Bathroom Safety Products for the Elderly: A Must-Have
Falling and injuring themselves is something common among the elderly. This is because, in old age, the ability to manage one’s weight is hampered. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, approximately 3 million elderly individuals visit the emergency departments in the United States to treat fall injuries. In some cases, these injuries can become serious and even fatal. As a preventive measure, several kinds of bathroom safety products have been introduced that can help prevent such accidents among older adults.
Bathroom safety products are the best choice for fall prevention
In this article, let us go through some of the essential bathroom safety products that can be installed to reduce the risk of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.
Bathroom Safety Products: Why are They Important?
Bathroom safety products are necessary for the following reasons:
- Using bathroom safety products ensures that the elderly are safe while bathing or using the toilet. These products reduce the risk of falls and thus prevent major complications associated with falling.
- By employing bathroom safety products, the patients can become more comfortable in the toilet and the shower. As a result, they can take care of their personal hygiene in a better way.
- These bath safety equipment also preserve a person’s independence as well as dignity as they can take care of themselves without having to ask for help every single time.
- As the incidence of fall accidents reduces, there is also a sharp decrease in the secondary health issues associated with falling. These include fractures, joint pain, blood clotting, etc.
Bathroom Safety Products for Over-the-Hill Age Adults
The following are some of the products that are considered essential for over-the-hill age adults and the elderly who are more prone to accidental falls:
Grab Bars
A grab bar is a tool that provides the necessary support to the elderly while they use the shower area or the toilet. The shower grab bars can be held while getting in and out of the shower to balance one’s self against the slippery floor. This way, the risk of falling is minimized.
Similarly, grab bars can also be installed near the toilet seat. It is particularly beneficial for older adults who have joint or other mobility issues. In most cases, these individuals fall while transitioning from a seated position to a standing one. By holding a grab bar, their weight is supported and the chances of falling are reduced.
While choosing good quality grab bars, it should be kept in mind that the products must have a non-slip grip for extra comfort. In addition, the grab bars must be installed with screws for maximum safety. In this regard, stainless steel-based grab bars are the best ones.
However, more aesthetic-looking plastic grab bars are also available which have suction cups for attachment to the walls. These can be placed from one location to another without damaging the wall.
The installation of grab bars in the house increases the overall safety of your aged loved ones
Shower Chair
Shower seats or chairs should be used by elderly patients when they need to take a shower. A shower chair is just like a normal chair in size and basic buildup. Most of these have a padded armrest. The feet of the chair are also covered with non-slip-resistant soles which prevent the chair from falling backward.
These bath seats are made up of rust-resistant aluminium which makes them lightweight as well so the user can carry them in and out of the shower with ease. Most of these products can be disassembled and stored in a small space.
While choosing these bathroom safety products, it is essential to find a shower chair that is adjustable in height and has non-slip feet covers.
Raised Toilet Seats
A raised toilet seat is one of the important bathroom safety products that significantly reduces the risk of bathroom accidents. The construction is simple with an adjustable height. The non-slip covers on the feet of these seat covers lock to the ground and ensure the patient’s safety. Moreover, the armrests attached to the seat also provide support and stability while sitting and getting up from the toilet seat.
These raised toilet seats are aluminum-based bathroom safety products that can be used by the elderly, people with joint disorders, those who are recovering from broken hip surgery, etc.
Shower chairs can be employed for those needing additional assistance while bathing
Non-Slip Bath Mats
As slipping from wet floors is the leading cause of falls, the use of bathroom safety products that can keep the floors dry can prevent such accidents. One such product is the non-slip bath safety mat. These products are thin and are just like a rug that can be installed in front of the shower area.
These usually have a non-slip rubber backing which keeps the mat in place and does not let it move from its place. Their best feature is their shorter drying time. These bathroom safety products are machine-washable and can be cleaned and reused for years to come once you buy them.
Toilet Safety Frames
If the patient is able to use the toilet, there is a need to install toilet safety frames instead of a raised toilet seat. These safety frames can support a weight of up to 300 pounds (lbs) so they are suitable for healthy individuals who need additional assistance to support their weight.
Their armrests are also non-slip and provide a stronger grip when the user holds them. These toilet safety rails are not only useful for older adults but are also beneficial for those who have arthritis, have gone through surgery, or are pregnant.
Bath Transfer Benches
Bathroom transfer benches are bathroom safety products that are necessary for people with mobility issues as well as those who are in their old age. These are wider than the bath chairs and therefore provide more support.
