Bath Safety for Seniors

​January is Bath Safety Month, highlighting the importance of safety when it comes to bathing.
 
For people aged 65 and over, approximately 80% of falls that occur each year happen in the bathroom. Whether your preferred method to get clean is a bath or a shower, there are precautions we all need to take, especially as we age, to ensure our safety while getting clean in the bathroom.
 
Is your bath or shower equipped with a grab bar or handle for increased stability? If it isn’t, it may be a good investment to look into even if you are confident in your mobility. Accidents happen, and the shower is one of the most dangerous places for those accidents to occur.

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​A few other additions you should consider adding to your bath or shower are non-slip mats both in and out of your shower. A non-slip rubber mat in your shower can help to reduce potential slipping and falls while you’re using soap and shampoos, and a non-slip bath mat that absorbs water should be placed on the outside of the shower to ensure tile floors don’t get wet and slick.

Make sure you have adequate lighting in your bathroom and that bulbs are replaced quickly if they do go out. Think about putting a nightlight in your bathroom as well.
 
When taking a bath, make sure the water level isn't too high and the temperature is suitable. Check your hot water heater to triple check it’s set to a safe temperature.

Too cold water can induce hypothermia and too hot water could cause overheating, burns, or hyperthermia, both have symptoms including dizziness and drowsiness. Try adding a non-slip pillow to your tub for added comfort and to reduce slip risks if your senior loved one enjoys taking soaking baths.

​Melody living is proud to partner with Paxxon Healthcare Services for our Fall Prevention Program. Whether or not you are a Melody Living resident, Paxxon can help by completing a home inspection to identify key fall risks, including in your bath or shower.
 
Melody Living residents and their loved ones can rest easy knowing that, if an accident or fall were to occur, help will come at the push of a button. Every Melody Living resident receives a medical alert pendant that will immediately alert our 24/7 on-site care staff and get help to the resident quickly if a fall occurs. Also, being closely located near a hospital is an added benefit and safety feature for our community residents.
 

If you have concerns about the fall risks, contact us today to set up a fall risk inspection and learn more about the safety measures Melody Living takes to ensure safety for all seniors, even if they don’t call our senior community home. Give us a call today at 719.960.4005 to set up a tour and learn more about our Fall Prevention Program for our assisted living and memory care residents.