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Monday, July 11, 2011










SHOWER AND BATH SAFETY FOR SENIORS

Many of us take shower and bath safety for granted. When we are young, it never seems to be much of an issue because our bodies respond quickly and are harder to injure from simple falls. However, as we age, it becomes apparent that even a slight fall can cause serious injuries. This is the reality that senior citizens live with on a day to day basis. The typical shower or bath can become a dangerous place for them as they may have weakened strength or may slip easily due to balance issues. Though there is no substitution for caution, there are ways to help make bathing safer.
Falling may not seem very dangerous at first sight, but the statistics for fall-related deaths for seniors is astounding. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that for older adults, the leading cause of injury deaths were the result of falls. In 2005, approximately 1.8 million seniors were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries that were the result of falls. From that, 15,800 people 65 years or older died from the injuries they received by falling.
Education is one of the first steps to helping prevent falls and the injuries they cause. However, with some cases, knowledge may not be enough. In places where water is present(e.g. bathrooms, kitchens), it may be difficult to be aware of potential slip hazards, especially for older adults whose eyesight is diminishing. Also, being as that older adults may have difficulty getting in and out of the bathtub, it is important to find ways to make bathing safer. Installing walk in tubs for the elderly may help, though other types of structural changes may still be required.
One way to help make the home a safer place is to remove slippery surfaces. Rugs may seem like a good idea, but if they do not have a non-slip backing, or aren't taped down securely, they can actually increase the risk of falling. Handles are a great addition, but they also need to be non-slip. Placing handles around the bathtub and toilet can help an older adult stand up more easily, which can provide more privacy and independence. Having a chair in the shower can help provide relief to older adults who cannot stand for long periods of time, but these, too need to be slip proof.
It is important not to deny the shocking reality that falling is a serious risk to our older relatives. However, there are ways to help prevent the risk of injury or death by implementing a few changes. Removing trip hazards, improving lighting, installing safety rails, exercising regularly and getting annual eye checks from the optometrist can help reduce the risk of our older relatives from suffering serious and fatal injuries from falling.

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