Bathroom Products and Tips to Make a Caregiver’s Life Easier

Every day, millions of Americans spend their time and energy in the role of caregiver. According to AARP, over 53 million Americans are non-professional caregivers looking after a family member or loved one.

While the experience can be wonderful and rewarding, it’s not without difficulties—the nature of caregiving is emotionally, physically and financially demanding, and breaks and time off can be rare. If you’re a caregiver, here are tips and products for a less stressful, more enjoyable routine.

Bathroom Products for Caregivers

One of the most important parts of caregiving is helping patients and seniors with their daily hygiene regimen. To overcome the challenges of helping someone who is elderly or disabled bathe safely, set up the bathroom space with products specially designed for the task, especially around the tub or shower.

Grab Bars

Install grab bars in the bathtub, around the toilet and near any other possibly wet, slippery surfaces. Grab bars provide a comfortable handhold and reduce fall risks by aiding mobility. Be sure to choose products that securely anchor (not just with suction cups) and can bear weight.

Raised Toilets

Improve bathroom accessibility with a raised toilet seat. These make it easier for individuals with limited mobility, arthritis or joint pain to sit and stand. Key features include grab bars, a secure anchor, sufficient weight capacity and an adjustable height.

Shower Chair or Bench

Traditional bathtubs and many showers don’t feature a convenient place to sit during bathing. Install a shower chair or bench to reduce fatigue and allow for getting clean while sitting down. Be sure the chair securely anchors and includes a backrest and grab bars to aid mobility.

Anti-Slip Mats

Slip-resistant bathroom mats can reduce fall risks and improve mobility, especially for individuals using walkers or wheelchairs. Suction cups and rubber-backed mats are both good choices. Place the mats where water is most likely to collect: around the tub entry, toilet and sink for added underfoot padding and comfort.

If you have a traditional bathtub or shower, you can also install anti-slip mats to aid bathing security.

Walk-In Tub

Walk-in tubs can significantly improve the quality of life for seniors and those with mobility limitations—and in your ability to provide care. The ultra-low threshold, anti-slip floor and built-in door reduce the strain and risk of slipping while entering and exiting the tub for a more secure, independent bathing experience.

Many walk-in tubs also include comfort and therapeutic-forward features to help deliver total-body relief, from hydro massage jets and heated seats to a handheld shower wand.

Tips for Caregivers in the Bathroom

Being a caregiver requires attention to detail and anticipating needs to avoid potential issues. The bathroom, in particular, is an area that poses many hazards for slips and accidents without the proper precautions and care.

Create a Safe Bathing Environment

A safe bathing environment includes both the bathroom itself and the routine for bathing. As a caregiver, will you provide constant hands-on help during the bath, or does your patient or loved one require help only to enter the bathroom and tub as needed?

Consider all of the equipment in the bathroom used to bathe, from the tub and its features to the soap bottles, bath mats and placements of towels. Keep towels within reach and utilize no-strength caps, anti-slip surfaces and a walk-in tub or shower with a low step-in entry. If the person you care for uses a cane, walker or wheelchair, ensure there is plenty of space to maneuver in the bathroom, and that floor mats are extra secure.

Always Check the Bath Temperature

Bath or shower water that is too hot can be unpleasant and cause discomfort or even minor burns, especially for seniors with thinner skin, who are more vulnerable to high or low temperatures. Keep a thermometer handy to find the ideal bath temperature—under 106°F (40°C) to prevent discomfort; over 120°F (48°C) can cause burns.

Look for technology in your bathtub that can help regulate water temperature, such as the anti-scald feature on walk-in tubs from Safe Step.

Reduce Clutter

Keep the bathroom space light and open by reducing clutter and using storage shelves or cabinets. Less clutter adds to the mental calm of a bath routine while limiting trip hazards and breakables. Routine cleaning helps improve the functionality of your space, alongside a more comprehensive bathroom redesign.

Choose Safe Step for Your Safe Bathing Needs

A safer, stress-free bathing experience is within reach when you choose Safe Step. Our walk-in tubs and showers help seniors and those with limited mobility or disabilities reclaim their bathing independence and comfort without compromise. Get started today with a free quote or head over to our blog for more caregiver tips for helping aging relatives.