BATHROOM SAFETY TIPS THAT WILL MAKE YOU AVOID MAKING EMERGENCY PHONECALLS

BATHROOM SAFETY TIPS THAT WILL MAKE YOU AVOID MAKING EMERGENCY PHONECALLS

1. The elderly are likely to have problems squatting for long hours or even being stable while attending to washroom calls therefore for the elderly or those with difficulty bending lower down, install elevated toilet seats.
2. Usually even when taking a shower, the elderly may have a problem standing long hours , a shower chair is very important.

3. Grabbing is essentially a the very first counter reaction to a slip or collapse. Install grab bars around the shower, tub and toilet seat. Make sure they are securely bolted. A natural human reaction while falling is to attempt to grab something for support and balance. A grab bar could save a life.
4. Most bathrooms are slippery because of floor tiles or even Soapy nature of the floor. Wear bathroom slippers with non slip soles.
5. Install a non slip bath mat.This is recommended for floors where the resident is uncertain of its type.

6.Very smooth tiles are dangerous. A good engineer will never recommend them for a bathroom floor. Pay attention to the choice of floor tile in your bathroom. Avoid those with extremely smooth surfaces.
7. It is prudent to avoid going to the bathroom for a shower in the influence of alcohol. By not being able to make informed judgements, one may not know when to pay attention to their actions or stability in the bathroom. Therefore Limit alcohol intake before going to the bathroom.

8. Cleaning the bathroom floor is important especially after taking a shower. This will save the next user from slipping. Ensure your bathroom floor is always properly cleaned and free from soap residue which could be very slippery.
9. Leg positions matter a lot.While drying yourself with towel, bend at the knees instead of the waist. Avoid standing on one leg to wipe the other.
10. Keep toothpaste, brush and other essentials within arm’s reach so that you dont have to strain to reach them.
11. Waking up is one thing, getting up is another but finding time to fully get up is important. Do not rush to use the toilet after getting up from sleep. Allow yourself a minute or two to regain full consciousness.

12. Just incase you fall victim of unexpected fall in the bathroom you should have kept your phone at the entrance to the bathroom just by the door. You may consider leaving bathroom door open when alone in the house. You might be in a position after a fall to attempt an emergency call.