To ensure bathing safety for older adults, follow these Four Keys to Stability:
1. Maintain Body Stability
“Sit to stay secure.”
- Use a shower chair or stool if you feel weak, have a history of falls, or manage heart/cerebrovascular conditions.
- Keep toiletries within arm’s reach (e.g., soap, shampoo) to avoid standing or overreaching.
2. Ensure Footing Stability
“Prevent slips before they happen.”
- Place non-slip mats inside showers/tubs and on bathroom floors.
- Wear non-slip footwear (e.g., rubber-soled sandals) when moving outside wet areas.
- Limit barefoot walking to mat-covered zones only.
3. Stabilize When Standing
“Rise slowly, hold firmly.”
- Install grab bars near the tub/shower and toilet for reliable support.
- Grip bars immediately if dizzy when standing—never rush.
4. Prioritize Personal Readiness
“Bathe only when mind and body are prepared.”
- ⏰ Time it right: Avoid bathing within 30 minutes of eating, taking medication, or consuming alcohol.
- ��️ Water temperature: Keep it warm (slightly above body temp), never hot—aim for 98–100°F (37–40°C).
- ⏳ Limit duration: Shower/bathe for ≤10 minutes to prevent fatigue or dizziness.
- �� Safety prep: Inform someone before bathing, leave the door unlocked, and ensure easy emergency access.