As people age, their strength and balance begin to decline, thus causing them mobility problems. Falls are becoming a leading cause of injuries and sometimes death to the elderly. There are vital fall-prevention structures that can be installed in a home with elderly residents so that they are less likely to fall, be stuck, or suffer a similar injury. These safety structures include rails and grab bars to provide extra grip to the mobility-challenged seniors. Manufacturers are now producing a variety of stylish and decorative support rails and bars for homes.
Below is a list of essential rails and bars installations required for the safety of senior citizens at home from Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook:
5 Rails and Bars to Install at Home
PT Rails in Bathrooms and Toilets
The PT rail is an innovative offset rail that helps prevent wrist strain for seniors while sitting down or pulling themselves up from sitting. PT Rail comprises a friction hinge to maintain the rail position and is also easy to store. This type of rail prevents slips and falls and enables easy mobility in and out of the shower or tub. The installation of PT rails in designated areas of bathrooms and toilets is essential in ensuring seniors move about safely on slippery floors. This will also make work easier for family caregivers as they carry out their daily caregiving activities for the elderly loved ones.
Safety Grab Bars in Bathrooms
Grab bars are graspable bars to help people, especially mobility-challenged ones, maintain stability and alleviate fatigue while standing or moving around. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3 million people 65 years and older are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. Installing rails and bars is, thus, an essential step in ensuring the safety of senior loved ones at home. If placed strategically on shower walls, these structures help increase balance and prevent slips and fall on slippery floors. Grab bars provide additional stability and safety when installed on walls beside the sink and beside the toilet. For in-home caregivers, grab bars are a must-have to assure confidence about the safety of their seniors in the shower. Caregivers should also be aware of the different grab bar designs at their disposal since every senior has unique mobility and safety requirements. Families need to choose the best bar option that satisfies the specific safety needs of their senior loved ones.
Rails along Indoor and Outdoor Stairs
Stairs without rails can be dangerous for anyone, especially children and seniors. Those with the second floor in their house need safety rails installed on both sides of the stairway to prevent mobility-challenged people from slipping or falling. The railings provide extra support that increases stability, enabling easy movement. Handrails are also essential along the outdoor entrance stairwells to guard the seniors against tumbling and falling at home.
Bars Next to the Exterior Doors
Installing grab bars next to the exterior doors is a great solution for seniors with mobility issues. It's challenging for these seniors to open and close the door while maintaining balance. Therefore, simple holding bars at the front doors can be great support tools. These bars should be placed vertically at an ideal height for the senior. The grab bars must also be weatherproof to maintain friction and ensure safety in all weather conditions.
Bars in the Kitchen
Kitchen safety is often overlooked as most kitchen walls are occupied with cabinets and countertops. However, it is possible to install horizontal grab bars continuously under the countertops to provide extra support for seniors in the kitchen. The kitchen is an important area, and its safety shouldn't be ignored to ensure the elderly are safe at home.
Senior Helpers of Bolingbrook provides a comprehensive suite of programs and services that support aging in place. We proudly serve Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Darien, Downers Grove, Joliet, Lockport, Romeoville, and Woodridge. Contact us today for more information about the services we offer.