Bath Safety for Seniors in Broward County

January is National Bath Safety Month. A timely reminder to take extra precautions and fall-proof your bathroom and bathtub.

Bathing is a routine activity that can be an afterthought in terms of safety. However, the bathroom can be one of the most dangerous rooms in our homes. It is estimated that 80% of household falls occur in the bathroom. While not every fall results in an injury, the CDC estimates that nearly 40% do. That number only increases for seniors. That’s why ensuring the bathroom is a safe area for our senior loved ones is so important.

Why is Bathing Important for Seniors?

There are several reasons why regular bathing is so vital for seniors in particular.

• Bathing can improve breathing – Your lung capacity and oxygen intake will improve if you relax in a bathtub filled with water to your neck. When you bathe in warm water, it increases your heart rate and allows your body to take in more oxygen.
• Bathing can improve mental and emotional health – Warm baths have been linked to improving depression and reducing stress and tension.
• Bathing helps improve symptoms of disease – For those with Parkinson’s disease, the water supports weak muscles and can soothe symptoms. Baths can also ease pain in the spine linked with multiple sclerosis.
• Bathing soothes muscles – Soaking in a warm bath a few times a week is a great way to combat muscle soreness. Adding Epsom salts can help to further relax muscles and decrease pain.

How to Increase Bath Safety for My Loved One?

Now that we know bathing is vital for our senior loved ones, you may be wondering how to reduce the risks associated with bathing. The good news is that there are plenty of precautions you can implement in your home to help.

• Remove tripping hazards such as area rugs
• Consider a shower seat to prevent falls in a stand-in shower
• Use a handheld shower hose
• Install a transfer bench for those who may struggle to step into bathtubs
• Always test water temperature before entering
• Finally, install grab bars in the tub or shower area

Local Resources Here in Broward

If you’re looking for a great company that specializes in grab bar installation, look no further than Mighty Grab Bars. Located right here in Broward County. Chris offers old-fashioned customer service, fast and friendly scheduling, a large service area, and upfront competitive pricing. He installs and designs custom safety grab bar solutions to fit any situation. He is highly experienced in precision drilling and the professional placement of grab bars. Additionally, he offers a lifetime warranty on all grab bars.

Griswold Can Help

Whether you are in Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Dania Beach, or the surrounding area, we are here for you. We offer many different care services, from live-in care, for when you need someone in the house all the time, to respite care, for when you just need a few hours a week. With our personal care, one of our referred-Caregivers can assist in bathing you or your loved one.

Give us a call today, and we’d be happy to discuss care options and put together a personalized care plan for you.

We are also happy to offer around-the-clock Audio-based Care Units to all of our clients for no additional charge. These innovative, audio-based Care Pods are specially designed for in-home settings, providing continuous insights to ensure the health and safety of your loved one. These state-of-the-art Care Pods can detect falls, physical distress, and calls for help, as well as identify early signs of cognitive decline, infection, medication errors, and potential urinary tract infections. This empowers Griswold’s caregiving team to intervene early, manage symptoms effectively, and reduce hospitalizations. Live Assured knowing Griswold is committed to providing resources that help manage safety in effective ways to enhance your or your loved one’s care.

License #: NR30211028