Introduction
A shower is a device used for cleaning your skin, hair, and/or whole body from dirt and other impurities. It’s typically an indoor fixture attached to a water supply system.
Different people have different preferences for taking a bath or showering – some enjoy a warm bath after being out in the cold all day while others prefer showers because they don’t have to sit still for as long as they clean themselves. It’s a well-known fact that bathing is good for skin and hygiene. But when people age, they face many risks when showering or bathing. These risks can lead to serious injuries or even death— yet seniors often don’t know the risks in a modern home and a lot of these potential dangers are easy to avoid.
12 Showering And Bathing Risks For Seniors
1. Falling
When aging, balance can weaken and cause falls, which can lead to broken bones or head injury if they fall in the bathtub or shower. This risk becomes more prevalent in people with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, joint disease, and amputation of limbs.
2. Electrocution
People who are near and around water outlets, such as bathtubs, showers, or kitchens, are at risk of being electrocuted when the water is turned on. That is why it’s important to keep all electrical-related items away from water outlets. A common example of a dangerous water outlet is the faucet in your kitchen sink.
3. Drowning
The elderly are more susceptible to drowning than younger people because their skin is thinner, their blood pressure and overall blood circulation are compromised and they may have trouble getting out of the water quickly if they do fall into it.
4. Skin Burns
Because of the increased skin damage that accompanies aging, some people are more likely to develop skin burns when they take a shower. Although skin burns are very rarely serious, they can cause severe pain. Proper use of a showerhead that is designed for the elderly can help prevent these common injuries caused by water pressure and hot water temperature.
5. Electrical Shock
Electrical current flowing through the body is more likely to travel along with nerve clusters closer to the surface of the skin than it does through muscle tissue and bones— particularly in older people with weaker muscles and less dense bones. When current accidentally flows along these nerves or even enters them, it can cause permanent damage or even death from electrocution.
6. Slip and Fall
Slipping and falling is common in the shower or bathtub. When taking a shower or bath, it is important to place a non-slip mat in the shower/bathtub area to prevent accidents from happening. Alternatively, make sure that you have non-slip mats in your kitchen and bathroom areas as well.
7. Blocked Drain
Seniors may often have brittle bones that make them more susceptible to broken bones from minor falls. In addition, seniors are also more likely to suffer from muscle weakness that can make it harder for them to get up if they fall down while taking a shower or bath under the drain of their tub.
8. Bathtub Falls
Seniors are at greater risk of being injured when slipping and falling in a bathtub because they often have weak bones that make it easier for them to fall. Boiling water using a gas hot water heater in the bathtub can also make it more hazardous to take a shower or bath. Even if you have a clogged drain, there are some simple things you can do to avoid this risk and prevent injury.
9. Collapsing
Seniors are at greater risk of experiencing falls resulting from any change in their physical condition that may affect balance and mobility such as surgery, injuries, strokes, Parkinson’s disease, or any other illness that affects the physique.
10. Hot Water Burns
Hot water is at greater risk of scalding someone’s skin when used by someone with weak muscles and bones— even if the water temperature is around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, this may still be too hot for a person with weakened muscles or bones. Consequently, applying moisturizer or using a showerhead that has a longer reach can help prevent this heat-related injury.
11. Stomach Contents
Children and the elderly are at greater risk of swallowing toilet paper or other objects in the bathroom. Adults who suffer from dementia may think that their clothing is clean, but it’s important to inspect these items before getting dressed. If someone has trouble taking care of their own personal hygiene, they may not know that soiled clothes should be removed and taken to a laundry machine because they may believe these clothes will all be okay to wear again when they are washed.
12. Burns From Showerhead Falls
People who are near and around water outlets, such as bathtubs, showers, or kitchens, are at risk of being electrocuted when the water is turned on.
How To Avoid Bathing Risks For Seniors
1. Make sure that your water heater doesn’t have an exposed tank or a hot water heater with exposed parts.
2. Use a bathtub mat to protect your knees, hips, and elbows when bathing.
3. Don’t shower/bathe in full-strength bath soap and shampoo because it’s too harsh on your skin and can increase the risk of scalding.
4. Before you shower or bathe, make sure all items that are near the showerhead are clear of all clothing, rugs, towels, and other items so that you don’t become electrocuted while taking the shower or bath.
5. Replace the showerhead in your shower/bathtub if it has been leaking or is old.
6. Make sure chairs, bath bench, and grab bars are installed in your bathroom for safety reasons and to make it easier for you to bathe or get out of the bathtub safely if an accident occurred.
7. Make sure that clothing that may be worn at home is cleaned and sanitized before you wear it so that you don’t have to worry about accidentally swallowing toilet paper or other objects while bathing or showering.
Conclusion
Even though you may already take a bath or shower daily and do not need to change your routine, it is still important to keep yourself protected from any possible dangers by making sure your home has all the necessary safety devices for all age groups.