bathroom safety
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Helping You Make Your Bathroom Safe
You may have heard the bathroom called "the most dangerous room in the house." It's easy to see why: the combination of wet floors and surfaces, and the activity of climbing or lifting oneself into the tub or shower can make anyone's bathroom a hazard.
When the person using the bathroom is frail or elderly, disabled or recovering from an illness, the possibility of an accident is increased tremendously. At the same time, it is the bathroom where people's strongest, most personal needs are asserted: the need for cleanliness, privacy and independence. If your home caregiving includes helping a loved one or patient use the bathroom, it's important that in your efforts to make the bathroom a safer place you remember to take discretion and courtesy into account. First Things First: Before looking at aids that can make the bathroom safer and give easier access to homebound patients, don't neglect the basics. Light the area properly and adequately Remove area rugs. If the bathroom is carpeted, check that it is glued down. Mark hot and cold water handles. Adjust the hot water heater properly...