Bathroom Safety
- Hang
the bathroom doors so they open outwards instead of inwards.
If someone has a seizure and falls against a closed door,
the door can still be opened from the other side.
- Leave
bathroom doors unlocked (also a good tip for everyone).
Hang an "occupied" sign on the outside handle,
instead of locking the door.
- Singing
in the shower or bath will reassure others that you are
doing fine.
- Routinely
check that the bathroom drain works properly before taking
a bath or shower.
- If
you fall frequently during seizures, consider using a shower
seat.
- Consider
using a hand held shower nozzle while seated in bath or
shower.
- Put
non-skid strips in the bath.
- Set
water temperature low so that you won't be scalded if you
lose consciousness while hot water is running. If you have
difficulty judging the temperature of water, turn the cold
water on first and have someone else check the water temperature
for you.
- Keep
the bathroom well ventilated so that it doesn't get too
hot and misty.
- Avoid
using electrical appliances, such as a hair dryers or electric
razor, in the bathroom near water.
- Use
shatterproof glass for mirrors in the bathroom.
EFA
"Tips for Living with Seizure Disorders"
Updated April 2002
This
information provided by the Epilepsy Association of South
Australia and Northern Territory Inc on the Internet is designed
to provide basic information about epilepsy. It is not intended,
nor does it constitute medical or other professional advice.
Diagnosis and advice on medical care or other assessments
should be sought from a medical practitioner or suitably qualified
professional.
