-1 commode over the toilet &#8211; we had bought this for when my mom had a hip replacement.<\/p>\n<p>As well as using it in her room when she could hardly walk, we then used it once she was up and about, putting it over the toilet without the commode potty on it.<\/p>\n<p>This raised the seat up as much as my mom needed, as the height of our 3-in-1 commode is adjustable.<\/p>\n<p>For tall people who may have real problems standing up from the toilet this could be the real answer, as they will be able to make it much taller than if they have a raised seat, which is about 3&#8243;- 5&#8243;.<\/p>\n<p>The 3-in-1 commode with its frame was a great fit for us, and we didn&#8217;t have to spend more money.<\/p>\n<p>You can find lots of 3-in-1 commodes on the internet and at most large retailers\u00a0 &#8211; just make sure that you can sit it over your toilet, and that the legs have adjustable height.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 22<\/h2>\n<h3>Raised toilet seat with sidebars<\/h3>\n<p>Another way of making the toilet easier to use for the elderly is an elevated seat with sidebars.<\/p>\n<p>If your loved ones are not so steady, it is a good idea to get what is called a <strong>riser<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This is an oval or round ring of plastic which you fit to the toilet under the existing seat.<\/p>\n<p>The riser uses the same holes and bolts as your toilet seat and so is very sturdy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Risers can be bought with armrests,<\/strong> which means that your loved one has something to hold onto.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Some examples of risers are &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Nova 3.5\u2033 raised toilet seat riser with arms\u00a0 (standard)<\/li>\n<li>Nova 3.5\u2033 raised toilet seat riser with arms\u00a0 (elongated)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>There are also<strong> raised toilet seats with legs and armrests<\/strong>, which both clamp onto the seat and use legs for stability. These are also very sturdy.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Some examples of raised toilet seats with legs &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Maddak Extra wide Tall-Ette elevated toilet seat w\/ aluminum legs<\/li>\n<li>Maddak Extra wide Tall-Ette 4.5 inch elevated toilet seat with steel legs<\/li>\n<li>Mobb 4.5 inch raised toilet seat with legs<\/li>\n<li>Herdegen Clipper VI\u00a04.3 inch raised toilet seat w\/ adjustable frame and armrests<\/li>\n<li>Herdegen Clipper VII 4.3 inch raised toilet seat w\/lid and adjustable frame and armrests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Finally, there is a type of <strong>raised<\/strong> or <strong>elevated toilet seat with safety frame\u00a0<\/strong>which sits in a frame over the toilet.<\/p>\n<p>The frame has four legs and does not attach to the toilet in any way, and again these are very solid raised seats, with big armrests to help your loved one with sitting and standing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Some examples of elevated toilet seats with safety frames are &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lattice commode toilet seat and frame<\/li>\n<li>PCP raised toilet seat and safety frame 2-in-1<\/li>\n<li>Homecraft uni-frame folding toilet frame w\/ seat<\/li>\n<li>Aidapt Solo Skandia raised toilet seat and frame<\/li>\n<li>Homecraft Deluxe Sterling toilet frame<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I am not mentioning any type of raised toilet seat here without armrests or legs, as I don&#8217;t feel that they are as solid as the examples I have noted.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 23<\/h2>\n<h3>Toilet Lift<\/h3>\n<p>These will actually lift your loved ones on and off the toilet.<\/p>\n<p>They have a handheld push button control which allows the user to maintain their independence, even if they have problems getting up and down.<\/p>\n<p>The only lift which goes on a toilet that I have found is the <strong>EZ Access Tilt Toilet Incline Lift\u00a0<\/strong>&#8211; that is not to say there aren&#8217;t others, but I didn&#8217;t find them in my search.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Tip# 24<\/h2>\n<h3>Grab bars<\/h3>\n<p>If your toilet is in the corner of the room and the height of the toilet is not a problem for your parents, then you can use grab bars.<\/p>\n<p>Grab bars come in all kinds of finishes and sizes, so there won&#8217;t be a problem finding the right style.