Bath Safety Tips for Seniors in Greater Beaumont

Did you know that according to a 2022 AARP study, 77% of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes long-term?

The desire to age in place is clear, but it requires planning. The same study found that 79% of participants said they would need to modify their bathrooms with grab bars or no-step showers to do so safely.

January is Bath Safety Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the precautions needed to bathe safely at home. At Griswold Home Care for Greater Beaumont, we’re committed to supporting seniors and their families with the resources and care needed to age independently at home. We encourage you to review the Home Safety Checklist provided by the National Institute on Aging as a helpful starting point.

Not only is the entire home important to safeguard, but so is the bathroom, an essential room in every house, especially for seniors. Read on for bath safety tips, local contractors and medical supply businesses, and how a Griswold Caregiver can assist you or a loved one to remain safe at home.

Essential Bath Safety Tips for Seniors

When it comes to bathing, follow these tips to avoid slipping or falling in the bathroom:

• Install grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to provide stable support when entering, exiting, or moving around
• Use non-slip mats inside the tub and shower to prevent slipping on wet floors
• Make sure there is proper lighting in the bathroom, including a nightlight for evening hours
• Keep items within easy reach to avoid overreaching or bending in slippery conditions
• Consider a shower chair or bench to add stability and comfort while bathing

Local Greater Beaumont Resources for Bath Safety

If you’re ready to make your bathroom safer, the Greater Beaumont area offers excellent local resources for bath safety equipment and installation services.

Medical Plus Supplies has been serving Texans for over 30 years. Their Beaumont location offers home medical supplies, including bathroom safety equipment, with a retail store open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. The equipment they provide includes grab bars, tub transfer benches, hand-held showers, shower chairs, and elevated toilet seats. In addition, they provide 24-hour clinical and technical support staff to address patients’ needs at any time of day.

Powell & Sons has a network of conversion contractors providing seamless tub-to-shower conversions. If you or a loved one is looking for a bathroom transformation, you can get a free conversion quote here.

Renuity Home offers bathroom remodeling, with a focus on accessibility needs. They have a wide variety of options, including walk-in tubs with safe seating and bathing. They suggest walk-in showers to contribute towards a clearer space; this is typically used in smaller bathrooms with limited space. Additionally, they offer safety features like slip-resistant bases and properly positioned support bars, which further enhance comfort.

A Griswold Caregiver Can Help

While it is Bath Safety Awareness Month, know that you don’t have to do this alone or take care of a loved one alone. Griswold is here to support you so you can live at home long-term while staying independent and safe. A Griswold Caregiver can help your loved one by:

• Ensuring your loved one bathes safely with supervision and support
• Providing steady support when entering and exiting the shower or tub
• Checking for appropriate water temperatures before taking a step into showers or baths
• Verifying that grab bars, seated toilets, and other safety equipment are secure
• Making daily routines more enjoyable and less isolating

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one is struggling at home, whether with bathing, daily activities, or more, Griswold is here to help. Especially during Bath Safety Month, we want to provide the best resources possible to our Greater Beaumont community. We are here to support your family and help others live assured.