Bathroom Accessibility Solutions for Delaware County Seniors

Is your bathroom safe to navigate for your senior loved ones?

Bathroom Safety for Older Adults

Every year, 1 million older adults end up in the hospital after a fall, with many falls happening in the bathroom. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a third of those falls result in injury, which can be fatal or cause other complications. Age-related risk factors for falls include:

• Balance problems
• Certain medications like antidepressants, sedatives, and meds for blood pressure
• Dementia and other forms of cognitive decline
• Foot pain and injuries
• Medical conditions like nerve and thyroid issues or muscle weakness that can affect your balance

This National Bath Safety Month, we’re sharing ideas and resources you can use in your own bathroom to increase safety and prevent falls.

What Safety Upgrades Can I Make in My Bathroom?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s National Library of Medicine (NLM) includes a service called MedlinePlus, an online health information resource. Here are some of their bathroom safety tips for adults:

• Use non-slip mats on surfaces that get wet, like the floor of your tub or shower. Their textured surfaces will help maximize your grip on the floor. Some are machine washable, and some you can rinse off with soap and water.
• Use a bath chair, stool, or bench when in the tub or shower to decrease the number of transfers from sitting to standing and vice versa. Add a bath cushion for extra comfort and protection.
• Consider installing an elevated toilet seat or use a commode chair to make transfers on and off the toilet easier and safer.
• You can install grab bars inside your shower or tub, outside of it, and by your toilet. The bar should be between 33 and 36 inches off the floor, depending on your height. Never use a towel rack as a grab bar!
• Single-handle faucets with lever handles allow for one-handed operation.

The Caregiver Action Network recommends always testing the water temperature before you or a loved one enters your tub or shower. You can even install anti-scald devices in your faucet or showerhead to prevent burns from happening. Another important factor in bathroom safety is using proper form when helping with transfers. Different transfer devices like bath boards and mechanical lifts can help to make this easier and safer.

Where Can I Find Bathroom Safety Upgrades in Delco?

Havertown Home Improvement has services for all areas of the home, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, doors, windows, and more. They can remodel your bathroom to have features like a zero-entry shower and great lighting. Request a free quote when you give them a call or text.

• Hours: Mondays – Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Service Area: Havertown, Newtown Square, Broomall, Drexel Hill, Springfield, and Villanova

Mr. Handyman of the West Main Line is a home and business repair company for residential and commercial customers. They help with repairs, remodels, plumbing, electrical services, and safety and mobility services. Explore guard and handrail installation, options to widen doorways, grab bar installation, and more.

• Hours: Available to help 24/7
• Service Area: Cities in and around the Western Main Line including Havertown, Chadds Ford, Chester, Garnet Valley, Media, Wayne, and more

How Can Griswold Help?

At Griswold Home Care for Delaware County, our Caregivers are here to help you and your loved ones age where you love to be with the peace of mind you deserve. We offer in-home care services like Personal Care, Companion Care, Homemaking, Respite Care, and 24-Hour Care. We’re happy to help maintain safety during essential personal care activities while maintaining your loved one’s dignity and self-esteem. Are you interested in learning more about Griswold? Give us a call today!