Think for a minute about all you go through to take a bath.
First, you step over a high tub wall while trying to maintain balance.
Then you lower yourself into the tub using your arm strength.
And you do all of this on a wet, slippery surface—without wearing shoes for traction.
There are ways to improve bathing safety for an aging or disabled person. Consider purchasing a new bathtub with a transfer bench built into the side. To get into the bathtub safely, you sit on the ledge and swing your legs into the tub. Then you can use grab bars and rails to lower yourself into the water. There are also what are called “accessible bathtubs” on the market today. These bathtubs let you walk into the tub through a door in the tub wall. When the door closes, it seals the opening so you can fill the tub with water.
Can’t afford a new tub? Make your old tub safer by installing a non-slip mat on the floor of the tub and installing grab bars and hand rails. And make sure there’s a place to put the towel and shampoo so it can be reached without getting up.
Live Free Home Health Care can perform a free in-home safety assessment to review what could potentially be hazardous in your home for you or your loved one and make recommendations for increased safety. Click here for more information.