Smart Ways To Make Showering Safer For A Senior Parent

As seniors get older many tasks become more difficult for them. Some, like showering, can be downright dangerous for seniors. Even seniors who don’t have any serious underlying health issues can slip on a wet floor and fall, or lose their balance reaching for a washcloth or soap. That’s why your senior parent should have help with hygiene tasks. Even if your senior parent is fairly independent, someone who knows how to help them with hygiene tasks should be there to assist. Personal care at home services are a type of specialized care for seniors that is dedicated to helping seniors with hygiene care, getting dressed or undressed, and transferring safely in and out of bed.

Having personal care at home is a great way to protect your senior parent from falling in the shower and give them the peace of mind of knowing someone is there to help.

In addition to getting personal care at home your senior parent these things can help them stay safe when they are showering or performing hygiene tasks:

Grab Bars

Installing grab bars in the shower is one of the best ways to prevent falls. These bars give your senior parent something sturdy to hold on to when getting in or out of the shower. They can also help with balance while standing.

Grab bars should be securely attached to the wall, not suction-cup bars, which can come loose. Put them where your parent can reach easily, like near the entrance of the shower and along the side wall.

Non-Slip Mats or Strips

Slippery floors are a big risk in any bathroom. Adding a non-slip mat to the shower floor can make a huge difference. These mats have rubber bottoms that grip the floor and help prevent sliding.

You can also use non-slip adhesive strips instead of a full mat. Outside the shower, place another non-slip mat to catch water and stop slipping as your parent steps out. Avoid using regular towels on the floor, as they can bunch up and cause trips.

Shower Chair or Bench

Standing for a long time can be hard for seniors, especially in a slippery space. A shower chair or bench lets your parent sit down while bathing. These seats are waterproof, stable, and designed for wet environments. Some models have backrests and armrests for added comfort and support. Using a shower chair reduces the risk of falls and helps your parent conserve energy while they wash.

Handheld Shower Head

A handheld shower head makes it easier to direct water where it’s needed without too much movement. Your parent can stay seated and still wash their whole body without reaching or turning too much. Look for a model with a long, flexible hose and an easy-to-use handle. Many have simple switches to control water flow, which helps if your parent has arthritis or weak grip strength.

Proper Lighting and Clear Pathways

Good lighting in the bathroom is important, especially for older adults with vision problems. Motion-activated lights are a great way to make sure that your senior parent can see when they enter a bathroom without having to grope for the light switch.

Make sure the shower area is well-lit so your parent can see where they are stepping. You might also want to install a nightlight for early mornings or late evenings. In addition to lighting, keep the bathroom floor and the path to the shower clear of clutter, rugs, or cords that could cause tripping.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in the Prairie Village, KS area, please contact the caring staff at Elder Care of Kansas City today.

Proudly serving Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Cass Counties in Missouri, as well as Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas for over 30 years. Call us at 816-333-3322.

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Kevin Edwards

Owner at Elder Care of Kansas City

Kevin’s life and the lives of his immediate family have been impacted by caregivers – either as a patient or a caregiver - for as long as he can remember.He watched his mother take care of his grandmother until her death at the age of 97.Five years later, his father passed from a neurological disorder that was subsequently confirmed as Lewy Body Dementia.In 2007, his wife, Lori, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.The symptoms of Lori’s disease required Kevin to hire a caregiver during the periods of her relapses.

Prior to purchasing Elder Care, Kevin spent over 20 years in the health insurance industry.In his most recent position, he was in a financial operations role with Humana where he worked with doctors, nurses and other health professionals developing programs to keep Humana members healthy.Their focus on primary care and medication adherence improved the lives of thousands of seniors in Kansas City and the surrounding area.

Kevin and his wife, Lori, have three children.Kevin has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Missouri.

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