Making Sure Grandma Is Safe

We all take for granted simple tasks though out the day. Things like going up and down the stairs, taking a shower or bath, or simply just walking out to the mailbox, for most people create no major problems. But to the older aging adult or people with disability these simple tasks can be hazardous activities.

The National Safety Council says that one person in the United States dies everyday from using a bathtub or shower! Independence and privacy are valued highly, most elderly and disabled people are not totally dependent on some one else when it comes to bathing. Most want as much privacy as possible so are reluctant to ask for assistance.

Why is taking a bath so risky for an elder person or disabled person? Besides the obvious that they can slip, there are a few other considerations.

Just because they can get into the bathtub does not mean they can get out without help. The hot water relaxes the muscles and the person can become fatigued and have muscle weakness.

If your going to allow an elderly parent or disabled person to care for them selves as much as possible it is a good idea to have some sort of communication device available to them in case they get into trouble. In areas like the bathroom they need to be battery operated wireless and or water proof because of the risk of electrocution.

You can pay for a service or if there is a trusted neighbor you can give a portable device so that if the elderly person or disable person has trouble the neighbor can assist.

No matter what type of communication device is used, it must be easy to use and accessible. It should be away from any water but also needs to be waterproof. Once the device is installed the caregiver and the elderly person will have peace of mind knowing that assistance is only a button away in case of a crisis.