Shower Assistance for the Elderly: How to Keep the Shower Safe

The bathroom should be a sanctuary—a place where one cleanses the body and mind. For many older people, however, this essential space can transform into a daunting obstacle course fraught with risks.

Senior care often starts at home. By implementing a few key safety measures, you can help make showering safe and comfortable again for your loved one. Here’s a quick overview of shower safety tips that can make all the difference:

• Install grab bars and non-slip mats
• Utilize a shower chair or bench
• Ensure proper lighting
• Help your loved one in and out of the shower
• Employ respectful communication and maintain dignity

Understanding Fall Risks

The bathroom is one of the most hazardous areas in a home, especially for older adults. Common accidents include slips on wet surfaces and difficulty maneuvering in confined spaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and older report falling each year. That’s over 14 million seniors, making falls a leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in this age group.

While a bathroom’s tendency to have slick floors and water makes them particularly hazardous, some seniors have their own risk factors that could make them more susceptible to falls. These include: 

• Weakness in the lower body
• Medication that includes tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants
• Lack of vitamin D
• Vision problems
• Issues with balance or walking
• Foot pain
• Improper footwear

By understanding these risks, you can take proactive steps to create a safer environment for your loved ones.

Making the Bathroom Safe

Creating a safe bathroom environment requires some room modifications and adaptive equipment designed for accessibility. Here are a few tips:

• Install grab bars: Placing grab bars near the toilet and in the shower provides stability and support, helping prevent falls.
• Non-slip mats: Use non-slip mats inside and outside the shower to minimize the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.
• Shower chairs: Consider adding a shower chair or bench for seated cleaning. This reduces fatigue and provides additional safety.
• Proper lighting: Ensure the bathroom is well-lit to improve visibility, which helps prevent accidental slips and falls.

These aids can make the bathroom safer. However, depending on the level of care your loved one requires, they may need more direct assistance. That assistance could involve you if you’re comfortable with such caregiving duties, but homecare is also an option if needed.

Shower Assistance Techniques

Providing assistance during showering requires a gentle touch and careful planning. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the process comfortable and safe:

1. Preparation: Before assisting, your loved one, gather all necessary bathing supplies (soap, shampoo, towels) within easy reach. If they’re able, have them change into a robe.
2. Safe entry: Help your loved one move slowly into the shower area, using grab bars for support. If they’re using a shower chair, ensure it’s in place beforehand. Guide them to sit down slowly, ensuring they feel stable and secure.
3. Offer privacy: Give your loved one as much privacy as possible. If they’re able to clean themselves safely, you can step out of the bathroom so they can remove their robe and begin showering. Stay nearby so you can help if they ask.
4. Steady exit: After showering, assist your loved one  with slowly standing up, using the grab bars. Offer a hand for additional balance, if needed.
5. Drying off: Ensure towels are close by, so they can dry off immediately after stepping out of the shower.

If you need to assist your loved one with cleaning, it’s important to be as relaxed as possible. Be calm, confident, and don’t look embarrassed. While physical safety is paramount, maintaining dignity and privacy is also important. Always communicate clearly, and let your loved one do as much as they can. Remember, you’re there to assist them, not take over. Here are some techniques to keep in mind:

• Explain each step: Describe what you’re doing and why, so they feel informed and comfortable. Try to keep things casual. It doesn’t have to be awkward if you don’t make it feel awkward.
• Seek consent: Always ask before touching or moving them. Don’t assume they need help but be there to offer it. This helps them feel competent and involved in the process.
• Maintain privacy: Use towels or robes to cover them wherever possible.

The goal isn’t just to help them get clean; it’s also about fostering a relationship of trust and respect.

A Fresh Start Awaits

Creating a safe bathroom environment for seniors helps them avoid falls while maintaining their personal hygiene. When you’re clean, you can be healthier, more comfortable, and be confident during social interactions.

At Peregrine Senior Living, we believe in a personalized approach. We look at our residents as people first, so we can create a care plan that suits their unique needs. With both homecare and many senior living lifestyles, we’re ready to support you and your loved one in whatever way they need.

Book a tour at one of our communities today and learn about the safety features and resources we provide to keep your loved ones safe and cherished.