Many falls occur in the bathroom among Parkinson’s patients because of several factors, including:
- Difficulty getting on/off toilet
- Trouble seeing due to poor lighting
- Slipping on the wet floor or tub
- Tripping on rugs
- Dizziness that occurs when standing up from the toilet
Bathroom and toileting needs for Parkinson’s patients can be made easy and safe with proper planning.
While some Parkinson’s disease patients do have to contend with these bathroom issues, the good news is that it is quite easy to minimize chances of accidents by following some very simple guidelines. Also, you can help to make the bathroom much safer for the patient by purchasing some affordable, effective Parkinson’s supplies for the bathroom.
- Bath or shower bench – This product, such as the Bath Safe Adjustable Bath and Shower Seat, is very useful for the patient to use to sit in the shower or bathtub. This type of product also can be used for the patient to sit at the sink if she gets dizzy.
- Elevated toilet seat – The Millennia Raised Toilet Seat With Arms can be very useful for making it easier for the patient to get off the toilet. Many people with Parkinson’s disease do not have enough leg strength to easily get off a toilet of regular height. An elevated toilet seat will make it easier for her to get up and with less strain.
- Grab bars – These can easily attach to your shower or tub walls, or on a wall near the toilet, such as the Toilet Roll Holder with Handrail. This will provide the patient with an easy hand hold when she needs to get out of the shower, or off of the toilet.
- Hand held shower – By putting in a hand held shower, you will make it easier for the patient to be seated in the shower while washing. Also, we recommend that you lower the hot water temperature to a maximum of 120 degrees.
- Rubber mats – One of the biggest dangers in the bathroom is the danger of slipping. By purchasing a no slip bath mat, you will minimize the chances of a fall.
- Shelves – Putting shelves into your shower or tub area will eliminate the need to pick up items from the floor. You should install the shelves so that they are between shoulder and knee height. Remember that items that are stored at this height are easier for the patient to reach.
- Toilet frame – We also advise that you install a more sturdy toilet frame to give more stability and safety when the patient is getting on and off the toilet.
- Tub railing – If the patient has to use a tub to get clean and can’t access a shower, then a tub rail can be installed to provide more support and safety when she is bathing.
The chances of falls in the bathroom can be greatly reduced by using some of the helpful Parkinson’s supplies above.