These come with a reversible backseat which can be fit on either side of the bench. The bench is to be placed in a way that one end is in the bathtub while the other is out on the floor. The user sits on the bench from one side and can slide themselves towards the other. This way, there is no need to lift a foot to get into the bathtub which can cause the elderly to trip and fall.
Non-slip floor mats keep the floors dry and thus reduce the risk of slippage
Bathroom Safety Equipment at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Bathroom safety products are required for the safety of the elderly as well as those who have mobility issues. These products are usually long-lasting and serve their purpose well. Some of these bathroom safety products are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
Drive Medical RTL12118 Chrome Knurled Grab Bar 18″
Drive Medical RTL12118 Chrome Knurled Grab Bar 18″
US$32.49
Product Details
Drive Medical RTL12118 chrome knurled grab bars are one of the best bathroom safety equipment. These are made up of stainless steel which is durable and has immense strength. The non-slip grip area enhances the user’s hold on the bar.
Apart from being useful, the product is aesthetically pleasing as well and has a higher weight capacity. It is 18 inches in length which is the perfect size for bathrooms with a reasonable dimension.
Drive Medical 12025KD-1 Heavy Duty Bariatric Plastic Seat Transfer Bench
Drive Medical 12025KD-1 Heavy Duty Bariatric Plastic Seat Transfer Bench
US$149.99
Product Details
Drive Medical 12025KD-1 heavy-duty bariatric plastic seat transfer bench is a strong and durable product that has a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds. The product has adjustable legs which can be elevated or lowered according to the user’s height.
The presence of an A-frame ensures enhanced stability. The construction material of these Drive Medical 12025KD-1 heavy-duty bariatric plastic seat transfer benches is durable blow-molded plastic which is lightweight but strong. In addition, no hardware of the product is exposed which can pose a risk of injury.
Drive Medical 11135-1 Bariatric Drop Arm Bedside Commode Chair
Drive Medical 11135-1 Bariatric Drop Arm Bedside Commode Chair
US$239.99
Product Details
Drive Medical 11135-1 bariatric drop arm bedside commode chair is another product that can be used as a bedside commode. This eliminates the need for the patient to go to the bathroom. Such products are ideal for people who have very little to no mobility. As for the features, the product has a large snap-on seat which is strong enough to hold the patient’s weight.
In addition, the padded armrest allows the user to be comfortable and stable while using these Drive Medical 11135-1 bariatric drop arm bedside commode chairs. The weight capacity of the product is up to 1000 pounds. The easy-to-release arm mechanism ensures that the patient is safely transferred to and from the chair.
Shower Chair Seat with Padded Armrests with 350 lb Capacity
Shower Chair Seat with Padded Armrests with 350 lb Capacity
US$353.28
Product Details
The shower chair seat with padded armrests comes with a 350 lb weight-carrying capacity. These are comfortable and long-lasting products that have slip-resistant soles that lock to the ground when the patient is taking a bath. The construction material of the product is aluminium which is lightweight and rust-resistant.
The height of the product is also adjustable according to the height of the patient. The product is sold in parts which are easy to assemble. This also gives the advantage of disassembling the shower chair when there is a need to store it or travel with it.
Drive Medical 12013 Premium Plastic Raised Toilet Seat with Lock and Padded Armrests Elongated
Drive Medical 12013 Premium Plastic Raised Toilet Seat with Lock and Padded Armrests Elongated
US$75.89
Product Details
Drive Medical 12013 premium plastic raised toilet seat with lock and padded armrests fit with most elongated toilets. The armrests are for the patient’s comfort and convenience while they also provide safety while getting up from the toilet seat. These armrests can also be removed when a patient in a wheelchair needs to use the toilet.
The product is smaller in size, lightweight, and portable. There is also no need for any tools to install these toilet seats. The construction material is heavy-duty molded plastic. Moreover, the opening in these seats is wide to promote personal hygiene.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Bathroom safety products are necessary for promoting the well-being of the elderly
All of the bathroom safety products mentioned in the above article, along with many other medical supplies, can be ordered from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link given in the article to check out the wide range of leading bathroom safety equipment for the elderly.
Bottom Line
When it comes to the fall accidents affecting elderly patients, most of those occur in the bathrooms where the individuals are unsupervised and alone. Moreover, the wet environment of the bathroom also increases the risk of slipping and falling. In some cases, these injuries can worsen to the point where the patient does not survive.
As a safety measure, bathroom safety products are required. These include items like grab bars, bath transfer benches, shower chairs, etc. When installed, these items tend to bear the patient’s weight and redistribute it in a way that the necessary support is provided to the body.
Hence, their importance is undeniable in home settings as well as within hospitals. For purchasing different kinds of bathroom safety products, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
