Shower safety for seniors

[Jason Donaldson]

I have a largely geriatric practice. Trust me. On this stuff, I KNOW what I’m talking about through very painful experience with patients and their families.

Doc: Having gone through and currently going through supporting loved ones needing such care, I hope you know that a lot of folks around your patients appreciate people like you a lot more than we could ever say. and doubtless even less than you deserve. Thank you.

[JFord]

Doc: Having gone through and currently going through supporting loved ones needing such care, I hope you know that a lot of folks around your patients appreciate people like you a lot more than we could ever say. and doubtless even less than you deserve. Thank you.

Now write a letter telling my boss that.

Just kidding but that was kind. thank you Jason!

[Jason Donaldson]

Now write a letter telling my boss that.

Just kidding but that was kind. thank you Jason!

Well, you know...we're in the process of moving my wife's folks to be closer to family - depending on where you practice, I might be in a position to make a suggestion to them...

[BareSteel]

Thanks for all the follow up on this thread. To add some extra detail, my grandma has been receiving advice from Dr. Petrizzo. When she is able, she does squats to a box for three sets, walks in the neighborhood and does some body weight exercises like calf raises and glute bridges. Sometimes she does deadlifts, but only if I’m around to supervise.

Overall she is in very good shape for late 80s, but did have a hip replacement 7 or 8 years ago. That’s the source of my caution.

She accepted the grip for the shower, but I’m getting resistance on installing a grabber bar. It’s not my house, but I’m trying to change hearts and minds here.

[Mark Rippetoe]

She accepted the grip for the shower, but I’m getting resistance on installing a grabber bar. It’s not my house, but I’m trying to change hearts and minds here.

If she falls a fractures a hip, she's dead in maybe 6 months. Resistance?

[Adrian Nilsson]

Certified nurse's assistant here. Currently in university to become a registered nurse. There is a good chance I have showered more grandmas than anyone else on these forums.

Rip is right, if she breaks her hip there is a good chance she is dead within 12 months. Even if she lives longer she will never be the same again. Trust me that it isn't something you want for your grandma.

The suction mats work just fine in my experience, though I don't see why a more permanent solution wouldn't work too. Sometimes the suction mats start to mold if you don't hang them to dry.

What you want is a bathtub board so she can sit on top of the tub. It makes it easier to get in and out because she can sit on the board with her legs outside of the tub, grab a handle, and throw her legs into the tub. If you have a shower or a large tub I highly recommend a spinning shower chair with brakes. Really useful and old people love it in my experience.