Top 5 Bedpans for Bedridden Patients
Bedpans are a necessary evil for seniors who spend most of their time in bed. You want to choose a high quality item that will minimize the chance of a mess and is easy to empty and clean. Here are my top picks.
Bathroom Safety
The bathroom is often the first place you might discover you need a little help.
It’s also a need you probably don’t want to discuss with friends or family.
But, when it comes to your safety at home, you should focus on your bathroom setup. Make sure even the slightest chance of falling is eliminated.
In research conducted by the CDC, if you are between the ages of 65 and 85, you have double the risk of getting an injury in the bathroom than the average Joe. After age 85, you are more than likely than not to have an injury in the bathroom.
But, there are many steps you can take to improve your safety in the bathroom.
The first step is to think – honestly – about where you struggle the most in the bathroom. Is bathing difficult for you? Do you have trouble getting up and down from the toilet?
Research tips and products that help seniors and the elderly with bathing and toileting. I have several guides on different pieces of bathroom safety equipment below.
Discuss your situation with your doctor. I also suggest discussing it with a close family member or friend as well.
After you have input from trusted loved ones and professionals, take action and get the safety products you need. Some insurances will cover these at no cost to you. Sometimes, you have to buy them on your own.
I hope you find these guides helpful. If you have any questions about what you read, please leave a comment at the end of the guide.
Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS
Learn What To Do After Falling In The Shower [Remain Calm & Assess the Situation]
The first thing to do after falling in the shower is to remain calm and gather yourself. Next, check for signs of injuries. Then, if it is safe to do so, roll to a better position and try to get to a seated position before attempting to stand.
Tips On How To Prevent Falls In The Bathroom
Because it can be such a treacherous place, it’s important to know how to prevent falls in the bathroom. The key is minimizing exposure to water and wet surfaces, adding places to hold onto, and making bathing and toileting safer. Here are 9 specific recommendations.
The Best Non-Slip Shower Shoes for the Elderly (Comfortably Improve Your Shower Safety!)
Look for shower shoes that have lightweight materials, non-slip but flexible soles, fit snugly, and drain easily. Stay away from items that are made of fabric or foam, fit loosely, or are overly expensive.
What Are The Best Showers for Seniors? Safe Showers!
The best shower for seniors and the elderly provide a safe experience that reduces the chance of a slip and fall. This guide lays out some changes and safety products you can easily put in place for safer bathing.
Best Handheld Shower Heads for the Elderly: Long Hoses and Easy to Use!
The right shower head can make showering easier and safer. The best shower heads for the elderly have long hoses that don’t kink up, easy to operate switches and buttons on the head itself, variable spray patterns, and are also lightweight.
The Best Non-Slip Bath Mats for Elderly People (And The Shower Too!)
Look for a safe bath or shower mat that securely sticks to the tub surface, has a textured surface to reduce slipping, drains well, fits your tub or shower, and is antibacterial and machine washable for easy cleaning. Even better, choose a mat that also is BPA-free! Avoid soft, fabric mats and any bathroom rugs.
Best Bedside Commodes for Elderly People Who Can’t Make it to the Bathroom
Bedside commodes are portable toilets that you can move where needed in your home. The best bedside commodes are adjustable to fit the user, easy to clean, easy to move, and durable.
The Best Shower Chairs for Elderly (Stay Seated for Safer Showers)
Shower chairs, aka bath seats or shower seats, are important products for reducing falls in the tub and shower because they give you a place to sit while showering. Look for a shower chair with a back and arms for support, adjustable height legs, and that dries quickly. Here are the best shower chairs based on my experience.
The Best Bathtub Lifts for Seniors (Who Just Want a Good Hot Bath!)
Bathtub lifts, aka bath lifts, tub lifts, or bath lift chairs, are battery-powered devices that lower you into your tub and raise you out again. The best bath lifts for seniors are rustproof, with floating hand controls, safety lockouts, suction cupped feet for stability, and transfer flaps.
The 5 Best Shower and Bathtub Transfer Benches for Elderly People (for Safer Bathing)
Shower transfer benches, aka shower benches and tub transfer benches, help you get in and out of the tub easier because you don’t have to step over the tub wall. Instead, you sit on the bench outside the tub, then scoot or slide into the shower area. The best bath transfer benches have sliding bath seats with arms and backrests for support and safety.