Bath Safety Month Tips for Seniors in NEPA

January is Bath Safety Month, a time to raise awareness among seniors about the risks and dangers of falling while bathing.

According to the CDC, 80% of senior falls occur in the bathroom, resulting in over 200,000 seniors being treated annually for bathroom-related injuries. The bathroom is essential to daily living, but for older adults, it is also one of the most hazardous places in the home. The good news is that with simple changes and practical safety measures, many of these falls are easily preventable.

Read on to learn essential bath safety tips for seniors, how our Caregivers at Griswold can help, and local resources in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties, including bath contractors and medical supply companies that can offer solutions to a safe bathroom.

Bath Safety Tips for Seniors

1. Install Grab Bars and Support Rails: Secure grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub. These provide sturdy support for getting in and out of the tub or rising from the toilet, greatly reducing a senior’s risk of slips and falls.

2. Use Non-Slip Mats and Rugs: Place non-slip mats inside the bathtub or shower and on the bathroom floor to prevent slipping on wet surfaces. Avoid loose area rugs that can bunch up or slide.

3. Add a Shower Chair or Transfer Bench: For seniors with limited mobility or balance issues, a shower chair or transfer bench allows for safe seated bathing and easier transfers.

4. Ensure Good Lighting: Bright lighting helps seniors see wet spots or obstacles. Consider nightlights to make nighttime bathroom visits safer.

5. Keep Essentials Within Reach: Arrange soap, shampoo, towels, and other necessities within easy reach to avoid unnecessary stretching or bending.

6. Adjust Water Temperature: Set the water heater to 120°F or lower to prevent burns. Test the water temperature before bathing.

Bath Safety Local Resources in NEPA

If you’re looking to enhance bathroom safety, there are excellent local resources in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties:

• Bath Fitter Wilkes-Barre: With over 40 years of experience, they specialize in custom bathroom accessibility. Whether you or a loved one is looking to replace a shower with a tub or vice versa, they are here to help.

• Perfect Storm Kitchen & Bath: Recognized as NEPA’s top-rated remodelers, offering bathroom remodeling and renovation services. Their team can install benches and grab bars to ensure a safe space. Check out their safety accessories to keep your bathroom as safe as possible.
• Northeast Med-Equip: Located in Kingston, Northeast Med-Equip offers a wide range of bathroom safety products, including transfer benches, raised toilet seats, toilet rails, grab bars, and non-slip mats.

These professionals can install grab bars, hand-held showerheads, transfer benches, and other adaptive equipment to make bathrooms safer for seniors.

How Griswold Can Help

At Griswold Home Care for NEPA, our Caregivers are trained to assist seniors with safe bathing routines. We provide personalized support, including:

• Supervision during bathing and grooming to reduce the risk of falls
• Assistance getting in and out of the tub or shower safely
• Helping to install and use safety equipment like grab bars and shower chairs
• Encouraging good hygiene while respecting privacy and dignity
• Monitoring for signs of discomfort or health changes

We aim to empower seniors to live independently and confidently in their own homes, while providing peace of mind for families.

Contact Us

Bathroom falls among seniors are a leading cause of injury, but with the right precautions, most are preventable. Griswold Home Care for NEPA is committed to supporting seniors and their families with practical solutions, compassionate care, and trusted local resources.

If you or a loved one resides in Luzerne or Lackawanna counties, contact Griswold Home Care for NEPA today to learn how our Caregivers can help you live assured and remain independent at home. Let us help make you or a loved one’s bathroom and your life safer during Bath Safety Month and beyond. Contact us today!