When it starts to get chilly outside, one of the most comforting and cozy activities to fight the winter chill is a nice warm bath. Having a bath can also be a safety concern for older adults, and we want to talk about ways to keep yourself safe when bathing.
According to the National Institute of Health, up to 80% of falls experienced by older adults occur in the bathroom. You can be proactive in fall prevention by
- Installing handrails in bath/shower
- Having non-slip mats on the shower floor as well as on the bathroom floor
- Utilizing shower chairs/hand-held shower heads as needed
As described in this article at Caregiver.com, it is crucial to ensure that your bath/shower water is at a safe temperature. Older adults are more prone to burns and scalding due to changes in aging skin, a decreased reaction time, and mobility issues. It is therefore advised to keep your bathwater no warmer than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You should start with cold water and gradually increasing warm water until the water is at a safe temperature.