ARTICLES / General /
7 Essential Do’s and Don’ts... /
Other ArticlesBy Jennifer Bradley, Staff Writer
Prevention
The number one preventative measure for scalding
is testing the water temperature. If it’s too hot,
the Burn Foundation recommends setting the water
heater thermostat at low, about 120 degrees F, for
safety. Few people bathe above 110 degrees F anyhow.
A tap water temperature of 120 to 125 degrees F is
hot enough for washing clothes and dishes.
To check the tap water temperature, let it run
hot for three to five minutes and use a candy, meat
or water thermometer. When getting into the tub,
move a hand rapidly and carefully through the water
flow. It’s recommended to run the cold water first,
and then add hot; for a bath, 100 degrees is
sufficient.
Elderly or handicapped people are prone to
falling. They should never be left alone in the tub,
even momentarily. Non-slip mats on the bathroom
floor and in the tub and shower can prevent
unnecessary falls. Mobility problems may
prevent getting out quickly, increasing the risk for
serious burns even more. If left alone, a loved one
may not have an opportunity to escape the source of
the scalding.
Not only does reaction time decrease as people age,
sensory perception decreases as well. An older
person may be bathing in too hot water and not
realize it.
If the water that comes out of the tap is too
hot, valves can be installed in the plumbing lines
to reduce the temperature of the water delivered by
mixing in cooler water. Another option is to install
anti-scald devices at individual taps and shower
heads, which slow the water drastically if it
becomes overly hot.
A caregiver can also place a padded safety cover
over the tub spout to protect against the sharp
edges and hot surface. A washcloth wrapped around
the faucet will work well, too.
The American Hospital Association reports that
more than 112,000 people are admitted to emergency
rooms each year for scald-related injuries. In many
cases, these injuries are preventable. A caregiver
can take some precautionary measures ahead of time
to help keep a loved one safe, yet still able to
enjoy the comfort of a hot bath or shower.
