Wireless Devices & Bathroom Safety Tips – Indigo Care
One in 4 people over the age of 65 fall per year. The bathroom is a hot spot for falls and a space that can be hazardous for anyone. As we age, everyday tasks can become more challenging, and one of the major concerns for those with disabilities or mobility issues is safe toileting. Moreover, it becomes even more dangerous for those with reduced mobility, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. At Indigo Care, we recognize the significance of safe toileting practices. We have a range of Wireless Fall Prevention Devices along with valuable tips and recommendations to help you create a secure and accessible bathroom environment. By implementing these suggestions, you can enhance safety, foster independence, prevent falls, and ensure effective hygiene.
Wireless Fall Prevention Devices:
Motion Sensors & Wireless Neck Pendant, Wireless Wrist Pendant
Motion sensors can be an effective way to monitor bathroom use, alerting staff when someone enters or stands up from the toilet. For instance, Indigo Care’s Cordless PIR Motion Sensor, when combined with our Wireless Neck Pendant or Wireless Wrist Pendant, creates a comprehensive monitoring solution that significantly enhances patient safety and care in hospitals and long-term aged care facilities.
Toilet Seat Sensor Pad Alarm
Indigo Care’s Toilet Seat Sensor Pad can be attached to the toilet seat lid. Since it is a Wireless Device, when the user rises from the toilet, a notification will promptly be sent to the nursing staff. Therefore, contact us today to learn more about how our reliable Wireless Fall Prevention Devices can greatly benefit your facility.
Bathroom Set Up Suggestions and Strategies:
Update Lighting & Add Nightlights
Adding proper lighting along the pathway to and within the bathroom can significantly reduce the risk of falls during nighttime visits. As we age, our eyes take longer to adjust to bright lights, and switching on a bathroom light in near darkness can indeed be disorienting. Therefore, incorporating soft, consistent lighting along the way and within the bathroom will help you transition safely and comfortably. Consequently, this adjustment not only enhances visibility but also minimizes the risk of accidents during nighttime trips.
Install Grab Bars & Safety Rails
Installing grab bars is a highly effective way to enhance support and stability in the bathroom. Not only do they improve balance, but they also provide a sturdy grip. Therefore, position them near the toilet, shower, or bathtub to offer a reliable handhold for individuals as they enter and exit these areas. Additionally, ensure that the grab bars are securely anchored to the wall and can safely support the user’s weight. Consequently, this simple addition can significantly improve both safety and ease of movement in the bathroom, making it a crucial element for fall prevention.
Get Organized: Keep your Towel & Bath Products Within Easy Reach
Keep everything you need for bathing within arm’s reach, from shampoo and body wash to your towel. To further enhance convenience, consider installing soap dispensers or an adhesive shower caddy to organize your products at a convenient height, thus avoiding the need to bend or over-reach. Moreover, the more stable you are in the shower, the lower your risk of slipping or falling. Consequently, these simple adjustments can contribute significantly to a safer and more comfortable bathing experience.
Add a Shower Chair or Bench
Balance issues and difficulty standing for extended periods can be problematic. Consequently, adding a shower chair or bench can be extremely helpful. Furthermore, when selecting a chair, it is essential to choose one with non-slip tips to enhance stability and ensure a safer showering experience. Additionally, this simple adjustment can greatly reduce the risk of falls and increase comfort while bathing.
Use a Hand-Held Shower Wand
Combining a shower chair or bench with a hand-held showerhead makes bathing while seated much more convenient. Moreover, hand-held showerheads are easy to install and typically offer various water pressure settings to suit your preferences. Additionally, this combination not only enhances comfort but also ensures greater safety and ease during bathing.
Add a Rubber Mat, Self-Stick Non-Skid Decals to Shower Floor
The tub or shower floor can be slippery, making entry and exit more hazardous and anxiety-inducing. Therefore, by adding a rubber mat or non-skid decals to the shower floor, the resident’s grip, and consequently, their confidence, is significantly enhanced while moving around. Furthermore, these safety measures not only improve stability but also contribute to a safer bathing environment overall.
Use Non-Slip Mats
Your risk of falling extends beyond just the shower itself. Consequently, to reduce slipping, it is important to place and secure a non-slip mat directly outside the shower or bathtub. Notably, this precaution provides a safe, stable surface for your wet feet as you exit the shower. Additionally, ensuring the mat is securely fastened can further enhance safety.
Adjust Height of Toilet Seat
Bending to get on and off the toilet can be challenging. Therefore, adjusting your toilet seat to a comfortable height can significantly simplify sitting down and standing up from the toilet. Consequently, this reduction in the distance one needs to lower themselves makes the process more comfortable and accessible. In addition, consider using a raised toilet seat with built-in grab bars for added support. When selecting a product, however, make sure it can lock securely into place to ensure stability and safety. Since raised toilet seats come in various heights, it is important to carefully select one that best fits the individual’s needs.
Install Non-Slip Flooring
Bathroom floors can become dangerously slippery, especially when wet, significantly increasing the risk of falls. Consequently, to prevent accidents, it is essential to install non-slip flooring. Although non-slip mats offer some protection, they can, however, shift and create additional hazards. Therefore, for a safer option, consider using textured flooring materials like tiles or vinyl, which not only provide excellent grip but are also easy to maintain.
Proper Body Positioning
Maintaining proper body positioning while using the toilet is crucial for preventing accidents. Therefore, it is important to sit with your back straight, feet flat on the floor, and arms resting on your thighs. Additionally, avoid leaning forward, as this can otherwise increase the risk of falling.
Toileting Routines
To ensure effective accident prevention and maintain good hygiene, it is essential to establish regular toileting routines. Similarly, adhering to a consistent schedule further reduces the likelihood of accidents. Moreover, caregivers play a crucial role by encouraging and reminding individuals to use the bathroom regularly.