<\/p>\n<p>For the wall, you can fit the grab bar at whatever height your parents need it.<\/p>\n<p>For the side without the wall you can get a bar which is attached to the wall, and has a leg which goes to the floor, called a &#8220;wall to floor grab bar&#8221; &#8211; if you just type this into google you will find tons of examples and in all price ranges.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 25<\/h2>\n<h3>Ceiling to floor pole<\/h3>\n<p>These are poles which wedge between the floor and the ceiling, and have handles on them that you can hold onto and pull yourself up with.<\/p>\n<p>The handles can swing around the pole to any position around the 360 degrees.<\/p>\n<p>You have the luxury of being able to try different positions around the toilet.<\/p>\n<p>You may need to be a little more assured to use one of these.<\/p>\n<p>The poles can be moved around the room and can be used for getting in and out of the bathtub as well.<\/p>\n<p>Poles are also used for getting in and out of bed, and other pieces of furniture.<\/p>\n<p>These following companies all make\u00a0<span>models of ceiling to floor poles &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Able life\u00a0(US and UK)<\/li>\n<li>Signature Life\u00a0(US and UK)<\/li>\n<li>HealthCraft (US)<\/li>\n<li>Stander\u00a0(US and UK)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>Tip# 26<\/h2>\n<h3>Toilet contour mat<\/h3>\n<p>If you place a rug or mat on the floor around your toilet, try to make sure it is non-slip.<\/p>\n<p>If it&#8217;s a rug, check that the edges don&#8217;t curl up.<\/p>\n<p>Your loved ones are better off having a thin mat which can&#8217;t curl up, than a thick rug.<\/p>\n<p><span>If you don&#8217;t have a non-slip mat for the toilet, you will find one on Amazon in two seconds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>If your parent wishes to keep the mat that they have, and it isn&#8217;t non-slip you can get some non-slip PVC or rubber matting which comes in rolls and just cut off a piece of that and slide it under the mat &#8211; but bear in mind that you don&#8217;t want to have something to high which will cause tripping.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;bathroomsafetybathtub&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Bathtub<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 27<\/h2>\n<h3>Over-flow safety devices<\/h3>\n<p>The same information here applies for the sink, so I&#8217;ll just refer you back to that section.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 28<\/h2>\n<h3>Bathtub lift<\/h3>\n<p>For those of our parents who have very serious mobility issues, but who can&#8217;t afford a walk-in bathtub, there is the option of a bath lift.<\/p>\n<p>The lifts are placed in the bottom of the tub and have a seat which raises the user up and down, in and out of the water.<\/p>\n<p>The seat will raise up to the height of the tub, allowing the user to sit on it and swivel over into the tub.<\/p>\n<p>The seat can then be lowered into the water.<\/p>\n<p>Your elderly parent will be able to do the raising and lowering with a simple control device by themselves, making bathing totally possible without assistance, giving them back some of their independence.<\/p>\n<p>Bath lifts are made by &#8211;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Drive Medical (US)<\/li>\n<li>Lumen (UK)<\/li>\n<li>Aquila (UK)<\/li>\n<li>Aquajoy (UK)<\/li>\n<li>Mangar (UK)<\/li>\n<li>Bellavista (UK)<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; ul_line_height_phone=&#8221;2.5em&#8221; ul_line_height_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Tip# 29<\/h2>\n<h3>Sliding transfer seat<\/h3>\n<p>These can make getting into the tub, for seniors, much less of a risky business.<\/p>\n<p>Two legs of the bench are in the tub, and two are on the bathroom floor.<\/p>\n<p>Your loved one sits on the chair seat, which is placed initially outside the bath over the floor.<\/p>\n<p>They can then lift their legs and slide themselves over into the tub area.<\/p>\n<p>They can then sit and wash themselves, and when they are done, slide back over to the area outside the tub and stand up.<\/p>\n<p>Examples of transfer benches are &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>DMI Sliding Transfer Bench (US)<\/li>\n<li>Duro-Med heavy-duty Sliding Transfer Seat (US and UK)<\/li>\n<li>Platinum Health Carousel Sliding Transfer bench with swivel seat (US and UK)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>Tip# 30<\/h2>\n<h3>Walk-in bathtub<\/h3>\n<p>For those who can afford to change their bathtubs your loved ones can get walk-in bathtubs which mean that you don&#8217;t have to step up over the tub edge to get in, you use a small door.