Having a homecare specialist can make things a lot easier for you and your parents if you have been the caregiver for the last few years. Homecare specialists require patience and the ability to stay calm under challenging circumstances. If you notice your loved one isn’t able to use the restroom on their own regularly, you may need to consider hiring outside professional help. Your parents may love that you’re helping them, but they may not like asking for your help going to the bathroom. It can be challenging to get around and make it feel like they’re losing their sense of independence.
Homecare in Clark NJ: Bathroom Safety
The bathroom serves as a central location for cleanliness, bodily functions, and pampering in any house. Some could add that it’s also a peaceful environment to soak in the tub or take a long, warm shower. On the other hand, seniors may have difficulties using the toilet if they are immobilized or suffering prescription side effects. The following are some suggestions for making going to the restroom simpler for the elderly.
Widen The Door
Sometimes bathrooms are not easily accessible. The frames are too narrow, and a senior may not be able to comfortably walk through the door. The restroom door may need to be expanded to accommodate an individual who uses a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Certain elderly adults need physical assistance from a family member or caregiver who will accompany them to the restroom. Thus the entry should be large enough to accommodate both individuals simultaneously. Keep in mind that the toilet area will also need to be very clear, especially when a senior needs help sitting down or they have lost a lot of their flexibility in the hip area.
Install a New Toilet
There are higher toilets on the market that can make it much easier for seniors to use the restroom independently. If they are not flexible and their hips are in pain, having a low toilet can be dangerous to use on their own. A level that is either too low or too high may create complications. Determine the most comfortable seating height for an elderly person. A plumbing provider may install the new toilet and other fixtures, such as a sink and counter area that are tall enough for the senior to utilize. Verify that the toilet is fitted correctly so that it does not drip or leak, which might result in a slip and fall.
Add Arm Rests or Handrails
If your senior wants to use the bathroom on their own but lacks balance, there is an easy solution. Handrails! These can be added next to the toilet to help a senior get up and down from the toilet without the risk of falling over. You will want to make sure they are installed correctly and can handle the weight of your senior to avoid any accidents. Handrails can also be added to showers which may help a senior feel more independent.
Invest In a Bidet
Bidets are common in other areas of the globe and are gaining favor in the United States. A bidet is a hose attachment that is attached to the water supply and enables the user to shower their body after using the toilet. It may be used in conjunction with or in place of toilet paper, and many people think it cleans better. It may be simpler to use for older adults than prolonged wiping, particularly for those who are frail or very large.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Homecare in Clark, NJ, call the caring staff at Helping Hands Home Care today at 908-418-4299.
After graduating from Seton Hall University with a BS in finance Helping Hands Homecare’s Owner / President, Robert D’Arienzo, went to work on Wall St. for six years. However, after Robert’s grandmother became ill with stomach cancer Robert and his family needed to find assistance in the home for her. After many trials and tribulations Robert could see that there was a great need for quality home care services here in NJ and loved the idea of being able to assist other families who were going through what his family went through with his beloved grandmother.
Thus, Robert had found his passion. After almost a year of preparation Robert opened Helping Hands Homecare in 2003. Robert wanted Helping Hands Homecare to focus on providing the highest quality of caregivers, exceptional customer service, and providing a service that familys could depend on in their time of need. Since then Helping Hands has assisted hundreds of individuals with the simplest of needs to more complex cases while preserving those standards set out many years ago.
Robert is a Google Verified Author
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