7 tips to help seniors bathe safely at home

Bathing is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at all ages—it removes dirt and odors, helping to prevent infections. It also feels good and can contribute to a better sense of well-being.

For many seniors, however, bathing can be difficult. Stiffness in the joints, muscle weakness, and limited balance can make bathing painful and even dangerous. According to Consumer Affairs, up to 80% of falls that occur in the home happen in the bathroom. Many seniors can benefit from one or more of these safer bathing options.

1) Try a shower chair

Keeping a water-resistant chair in the bathtub or shower lets you or your senior loved one sit down, preventing fatigue and reducing the risk of slipping and falling. Make sure the shower chair’s legs have rubber tips to prevent them from slipping.

An alternative is a bath bench, which allows seniors to enter the tub by sitting down and bringing their legs in over the side. This eliminates the need to stand and step over the side, which threatens balance.

2) Install a spray attachment to the showerhead

This feature lets the user reach all parts of the body without having to turn around, bend down, or stretch too much. It can be used with or without a shower chair, standing or sitting. This can make showering more comfortable for seniors and allows them to control the direction and flow of water. A spray attachment not only aids in bathing, but it can also empower seniors and improve independence.

3) Install a walk-in tub

Walk-in tubs have doors that open on the side, allowing seniors to enter the bathtub without taking large steps. These tubs also feature built-in seating, so there is no need to stand to shower or wait to fill up the tub and step in.

4) Install grab bars and handles

Many seniors reach for a towel rack when they feel unsteady in the bathroom, but these holders are not meant to support a person’s weight. Install proper handles in appropriate places, such as near the bathtub or toilet, and your senior loved one can safely use them for support. Another option may be a tension pole, which stands from floor to ceiling.

5) Add non-slip features to the tub

Many seniors may avoid the shower or tub because they are afraid of slipping and falling. Adding a non-skid mat or non-slip decals to the floor of the bath can help create traction and be a decorative element.

7) Stay in contact during bath time

Seniors who do not need assistance with bathing may still be concerned about safety. In this case, seniors might establish a routine of calling a caregiver or friend to let them know when they are about to bathe, then letting them know afterward that all is well. Such precautions can help in case of an accident while still preserving a senior’s independence.

Despite any setbacks from aging, seniors can still follow hygiene practices safely. Follow these steps to make the bathroom more accommodating to your senior loved one’s health and well-being.