January is National Bath Safety Month

The bath can be dangerous – it is where the elderly often fall and injure themselves. Here are 10 precautions you should take now for yourself or your loved ones to avoid serious accidents:

• Place a non-slip suction mat in the tub or shower for secure footing.
• Use a latex coated or NON-SKID bath mat outside of the tub or shower.
  
• Install SECURE grab bars on the walls surrounding toilet, shower, and tub.
• Affix bars inside tub and shower walls for added support.
• Consider a transfer bench with adjustable legs, a tub seat or shower chair. 
• Install a hand-held shower within easy reach of water controls while sitting.
• Lower your water heater temperature to prevent hot water scalding.
• Keep the bathroom floor clean and free of spills.
• Install bathroom door locks that can be unlocked from both sides.
• Make sure all electrical outlets in the bathroom are surge-protected and keep all electrical appliances well-away from water sources.

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The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.