In our golden years, preserving the dignity and independence that have defined our lives is paramount. One significant aspect of our daily routine that plays a critical role in maintaining this autonomy is using the bathroom.
However, bathroom safety often goes hand in hand with another important factor — the safety of our bedrooms, particularly the simple yet crucial act of getting in and out of bed.
Let’s explore how we can enhance the safety of both the bathroom and the bedroom to support your independence, comfort, and safety, all within the sanctuary of your own home.
Why Is Bathroom Safety Important?
Despite how often we use them, bathrooms can pose an array of risks for us, especially as we age. Hard edges and slippery surfaces can turn this private sanctuary into a potential hazard.
Falls in the bathroom can lead to serious injuries, and with age, recovery becomes increasingly difficult. Thus, enhancing bathroom safety is not just a proactive step but a necessary measure to ensure your well-being as you age.
Moreover, a safe bathroom directly contributes to your broader goal of aging in place, allowing you to continue enjoying the comforts of your home while maintaining your independence and active lifestyle. With the right strategies and adjustments, you can transform your bathroom into a safe, accessible space that accommodates your needs.
9 Ways To Improve Bathroom Safety for the Elderly
Navigating bathroom safety begins with an understanding of the potential risks and knowing the right strategies to mitigate them. Here are nine practical ways you can improve bathroom safety:
- Use non-slip mats. Incorporating non-slip mats on bathroom floors, especially around the bathtub or shower and the toilet area, can provide the needed grip and reduce the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.
- Ensure adequate lighting. Good lighting is vital. Ensure your bathroom is well-lit to avoid any mishaps due to poor visibility. Consider adding night lights for those late-night trips.
- Install grab bars. Grab bars by the toilet, shower, and tub are not just helpful — they can be lifesaving. They offer support when transitioning from sitting to standing and vice versa.
- Utilize shower seats. Standing for long periods in the shower can be challenging. Shower seats offer comfort and stability, reducing the likelihood of falls.
- Try handheld shower heads. Handheld shower heads are excellent for maintaining personal hygiene while reducing the need for excessive movements. They’re especially useful when using a shower seat.
- Invest in elevated toilet seats. An elevated toilet seat can make sitting down and standing up much easier, reducing strain and improving balance.
- Walk-in tubs. Walk-in tubs offer greater accessibility compared to traditional tubs, eliminating the need to climb over high edges.
- Keep essentials within reach. Strategically place toiletries, towels, and other necessities within easy reach. This prevents unnecessary stretching or bending that could lead to accidents.
- Regular cleaning. A clean bathroom is a safer bathroom. Regularly remove soap scum, water deposits, and any clutter to keep surfaces grippy and passageways clear.
- Ensure bedroom safety. Safety in the bathroom starts from the moment you get out of bed. Utilizing bed rails or having a bed designed for easy transfers can provide a safer transition from your bedroom to your bathroom, especially during the night.
Maintaining bathroom safety while aging in place is a multi-faceted effort, but with the right guidance and tools, it’s a manageable task that pays off in the long run. Safety should always be a top priority, and it begins with a conscious effort to make everyday spaces like the bathroom more accommodating to your changing needs.
How Are Bedroom and Bathroom Safety Related?
As we age, our bodies undergo various physiological changes, and one of them involves how often we use the bathroom. This can happen as our bladder capacity decreases and urine production increases during the night. It’s natural to find ourselves needing to use the bathroom more often during the night as we age.
However, this can come with its own risks. Visibility is low at night, and our bodies tend to be more tired, increasing the likelihood of accidents. This is where the safety of your bedroom, particularly how easy it is to get in and out of bed, becomes crucial.
Bedroom safety and bathroom safety are intertwined. The journey to the bathroom begins with safely getting out of bed. If this initial step is compromised, the entire process becomes risky, regardless of how safe the bathroom is.
At Transfer Master, we understand this interconnected relationship and the pivotal role of a safe bedroom in overall bathroom safety. Our range of adjustable hospital beds and other bedroom accessories are designed to allow for easy and safe transfers. With our beds, you can get in and out of bed confidently and independently, even during late-night bathroom trips.
It’s also important to note that you may want to speak with your healthcare provider about your nightly bathroom trips if they become inconvenient, excessive, or uncomfortable.
The Bottom Line
Bathroom and bedroom safety are intrinsically linked, and enhancing safety in both areas is key to maintaining both your independence and dignity. With Transfer Master’s range of products, you can have reliable tools to bolster your safety in your bedroom, which directly impacts your bathroom safety.
We encourage you to prioritize your safety at all times. Remember that every step you take to keep your bathroom safe not only helps maintain your independence but also contributes to a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
At Transfer Master, we’re committed to supporting you on this journey toward independent living. If you have any questions about how we can support you in your home with our range of home hospital beds, mattresses, or home hospital bed accessories, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Sources:
Preventing Falls at Home: Room by Room | National Institute on Aging
Treatment of nocturia in the elderly | PMC
Nocturia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic
