Bathrooms have hard and slippery surfaces, making them common places for seniors to fall. The idea of your elderly parent slipping and falling in the bathroom is scary to think about, especially if they have balance problems. Falling can lead to hip fractures and other serious injuries in elderly people. If you are worried about your elderly parent falling in the bathroom, there are steps you can take to reduce their risk.

Install Grab Bars

One of the first things you should do is install grab bar in your parent’s bathroom. A grab bar in the bathtub can help your parent get in and out of the tub with ease and a grab bar next to the toilet can help your parent avoid slips when using the bathroom.

Put a Chair in the Bathtub

Does your elderly parent have trouble standing up for long periods of time? If so,  you should consider putting a chair in the bathtub. There are chairs designed specifically for the bathtub and can prevent your parent from falling. Your parent can be perfectly comfortable sitting in the chair as they are taking a shower.

Remove Clutter

It is important to clear clutter out of your parent’s bathroom. The more clutter there is on the bathroom floors and on the edge of the bathtub, the more likely your parent is to fall. If your parent has a lot of items in the bathroom, you should consider installing storage cabinets and keeping the items in there.

Use a Non-Slip Bath Mat

A simple way to prevent falls in the bathroom is to put a non-slip bath mat on the floor. When your parent steps out of the tub, they won’t be in danger of slipping and sliding on the floor. A bath mat will also keep the floors from getting wet.

Keep Essential Items Within Reach

Another easy way to make your parent’s bathroom safer is to put a shower caddy in the bathtub. Put all the items, such as body wash and shampoo, that your parent will use every day in the shower in this caddy. This way, they won’t have to reach down for items and potentially hurt themselves.

Hire a Home Nurse

If you are still worried about your parent getting in and out of the bathtub safely, you should think about hiring a home nurse. This healthcare professional can come to your parent’s home and help them get in and out of the tub. A home nurse can also help your parent with actual bathing if necessary. With a qualified healthcare professional helping your parent, you will have a better peace of mind about their safety.

If you believe that your parent needs extra assistance at home, you should consider hiring a home nurse. Schedule interviews with several candidates and hire the one who best fits your need. Don’t forget to call their references after you interview them.