<\/p>\n<p>The bathtubs mostly have seats built into them and can be short and square or long and rectangular.<\/p>\n<p>The longer tubs may be referred to as &#8220;soaking tubs&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Some also come equipped with a shower as well.<\/p>\n<p><strong>American Standard, Venzi, Ella, and MediTub<\/strong> all make walk-in bathtubs.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>Tip# 31<\/h2>\n<h3>Grab bars<\/h3>\n<p>There are some grab bars which are especially made for the bathtub, these stand up vertically on the edge of the tub helping you to get in and out. The bars clamp onto the side of the tub.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>These clamping grab bars are made by &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Viva (US)<\/li>\n<li>HomeCraft (US)<\/li>\n<li>Medline (US and UK)<\/li>\n<li>Drive Medical (US and UK)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 32<\/h2>\n<h3>The ceiling to floor pole<\/h3>\n<p>I noted earlier that this is a great device to have to hold on to when stepping out of the bathtub, as this is one time when a person needs to have control of their balance.<\/p>\n<p>With the pole they can grab the handle, or the pole at any height they wish, making things a lot safer.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 33<\/h2>\n<h3>Non-slip tape on bathtub grab bars<\/h3>\n<p>This is the same as with the shower.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a simple fix -just a roll of tape you can buy and put\u00a0 around the grab bars for when people&#8217;s hands are wet.<\/p>\n<p>If hands are wet, they can make grab bars pretty ineffective, as you can&#8217;t grip on a shiny surface.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 34<\/h2>\n<h3>Non-Slip mat in tub<\/h3>\n<p>These are exactly the same as for the shower, and will help reduce your loved one&#8217;s chances of slipping when they step into, or out of, the bath tub, or if they have a standing shower unit in the bath.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Tip# 35<\/h2>\n<h3>Anti-Slip safety bath tread stickers<\/h3>\n<p><span> These are the same as for the shower and will help reduce your loved one&#8217;s chances of slipping and taking a fall.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 36<\/h2>\n<h3>Soap-on-a-rope<\/h3>\n<p>Again, just like in the shower, get soap-on-a-rope so that your loved ones don&#8217;t have to go groping around for it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 37<\/h2>\n<h3>Keep everything where you don&#8217;t have to reach<\/h3>\n<p>Make sure that everything in the bathtub is within easy reach, especially things your parents may need when standing. This will avoid them lurching and falling.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;bathroomsafetyalert&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2><strong><\/strong>Medical Alert Buttons<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 38<\/h2>\n<h3>Medical Alert Central Hub<\/h3>\n<p>If your loved one has a medical alert system, try to get the hub for the system placed as close to the bathroom as logistics will allow.<\/p>\n<p>The reason for this being that many of the hubs have two-way microphones and speakers, and your loved one will want to be heard as clearly as possible when they speak to the emergency operator, or caregiver if they fall in the bathroom.<\/p>\n<p>As 80% of falls, in the home, occur in the bathroom, it would seem sensible to prioritize a spot nearby for the system hub.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 39<\/h2>\n<h3>Waterproof medical alert button<\/h3>\n<p>Make sure that your parent&#8217;s medical alert help button\/pendant is waterproof, or at least water-resistant, so that it can be worn in the shower.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 40<\/h2>\n<h3>Fall detector<\/h3>\n<p>If your elderly parent has a pendant which has automatic fall detection, make sure it is waterproof or water-resistant, and that they wear it in the shower.<\/p>\n<p>Although these only detect faster falls, there isn&#8217;t much doubt that any slip in the shower will lead to a fast impact fall.<\/p>\n<p>Automatic fall detection will, after 30 &#8211; 60 seconds, call the emergency monitoring centers, or your parent&#8217;s designated contacts, depending on whether you have a monitored, or unmonitored medical alert system.<\/p>\n<p>In any event, this is the best type of pendant to be wearing in an area where your parent is at risk of falls.