Bath Safety & Accessibility for Seniors in Lehigh Valley

Falling just once can double your chance of falling again in the future.

Why Is Bath Safety Important?

Founded in 2012 by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), National Bath Safety Month is a time to spread awareness to help prevent injuries in bathrooms. Bath safety is critical for all ages, but especially for our seniors and those with disabilities that complicate bathing.

Falls are the leading cause of senior injuries, with 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 experiencing a fall every year. 1 million of those older adults end up in the hospital annually. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, and risk factors like difficulty balancing, certain medicines, and vision problems increase the chance of them happening.

How Can I Improve Bathroom Safety and Accessibility?

Here are some ideas from the National Institute on Aging that you can use to make your bathroom safer for you and your loved ones:

• Grab Bars: Install grab bars anywhere you need to transition from sitting to standing and vice versa. You might place them next to your tub or shower chair and by the toilet. Never use a towel rack as a grab bar!
• Non-Skid Mats: Use non-slip or non-skid mats anywhere where the floor might get wet. Place them on the inside and outside of your tub or shower, as well as in front of your sink.
• Lighting: Add additional lighting and/or use brighter light bulbs. Consider using a night light in your bathroom.

You may also want to make upgrades to your tub or shower. Consider installing a fold-down seat or portable bench to make the process of bathing safer and less energy-intensive. Bathing aids like long-handled sponges and shower caddies can help you reach everything you need without needing to transfer from sitting to standing.

Where Can I Find Bath Safety Products in Lehigh Valley?

There are a variety of businesses in the Lehigh Valley that can help you upgrade the safety of your bathroom. Here are a few:

• Aykroyd Hardware has served the Lehigh Valley’s Allentown, Bethlehem, & Easton areas for over 70 years. They have a variety of home improvement products available, including different types of faucets, lighting, and safety detectors. Explore faucets by Moen and Delta, and upgrade your lighting with Sylvania and Feit light bulbs.
• At TruBlue of Easton, older adults can hire help with handyman and senior services, as well as maintenance plans. Their Tru-Pro® Technicians work on home repair, to-do list chores, seasonal tasks, yard work, deck repairs, and more. They have many options to help with bathroom safety, like grab bars, shower ramps, and walk-in tubs.

How Do Griswold Caregivers Support Bath Safety?

At Griswold, our Caregivers are here to help you and your loved ones navigate your bathroom safely. Through in-home senior care services like Companionship, Personal Care, and Homemaking, we support our clients while toileting and bathing. It’s our priority to maintain their dignity and self-esteem. Whether your loved one is aging or has physical limitations from a disability, we’re here for you. If you’re interested in learning more, please give us a call today.