As they age, it is also essential to have a caregiver around to offer support when necessary.<\/p>\n
Bathroom Challenges for Seniors (and the Best Solutions)<\/h2>\n
![\"Bathroom](\"https:\/\/activeseniorsclub.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/pexels-photo-262005.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
Challenge #1: Walking to the Bathroom<\/h3>\n
This is the first problem you need to address.<\/p>\n
Even seniors who can still walk on their own might still find the bathroom to be too far. It\u2019s easy to get injured in the rush to get to the bathroom when they are pressed.<\/p>\n
Reaching the bathroom can also be a big problem for seniors with dementia.<\/p>\n
Best solutions:<\/h3>\n\n- Provide mobility aids such as a bathroom wheel chair with a cutout at the bottom (they don\u2019t have to get off the wheelchair), a walking stick<\/a>, a Zimmer frame or a rollator.<\/li>\n
- Help them walk to the bathroom. You should only help with balancing . If they cannot walk on their own, explore other mobility options such as a wheelchair.<\/li>\n
- Remove furniture and other trip hazards from the path. Also make sure the way to the bathroom is well lit at all times.<\/li>\n
- Make the bathroom easier to access. This may require some retrofitting to make the door wider and remove any steps.<\/li>\n
- For those with dementia, make it easy for them to identify the way to the bathroom using bright signs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Challenge #2: Using the toilet<\/h3>\n
Ordinary toilets are often too low even for seniors who are still in relatively good health.<\/p>\n
Sitting and standing up from the toilet strains the back and feet and can easily cause or worsen an injury.<\/p>\n
Seniors with dementia may have trouble locating the toilet and using it properly.<\/p>\n
Best Solutions:<\/h3>\n\n- Replace the current toilet with a comfort height toilet. This type of toilet is higher, requiring less effort when sitting or standing.<\/li>\n
- A cheaper alternative to replacing the entire toilet is buying a raised toilet seat<\/a>. Some raised toilet seats attach to the existing toilet while others are frames that stand over the toilet.<\/li>\n
- Install handrails near the toilet to make it easier for your loved one to raise and lower themselves. If you\u2019ve bought a raised toilet seat with armrests, they can also function as handrails.<\/li>\n
- For dementia patients and seniors with deteriorating vision, make sure the toilet is in a contrasting colour from the rest of the room.<\/li>\n
- Make sure tissues or wipes are within easy reach.<\/li>\n
- For seniors with poor balance and mobility, it\u2019s safest to help them sit and stand from the toilet. You may also need to help them wipe and clean up.<\/li>\n
- Place a non-slip mat around the toilet area to prevent slipping. Even if the floor is not wet, it can still be slippery enough to cause a fall.<\/li>\n
- Make sure their clothing is easy to remove.<\/li>\n
- Lower the sink to make it easier for them to wash their hands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
At some point, it may be necessary to stop going to the bathroom for toileting. If they get bedridden or have very poor mobility, consider switching to a bedside commode<\/a> or a bedpan<\/a>.<\/p>\nChallenge #3: Taking a shower<\/h3>\n
It\u2019s not just the wetness that is a problem; standing up when showering, operating the faucet and properly scrubbing their bodies can be challenges too.<\/p>\n
The first thing to consider is whether you need to get a shower chair. For most seniors, a shower chair is necessary.<\/p>\n
Even healthy seniors may not be able to stand up for long when showing.<\/p>\n
You also need to address the wetness to reduce the risk of falling.<\/p>\n
If your loved one takes a bath in the tub, you\u2019ll need to find a way to make it easier to get in and out of it.<\/p>\n
Best solutions:<\/h3>\n
Challenge #2: Using the toilet<\/h3>\n
Ordinary toilets are often too low even for seniors who are still in relatively good health.<\/p>\n
Sitting and standing up from the toilet strains the back and feet and can easily cause or worsen an injury.<\/p>\n
Seniors with dementia may have trouble locating the toilet and using it properly.<\/p>\n
Best Solutions:<\/h3>\n\n- Replace the current toilet with a comfort height toilet. This type of toilet is higher, requiring less effort when sitting or standing.<\/li>\n
- A cheaper alternative to replacing the entire toilet is buying a raised toilet seat<\/a>. Some raised toilet seats attach to the existing toilet while others are frames that stand over the toilet.<\/li>\n
- Install handrails near the toilet to make it easier for your loved one to raise and lower themselves. If you\u2019ve bought a raised toilet seat with armrests, they can also function as handrails.<\/li>\n
- For dementia patients and seniors with deteriorating vision, make sure the toilet is in a contrasting colour from the rest of the room.<\/li>\n
- Make sure tissues or wipes are within easy reach.<\/li>\n
- For seniors with poor balance and mobility, it\u2019s safest to help them sit and stand from the toilet. You may also need to help them wipe and clean up.<\/li>\n
- Place a non-slip mat around the toilet area to prevent slipping. Even if the floor is not wet, it can still be slippery enough to cause a fall.<\/li>\n
- Make sure their clothing is easy to remove.<\/li>\n
- Lower the sink to make it easier for them to wash their hands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
At some point, it may be necessary to stop going to the bathroom for toileting. If they get bedridden or have very poor mobility, consider switching to a bedside commode<\/a> or a bedpan<\/a>.<\/p>\nChallenge #3: Taking a shower<\/h3>\n
It\u2019s not just the wetness that is a problem; standing up when showering, operating the faucet and properly scrubbing their bodies can be challenges too.<\/p>\n
The first thing to consider is whether you need to get a shower chair. For most seniors, a shower chair is necessary.<\/p>\n
Even healthy seniors may not be able to stand up for long when showing.<\/p>\n
You also need to address the wetness to reduce the risk of falling.<\/p>\n
If your loved one takes a bath in the tub, you\u2019ll need to find a way to make it easier to get in and out of it.<\/p>\n
Best solutions:<\/h3>\n
At some point, it may be necessary to stop going to the bathroom for toileting. If they get bedridden or have very poor mobility, consider switching to a bedside commode<\/a> or a bedpan<\/a>.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not just the wetness that is a problem; standing up when showering, operating the faucet and properly scrubbing their bodies can be challenges too.<\/p>\n The first thing to consider is whether you need to get a shower chair. For most seniors, a shower chair is necessary.<\/p>\n Even healthy seniors may not be able to stand up for long when showing.<\/p>\n You also need to address the wetness to reduce the risk of falling.<\/p>\n If your loved one takes a bath in the tub, you\u2019ll need to find a way to make it easier to get in and out of it.<\/p>\nChallenge #3: Taking a shower<\/h3>\n
Best solutions:<\/h3>\n