Did you know that nearly half of all injuries among seniors happen at home?
According to Health Canada, one in three Canadian seniors will fall at least once – hip fractures are the most common type of fall injury, and about 20 per cent of injury-related deaths among seniors can be traced back to a fall. While a fall can happen to anyone, seniors are the most susceptible to taking a tumble.
Factors that can increase your risk of falling include the following:
(list courtesy of Health Canada)
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Poor balance
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Decreased muscle and bone strength
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Reduced vision or hearing
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Unsafe conditions in and around your home
Of all the listed factors, the last one on the list (unsafe conditions in and around your home)
is something you can control. Aside from the stairs, one of the most dangerous areas inside the home where falls most often occur is the bathroom. With the combination of slippery wet surfaces and obstacles like the toilet, shower ledge, and bathtub to easily trip over, it’s no wonder thousands of seniors are injured in bathroom-related accidents every year. Fortunately, there are numerous little things one can d do reduce their risk of taking a nasty spill.
Here are seven easy and effective ways to make your bathroom safer.
1) Purge that Bathroom Rug
You know that bath mat sitting on your floor that you purchased to match your toilet seat cover and towels? Yes it’s functional and may even compliment your colour scheme, however, that harmless looking piece of material is an accident just waiting to happen. All you have to do is step on it the wrong way before you’re sent flying across the room and cause some serious bodily harm like a broken hip. If you absolutely must have one, option for a rug with a non-slip back – one that won’t ripple or bunch.
2) Lighting is Key to a Safe Bathroom
Inadequate lighting doesn’t just put your eyes at risk – it also prevents you from noticing any potential safety hazards like spilled bathwater, leaky bubble bath that has made its way onto your floor or that last step coming out of your shower. Always ensure that your bulbs are changed as soon as they burn out and consider adding a stronger wattage if you find your bathroom to be more on the dimmer side.
3) Banish those Slippery Soap Bars
There’s a reason why Soap on a Rope was invented – to avoid losing grip of the slippery soap bar, which happens a lot. In addition to being an annoyance, it can be easy to lose your balance when you’re fishing for your dropped bar at the bottom of the shower – not to mention how scary a sudsy floor can be. Instead of a bar, option for body wash in a squeezable bottle. Sure, they may cost more than your trusty bar of Ivory, but it won’t dry out as quickly either or cause you to slip and risk getting hurt.
4) Purchase a Slip Resistant Tub/Shower Mat
Ideally, your shower mat should be composed of suction material to ensure it won’t slip out from under you. If your bath mat has lost its suction power, discard it immediately. Any parts that aren’t sticking can allow water to build underneath, causing it to float out of place. To protect yourself, invest in a high-quality bath mat that will prevent a slipping accident. Note: Always remember to secure the mat back into place after cleaning your shower/tub.
5) Install grip bars in Your Bathroom
If you don’t have a gip bar installed in your bathtub or shower stall, you may want to consider having one put in put in. While they’re common in hospitals and care facilities, these handy accessories – often made of stainless steel, plastic or aluminum – will make a great addition to your home bathroom. Bathing (which involves entering and exiting the bathtub and sitting down and standing up) can be a dangerous activity for many seniors. By simply placing a grip bar in your shower/bath you’ll have give yourself that extra support and safety –You can option for one that is wall mounted or a bar that is portable. For additional safety, place one near your toilet to help you safely lower and raise yourself.
6) Option For a Raised Toilet Seat
If you have difficulty sitting down, or getting up from the toilet, a raised toilet seat is an excellent option worth considering. Most risers attach to your toilet, come in multiple heights with or without arms and have locking options to accommodate all needs.
7) Upgrade Your Bath or Shower
Did you know that most falls occur in the bathroom than any other room in the house? It’s true! According to the Center for Disease Control, two-thirds of bathroom injuries occur near a tub or a shower. Rather than becoming another statistic, upgrade your bathroom with a state-of-the-art walk-in shower or bathtub. In addition to regaining your freedom, you’ll get to enjoy a relaxing bath, worry-free, while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy.
Your bathroom should be a calm, soothing oasis –not a treacherous danger zone. By making some little changes, like the seven mentioned above, you will put your mind at east and minimize and potential risks of falling and causing some serious bodily harm.
About The Author:
Beth Wallace is a Safety Specialist for Canadian Safe Step Walk-In Tub Co. She visits homes to show seniors how they can keep their home safe. Her #1 goal is to ensure that every senior has a safe, stress-free and relaxing bathing experience. She is a clear advocate of every person’s right to stay independent in their own home. Follow Beth’s passion for making senior’s lives better on Google+ and Twitter.
