Safety in the Bathroom - statistically the most likely place for a fall or accident...
Home modifications reduced or eliminated their need for help, restored their confidence in caring for themselves and reduced carer stress.
As people’s confidence grew, they were happier to venture out into the broader community. Importantly, relationships improved.
https://hellocaremail.com.au/simple-home-renovations-can-liberating-older-people/
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“Falls in toilets and bathrooms account for around one quarter of all falls,” Professor Paul Varghese from the Falls Injury Prevention Collaborative said.
“We’ve looked at the data to identify the underlying factors for falls in these areas and found that most falls occur when a patient is reaching for an object or changing their position. The data also showed that men were more likely to fall than women.”
When undertaking bathroom modifications, the size of the room will be a major factor in the conversion. By re-using existing services, the cost and difficulty of modification can be greatly reduced. Typically, larger bathrooms allow for easier conversion.
Check it out - Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme may be able to help: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/mass/prescribe/living
Think too about re-painting some of the walls a brighter colour. As our eyesight gets less/or dementia takes its toll; some simply Cannot Distinguish between the colour white or cream on the walls, and the white, off-white, cream of the floor. This makes it Extremely Difficult to navigate eg. along a hallway, in the bathroom, in the separate toilet room. Your loved one may say that the toilet area is 'empty', where the walls, floor, and toilet bowl are All White. Very puzzling. Just imagine their confusion trying to 'find' the toilet, when the only distinguishing thing they can 'see' is the round steel water drainage 'grid' on the bathroom floor. Ah, There's the toilet... pee...
http://www.enablingenvironments.com.au/adapt-a-house.html Just click on "Bathroom", then hover mouse over the area of interest.
By accommodating ageing in place, the sizing of a bathroom can be configured to allow for the use of walking frames, wheelchairs or electric scooters. Circulation spaces around the pan, basin and shower should be considered for maneuverability.
Showers should be located in a corner recess to allow for the future installation of grab rails
- Shower screens should be easy to remove in case it is required in the future
- Floor surface should be properly graded so when shower screens are removed, water should drain efficiently to drainage wastes
- Basins – wall mounted basins with a removable vanity will allow for ease of modification to provide suitable clearance underneath the basin for sufficient wheelchair toe-knee clearance
- Install a shelf in the shower or bath area that is between knee and shoulder height for easy access to soap, shampoo, and other essential washing items.
Details: http://accesshomes.com.au/home-modifications/
The bathroom can be a very hazardous place for anyone whose health and physical steadiness is not what it used to be. However, there is a lot you can do to make bathing or showering, grooming, and using that all important toilet easier and safer for the person you're caring for. Grab rails provide that extra support and assist you to maintain your balance as you move in and around the bathroom.
· Install grab bars on the walls of the shower or tub to help her get in and out with minimal assistance, and to help balance while bathing or showering.
. Easy shower access: Remove the threshold from your shower, allowing a step-free, walk-in shower access.
· To prevent slipping, stick nonskid bath decals or a nonskid rubber mat with suction cups on the floor of the shower or tub. Place a large nonskid bath mat on the floor outside the shower or tub. Can buy at your local Reject shop or local supermarket.
· If she has trouble standing while showering, a folding shower chair can be helpful. You can also have a built-in shower seat alloiwing you safety, comfort and convenience to shower in a seated position if needed. You can install an adjustable or handheld showerhead so the stream of water is at the right level for her for when she's seated. Enlist the expertise of an Occupational Therapist (OT) who will come and work out your particular needs and safety. A slide-bar shower head caters for various height adjustments, can be used sitting or standing and is more practical for cleaning.
- what it looks like: https://patienthandling.com.au/bathroom-toilet-aids/
- in Queensland - Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme may be able to help: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/mass/prescribe/living
· If your loved one uses a walker or wheelchair, you can install a roll-in shower with a fold-out bath bench. Think of getting a combined shower/commode chair, with four wheels and four brakes. You may not strictly speaking Need it at the moment, but it will prove invaluable as your health progresses.
· Set the water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns from hot water. Have a look at LifeTec website for practical information and advice.
· A long-handled sponge may allow her to wash hard-to-reach areas herself. This respects her dignity too.
what it looks like: www.patienthandling.com.au/dressing-grooming-aids/
· Body soap in a pump bottle may be easier to use than bar soap, which can be slippery and hard to pick up. A separate dispenser can be installed for shampoo.
· If she has trouble using her hands, install lever-handled faucets that she can turn on and off with her wrists or arm.
. Easy to use Taps: Install lever or flick mix tap fittings with soft turn washers in place of standard screw on/off taps - they are easier to grasp and use.
Add grooming and toileting aids in the bathroom
Grooming aids:
· Standing at the sink may be difficult or impossible for someone whose balance is unsteady. Whether or not she's in a wheelchair, a sink with room beneath it for her legs is a good idea. You can set up a chair for her if necessary. You may be able to remove a below-sink cabinet to accommodate her legs, but be sure to insulate any exposed pipes to prevent burns.
· If she has trouble using her hands, install lever-handled faucets that she can turn on and off with her wrists or arm.
· Soap in a pump-top container or a wall dispenser may be easier to use than bar soap.
· A cordless electric toothbrush makes it easy to care for teeth and gums. Disposable flossing picks, which can be purchased at your local supermarket, can enable her to floss with one hand.
· An electric razor may be easy to use, but some men complain that it aggravates nerve pain. If this is the case for the person you're caring for, a disposable safety razor is a good alternative.
. It's important to support the upper body by resting elbows on the sink or vanity when grooming.
. Hands-free hair dryers can be mounted on a vanity unit.
Toileting aids:
· Install handrails or grab bars on the walls around the toilet so the person you're caring for can sit down on and get off the toilet with minimal assistance. Alternatively, you can place a commode chair with a raised seat and grab bars over the toilet, or even a raised toilet seat with grab bars.
what it looks like: https://patienthandling.com.au/over-toilet-aids/
· A shower/commode chair with grab bars and a removable bucket can be invaluable if she has a hard time getting to the bathroom in time. You can keep it by the bed or in the living room.
what it looks like: https://patienthandling.com.au/toilet-shower-commodes/
· Premoistened, flushable wipes make it easier for her to clean herself after using the toilet. Look in your local supermarket or chemist shop.
what it looks like: https://patienthandling.com.au/bathroom-toilet-aids/
· In case of accidents, keep a set of clean, dry clothing in the bathroom so she can change with a minimum of fuss and embarrassment.
Since making the right home modifications can make a huge difference in the lives of both you and the person you care for, it may be helpful to consult an Occupational therapist (OT). An OT can take stock of your loved one's specific disability and the current state of the home, then make suggestions based on their particular needs.