Many seniors like to maintain a high level of independence when it comes to their lifestyle. Most folks don’t want to bother their relatives and prefer to live alone. Even if you are completely healthy and able to take care of yourself, that doesn’t mean you are immune to accidents in your home. One wrong step can cause you to have a major injury and lose your independence for good. If such an injury occurs, it will surely put a major dent in your bank account in order to cover the cost of hospital bills and rehabilitation. Here’s what you need to know to prevent this kind of situation and make your home a safer place.
Facts About Senior Falls
-
The biggest risk you will face when living alone is falling over in your home.
-
The National Institute of Aging published a report stating that over 30% of people over the age of 65 falls in their home each year.[1]
-
According to the same report, the most vulnerable seniors are those over the age of 80. They are 50% more likely to fall inside their homes and sustain a serious injury.
-
Almost 50% of seniors who fall over are unable to get up without assistance.
-
40% of seniors who fall over inside their homes are transferred to nursing homes.
-
Over a quarter of seniors who fracture their hip have an increased mortality rate in the first six to twelve months of recovery. [2]
Preventing Bathroom Falls
According to numerous sources, your bathroom is the most dangerous room in your house. Showering and taking a bath becomes more difficult and more dangerous as you get older. Over 80% of accidents in the home occur in the bathroom.
Tips for Improving Your Bathroom Safety
-
Position grab bars to increase safe movement
-
Install slip-resistant floor tiles
-
Invest in a slip-resistant bath mat
-
Install a walk-in bathtub for easy access
Benefits of a Walk-In Bathtub
The best solution for preventing falls in the bathroom is investing in a walk-in bathtub. By adding a walk-in bathtub to your bathroom you won’t have to worry about climbing into the tub, just open the door and step in. Walk-in bathtubs offer a wide range of features like skid-proof floors, ADA compliant seats, grip bars, and entry doors.
You can also opt for the luxury version of a walk-in bathtub that includes features like massage jets or other forms of hydrotherapy. This will not only make your bathroom a safer place but also help you cope with chronic pain symptoms. Some walk-in bathtubs also offer deep soaking. The design of these bathtubs allows you a fully submerged soak, regardless of your showerhead flow.
Whether you want to invest in a walk-in bathtub for yourself or a loved one, you should do your research. Don’t wait for accidents to happen, rather invest in preventing the damage before it’s done. Luckily there is plenty of options on the market to improve the safety of your home and keep your senior family members safe from injury.
1. http://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/preventing-senior-falls-starts-in-the-bathroom.aspx