Welcome to another edition of Therapy Corner.
This month I would like to address safety in the bathroom. As a therapist, I tell my patients we are in the fall prevention business. The bathroom can be one of the most hazardous areas for falls. The most obvious reason is a wet floor, which is extremely hazardous for anyone. A non-slip mat on the shower floor, even if the floor appears to be non-slip, can improve safety. If your feet slide outside of the shower when standing to transition into the shower, put a piece of non-slip mat outside of the shower on the floor in addition to inside the shower. That said, you should remove the mat when not showering. It can be a tripping hazard when not in use.
Sometimes, the bathroom can be small and difficult to access, making it difficult to turn around in with a walker. Or, it can be so large that moving from toilet to shower can be difficult. I see residents trying to hold onto the sink or onto the wall for stabilization. Stable rails and equipment will greatly improve safety and help prevent falls. Rails on the entry wall into the bathroom and along the path to the toilet allow you to access the toilet rail if you have to leave your walker outside of the bathroom. Also, a bedside commode without the bucket placed over the toilet provides an easy raised toilet seat.
Often, heightened safety awareness or simple safety strategies are enough, but there are times when additional safety measures or equipment are necessary. The most important thing to keep in mind is to have help in the bathroom if you are unstable, get dizzy at times, or tire easily. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance, because your safety is what matters most. I hope this information is helpful and gets you thinking a little more about your bathroom safety. If you would like additional assistance or safety recommendations, feel free to contact us in the therapy department. Until next time!
Your Restore Therapy Family,
Ryan Parden, PTA