Avoid dizzy turns in the bathroom

OLDER adults are at greater risk if their mobility is limited or they are taking medications that cause dizziness. Hard surfaces in the bathroom can be slippery when wet and offer no cushioning when a person falls. Since many people are staying in their home longer as they age, bathing safety should concern everyone. Bright lighting in the bathroom, especially at night, can help to prevent falls. It’s also important to ensure that surfaces are slip-resistant, to reduce risk. And a bathroom door lock that can be opened from the outside is a good idea in case of an emergency. Always make sure that the water is not too hot, to avoid scalding — thermostatic controls can help with this. A bathroom will often require remodelling to make it safe for an older person. Consider replacing an old tub that is hard to get into with a new walk-in shower or walk-in bath, equipped with discreet safety features to make bathing less of a challenge. Add grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower. If the old bath cannot be removed, then a bath lift or transfer seat will help prevent falls in older adults who may lack muscular strength. Bath lifts are designed to ease users in and out of the bathtub gently and can be easily dismantled for cleaning or folded away for storage. Models that offer good support to the neck and back are the most comfortable. They give plenty of legroom in a standard bath, so make it easy to have a relaxing, safe and stress-free soak.