Creating a Safer Bathroom for a Senior with Cognitive Functioning Decline

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house.

A huge percentage of injuries occur in bathrooms each year due to the nature of activities performed there, slippery conditions, and water. These dangers can be even more pronounced for an elderly adult who is living with cognitive functioning decline. If you are a family caregiver for such a senior, it is important to take steps to create a safer environment in the bathroom for your parent so they can avoid injuries and maintain more of their independence as they age in place.

Elderly Care in Murray UT: Bathroom Safety

Use these tips to create a safer bathroom for a senior with cognitive functioning of decline:

• Replace traditional slick tile flooring with textured options. Tile without a glossy surface provides more traction and reduces the risk of falling
• Remove unstable towel rods and other items your parent may reach out and use for support. Replace these with grab bars strong enough to support their weight
• Do not store potentially dangerous chemicals such as drain cleaners or multi-surface cleaners within easy reach of your senior. This is particularly important for products that are fragranced like food or body products
• Keep razors out of the bathroom. A senior with cognitive functioning decline may remember using a razor for their hygiene, but not how to use one safely, potentially leading to injuries
• Avoid storing products such as toothpaste or mouthwash within easy reach of your elderly adult. They may consume an excessive amount of these while attempting to manage their hygiene, leading to poisoning
• Keep all medications out of reach of your parent
• Label sink and bathtub handles to indicate which is hot and which is cold to reduce the risk of scalding

Caring for an elderly adult with cognitive function decline can be extremely stressful and challenging.

Fortunately, with elder care, you are not alone. And elderly home care services provider can offer a wide range of highly personalized services specifically designed to help your parent manage their needs, overcome their limitations, and continue to live a life that’s right for them.

These services can include creating and following a schedule, mobility support, assistance with activities of daily living, medication reminders, supervision to manage wandering tendencies, and more. As a family caregiver, knowing your senior has access to this level of personalized care can help you feel more confident not only in their safety and health but also their happiness and quality of life.

Are you or a loved one considering hiring Elderly Care in Murray, UT? Please talk to the friendly staff at December Rose Senior Care at Home. Providing Home Care in Highland, Utah and Surrounding Communities. 801-427-ROSE (7673)