Showering is one of the most common causes of falls among seniors. If your mom or dad is living alone and you’re worried about them falling in the shower or getting in or out of the shower that’s a valid concern. However, many things can be done to help seniors shower safely and reduce the risk that they will fall. One of the best ways to make sure that your senior mom or dad is safe while they are showering is to get personal care at home services.
Personal care is a specialized care that is centered on helping seniors with delicate tasks like showering, washing their hair, getting dressed, and getting safely in and out of bed. With personal care at home, your mom or dad will have dedicated and compassionate care that can keep them healthy and safe.
Some other things that can help your mom or dad shower safely include:
Wall-Mounted Dispensers
One of the most common causes of falls in the shower is a senior dropping a slippery bottle of soap or shampoo. If they reach down to get it they may lose their balance and fall. Or, the soap could drip out on the shower floor and make it slippery, which can cause a fall.
To get rid of this threat and lower the risk of your mom or dad falling in the shower try mounting dispensers to the shower wall. You can use adhesive strips to mount them easily. Put soap, shampoo, and conditioner in wall-mounted dispensers that are easy to operate and that won’t leak.
A Shower Bench
If your mom or dad’s shower doesn’t have a built-in shower bench you should consider installing one. A shower bench is easier for most seniors than a shower chair because a bench is wider and has no sides. Put a non-slip mat on the bench so that your mom or dad won’t slide off it. Your senior parent is much less likely to fall in the shower if they can sit down to clean themselves.
A Handheld Shower Head
It’s also much easier for seniors to safely get clean with a handheld shower head. Your mom or dad won’t have to try and position themselves under the showerhead to try and get clean. They can use the handheld shower head to safely rinse off soap or shampoo. If a care provider is helping your mom or dad shower a handheld shower head is much easier for the care provider to use too.
Non-Slip Mats
Non-slip mats are better than towels or other items to put on the floor to prevent slipping. Water absorbent non-slip mats will soak up any water that spills from the shower so that it won’t pool on the floor and make it slippery. And since these mats are cushioned, if your mom or dad does fall they won’t fall on the hard wet floor.
Shower Shoes
Shower shoes are a great way to give your mom or dad more stability in the shower. Look for shoes that have support and heavy tread, but are open on the tops so your mom or dad can still wash their feet.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care Services in Willard OH, please get in touch with the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard.
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