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 41<\/h2>\n<h3>Panic\/Alert\/Call button<\/h3>\n<p>If you have a medical alert system which has panic buttons for the wall, even if you have a pendant button, put the panic button on the wall in case you have a problem, and put it at a height that you can reach it from the floor and when you are standing.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Tip# 42<\/h2>\n<h3>Cell phone by the toilet<\/h3>\n<p>If your elderly parent doesn&#8217;t have a medical alert button, or has a system which requires they answer their phone should they fall, it&#8217;s a great idea to keep the mobile in the bathroom with them while they are in there.<\/p>\n<p>Have a spot where they can put it by the toilet, at a medium height, so they can reach it if they fall on the floor.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;bathroomsafetylighting&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Lighting<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 43<\/h2>\n<h3>Bright lighting everywhere<\/h3>\n<p>Other than keeping surfaces dry, probably the most important thing is to have really good bright lighting so that your elderly loved ones can see where they are going, and avoid tripping and falling.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 44<\/h2>\n<h3>Motion sensor and smart plug<\/h3>\n<p>To turn on the bathroom light at night, as this stops your elderly loved ones from wandering around in badly lit conditions, and groping for light switches when they may be half asleep.<\/p>\n<p>You can find companies with <strong>smart home systems<\/strong>, such as <strong>Hiv<\/strong>e, which sell the kind of systems with smart plugs and motion sensors, or you can get <strong>smart plugs such as d-link&#8217;s smart plug<\/strong> with a motion sensor, and just plug a light into that.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 45<\/h2>\n<h3>Motion sensor lights en route to bathroom<\/h3>\n<p>You can use\u00a0 simple motion sensors with small lights, to light any hallways between the bedroom and the bathroom.<\/p>\n<p>These very simple lights are battery operated, and only need a new battery about once every six months.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In the US, some of the more popular ones are &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>New Version Amir<\/li>\n<li>Mr Beams MB723<\/li>\n<li>Urpower<\/li>\n<li>Cloud Bay Motion Sensor Ceiling Light<\/li>\n<li>Magitec Sensor Lights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In the UK, some popular ones are &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Criacr Motion Sensor Lights<\/li>\n<li>WRalwaysLX Motion Sensor Lights<\/li>\n<li>Slimline<\/li>\n<li>Orion<\/li>\n<li>Novelty Place<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 46<\/h2>\n<h3>Motion sensor lights in the bedroom<\/h3>\n<p>You can use motion sensors and a smart plug to automatically turn on the lights in the bedroom when your loved one wakes up at night.<\/p>\n<p>This immediately lights the room, and it means that your loved one, who may be very drowsy, is not searching for switches, or tripping over things if they didn&#8217;t bother to turn on the light.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Tip# 47<\/h2>\n<h3>Night Light<\/h3>\n<p><strong> <\/strong>You can also put a night light into your loved one&#8217;s bedroom if that doesn&#8217;t hinder their sleep, as it is probably cheaper than putting smart plugs all over the place, and it will give them enough light to see what they are doing and to switch on the main light.<\/p>\n<p>Some night lights like the <strong>Dewenwils LED Night Light Plug<\/strong>\u00a0(US) just goes into the wall socket, and has sensor which turns it on and off on its own.<\/p>\n<p>Other examples of this type of night light are the &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Maxxima MLN-16 LED Plug in Night Light (US)<\/li>\n<li>Emotionlite Plug-in Night Light (US)<\/li>\n<li>SYCEES Plug-in Night Light (UK)<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=&#8221;bathroomsafetygeneral&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2><strong><\/strong>General things you can do<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 48<\/h2>\n<h3>Bathroom water at 120 F or less<\/h3>\n<p>The older we get, the thinner our skin gets, and the more delicate and easier to burn it becomes.<\/p>\n<p>So that your elderly parents don&#8217;t scold themselves, it is a good idea to turn their hot water to 120F on the water heater.<\/p>\n<p>You can then check it by simply pouring some hot water in a cup and then putting an oven thermometer in it.<\/p>\n<p>If you don&#8217;t know how to change it on your water heater, I&#8217;d give your handy man a call and get it checked. You don&#8217;t want to make a mistake.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 49<\/h2>\n<h3>Storage and Cupboards<\/h3>\n<p><strong> <\/strong>Have all of these within easy reach at a level where they won&#8217;t cause your loved ones to lose balance getting to them.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 50<\/h2>\n<h3>Handy Reacher\/ Grabber Tool<\/h3>\n<p>If your parents are very stiff, or suffer from poor balance, or both, they will have trouble bending down to pick articles up off the floor.<\/p>\n<p>It could be a great idea to hang, somewhere in the bathroom, a handy reacher\/grabber tool, for getting stuff they have dropped on the floor, or even for things they just can&#8217;t reach.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 51<\/h2>\n<h3>No clutter<\/h3>\n<p>You need to get all of that clutter out of the bathroom.<\/p>\n<p>With all the chances of slipping that there are in the bathroom, you don&#8217;t need to have any obstacle that can cause falls in there &#8211; put it all in cupboards.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 52<\/h2>\n<h3>Cover all sharp corners<\/h3>\n<p>Don&#8217;t leave any sharp corners exposed to reduce the chances of your loved ones hitting their heads on them if they fall.<\/p>\n<p>You can buy all manner of rubberized plastic corner covers. It is also a good idea to round any corners off if you can on shelves.<\/p>\n<p>As well as covering corners you can use something like <strong>Wemk Transparent table edging<\/strong>\u00a0(US and\u00a0 UK)to cover all the sharp cabinet and hard top edges in the bathroom.<\/p>\n<p>There are lots of other brands to choose from, like &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bebe Earth (US and UK)<\/li>\n<li>Rove Cove\u00a0(US)<\/li>\n<li>Zalock\u00a0(US)<\/li>\n<li>Baby Proofing Edge and Corner Guards (UK)<\/li>\n<li>Miny Baby (UK)<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Tip# 53<\/h2>\n<h3>A powerful extraction fan<\/h3>\n<p>Make sure that you have a powerful fan that can extract all the humidity from the bathroom to make surfaces a lot less slippery.<\/p>\n<p>If you can&#8217;t do that, then try and make sure you can open a bathroom window to evacuate the humidity that way, it&#8217;s better than nothing.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Tip# 54<\/h2>\n<h3>Don&#8217;t rush seniors in the bathroom<\/h3>\n<p>If you are helping a senior in the bathroom, just go slowly and let them move at their own pace.<\/p>\n<p>I find that life just goes much more smoothly when I go at my mother&#8217;s pace, even if it isn&#8217;t my own, it makes things simpler for everyone.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<h2>Have a safe and happy time in the bathroom !<\/h2>\n<p>I hope that some ideas here will be of help.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_testimonial author=&#8221;Gareth Williams&#8221; portrait_url=&#8221;https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Gareth-photo-smaller-1.png&#8221; quote_icon=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; body_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; author_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;40px||40px||true|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|8px|8px|8px|8px&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;27px&#8221; box_shadow_spread=&#8221;-5px&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<p>I&#8217;m Gareth, the author and owner of Looking After Mom and Dad.com<\/p>\n<p>I have been a caregiver for over 10 yrs and share all my tips here.<\/p>[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An exhaustive list of safety tips for seniors in the bathroom &#8211; equipment and common sense precautions to cut the risks for seniors of falling in the bathroom.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":73880,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"664","footnotes":""},"categories":[32,4,13,18],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2163"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2163"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2163\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/73880"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lookingaftermomanddad.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}