Daily living activities, including bathing, can be challenging to perform and even dangerous as people advance in age. The elderly are especially at risk because while in the bathroom, there is danger from wet and slippery floors. There are a few bath aids for elderly people that manufacturers specially design to improve safety and convenience. This article will look into some of these bath aids.
Grab Rails
The design and materials of grab rails for the bathroom are crucial in guaranteeing safety and functionality. Various types of materials are available for making grab rails, and picking the right one can be very effective. Plastic is among the commonly chosen options for grab rails, accessible due to their sturdiness, water resistance, easy cleaning, and sanitation.
Raised grips constitute one characteristic one should include when looking for grab rails. These grips are secured to the grab rail for additional security and stability, especially in a wet room with slippery surfaces. Appropriate grab rails with raised grips reduce the possibilities of slippage and enhance safety.
The design of these raised grips offers a tactile sensation that stays secure in the hands while moving within and around the bathroom area. These bath aids for elderly people enhance self-reliance and safety for individuals with mobility limitations or those prone to falling. Grab Rails are one of the best bath aids for the elderly.
Non-Slip Flooring
Rubber and vinyl flooring provide superior anti-slip properties, making them a safer installation choice. Manufacturers create these materials to give a high coefficient of friction to ensure that people do not slip in wet areas. The primary function of the anti-slip flooring in the bathroom is to reduce the number of falls and increase safety for the elderly or people with disabilities.
Adding non-slip mats and adhesive strips provides additional protection. Some mats offer an extra grip layer and stability when placed at appropriate positions near the shower or bathtub. Soft foam mats made of PVC coatings used on steps, thresholds, or any other place with a high chance of causing falls provide grip and add to the anti-slip floor.
Accessible Showers
The advantage of walk-in showers, also called level-access showers, is the complete absence of steps to trip on. Thanks to drain pumps and slanted floors, these showers are easy to use by people with mobility issues. We consider accessible showers to be the best bath aids for the elderly.
Seated Safely
Since collapsible seats often come with armrests, they provide extra support. They are best suited for installation in the shower cubicle or the wet-floor area. A person can control the height of the seat. Manufacturers developed collapsible seats to meet the individual’s needs and make the shower more secure and comfortable to use.
Elevating Safety
Bath lifts are solutions that assist users in bathing by safely lowering and lifting them in and out of the bathtub. They differ in their operational mechanism. Providing secure bathroom holds and the correct positioning of the bath lift enhances safety.
On-the-Go Hygiene
Handheld showers provide the elderly and people with disability with the added convenience of bathing while seated or standing, depending on their comfort and mobility needs. Thanks to hand showers with adjustable heights and dispensers, control and independence are maintained while restriction is decreased.
Steady Toilet Seats
Unique toilet frames and seats with armrests help the elderly use the toilet more easily. These fixtures provide support to the users and prevent falls. These toilet frame heights can be made adjustable and when combined with anti-slip flooring, provide comfort and safety.
FAQs
What helps elderly people get in the bathtub?
Senior citizens may use many techniques and devices that will assist them in using the bath and shower more safely. Here are just a few:
- Grab bars: Grab bars may be placed on the walls near the bathtub for seniors to hold while getting in or coming out of the bathtub to avoid accidents and injuries.
- Transfer benches: Transfer benches are benches on which the user sits at the same level as the tub side and wishes to slide over the bench to the other side to take a bath.
- Step stools: A proper step stool may also be helpful to older people who may find it hard to access the bathtub due to its height.
- Bathtub lift chairs: Bath lift chairs are powered seats designed to get people in and out of the tub easily and safely, allowing the elderly to bathe with minimal help.
What can I use to help me get out of the bath?
Bath aids for elderly who don’t have walk-in baths individuals can improve safety when getting out of the tub, including the following options:
- Grab bars: Grab bars can be installed just next to the bathtub to provide support and leverage when getting out of the bath. Securely fix the grab bars to the wall to ensure they can bear weight and pressure.
- Bath mats: Apply non-porous mats inside and outside the bathtub to help prevent slipping and falling while stepping in and out.
- Transfer benches or chairs: Using a transfer bench or chair makes transferring from sitting in the tub to standing outside easy and safer.
- Handheld showerheads: It is advisable to install a handheld shower to make rinsing easier while sitting in the bathtub and reduce the need to stand up after bathing.
How to get out of a bath when older?
Older individuals should follow these steps when getting out of the bathtub for their safety and comfort:
- Ensure the water level is low: For easy bathing, drain water as you prepare to get out of the tub to reduce the chances of slipping or difficulty standing up later on.
- Use grab bars for support: To prevent falls, grab bars or grab napkins when lifting yourself out.
- Slide to the edge of the tub: This may only be applicable if the person is assisted from standing upright by a transfer bench or a chair. When standing up, they use the transfer bench with the legs in position and the back of the chair and slide over to the outer side of the tub before resuming a standing position.
- Take your time: Leave the bathroom only after ensuring your safety. Doing so will help stretch muscles and joints that might have been in one position for a long.
These devices will help improve safety and comfort for the elderly. Combining these bath aids for elderly people, such as grab rails, non-slip floors, walk-in showers, and bath lifts, can enhance the bathing environment. After speaking with professionals like a physician or an occupational therapist, you can take steps to identify the best bath aids for the elderly.
Properly using these bath aids for elderly people will contribute positively to their quality of life, especially regarding their daily functionalities. It helps prevent complications and mobility issues as they grow older. These aids allow the elderly to carry out their routine without worries and eliminate the risk of bathing after a certain age.
