I read an article published by the Boston Globe last spring that shared some staggering statistics about aging adults and seniors and the number of serious injuries and deaths that resulted from falls in the home.
“In 2021, roughly 29,100 people died from falls in their homes. The NSC (National Safety Council) estimated that 20,850 of them were age 75 or older and that 4,660 were ages 65 to 74. And the issue is growing even more acute: The number of deaths attributed to falls rose more than 25 percent from 2017 to 2021, according to the NSC,” the article stated.
Furthermore, “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3 million older adults are treated in hospital emergency departments for fall injuries, and every 20 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.”
Next Day Access, a Boston area company that provides mobility and accessibility products and services, shared another alarming statistic: as many as 235,000 emergency room visits each year are attributed to injuries sustained in bathrooms.
Although many injurious falls do involve stairs, it is obvious that one of the most dangerous areas in the home is the bathroom. During Bath Safety Month, I think it’s important to explore ways to make bathrooms safer for seniors to prevent serious injuries, emergency room visits, and deaths.
“Unfortunately, most homes aren’t designed with aging in mind,” said Una Barrett, a gerontologist and co-owner of Positive Living Solutions. “Most homes in the Northeast were designed for raising families without thinking about aging in the future. Older people are staying in their homes longer, and they can be made much safer most of the time without spending a lot of money,” she explains.
Some interventions and adaptations can improve the safety of the bathroom environment so aging adults can remain safer and more independent in their homes for longer periods.
Next Day Access suggests the following ways to improve bathroom safety:
Anti-slip bathmats and appliques help improve traction against the floor of the tub or shower that becomes quite slippery when wet. Bathmats and stickers should demonstrate these properties:
- Constructed with non-slip or anti-slip material that supports good underfoot traction when wet.
- Maintains a strong grip to prevent movement against the tub or shower surface.
- Is easy to clean to protect against soap residue, mold, and mildew buildup.
- Exhibits sufficient coverage to minimize contact with slippery surfaces.
Bath seats help make bathing easier for seniors with mobility and balance issues.
Grab Bars and safety poles improve stability when transitioning into and out of the tub or shower, while standing, and when seated or lying down. Grab bars come in a variety of styles and can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at an angle in and around tubs, showers, and toilets.
Weighted shower curtains can help keep water from reaching the outside of the tub or shower which can make floors slippery.
Non-slip rugs for outside of the tub or shower will also reduce the risk of falling.
Next Day Access recommends you choose bath rugs that are properly designed to reduce the risk of falling or slipping. A bath rug should be more helpful than harmful, so look for the following qualities:
- A non-slip, non-skid, or anti-slip backing for better traction under your feet.
- Water absorption properties to reduce the likelihood of slipping on wet surfaces.
- Quick drying materials can limit degradation due to mold and mildew.
- A low clearance can reduce the likelihood of tripping.
Raised toilet seats that include stability bars make using the commode safer and easier.
Bidet seats attach to the toilet and utilize a soft stream of water for cleaning as an alternative or in addition to using toilet paper. “They can reduce the risk of balance loss from twisting and bending to wipe with toilet paper. They (can be) slightly elevated for safer transitioning between sitting and standing. You can choose options that include heated seats, remote operation, and water pressure control for maximum comfort and ease of use.”
Barrett attests, “A curbless walk-in shower is best for older adults, but they can be expensive to install.”
A compassionate caregiver I employ at Home Helpers® can also provide aid, support, and personal care in the bathroom to enhance stability, reduce the risk of falls and injuries, and simply make life easier. Our personal care services include help with bathing, toileting, dressing, and mobility, just to name a few.
I gladly offer a FREE Consultation at your convenience to discuss specific ways we can help and perform a complimentary home safety check to assess the residential environment for potential hazards and find ways to reduce the risks of falls and injuries.
Home Helpers® MetroWest proudly serves male and female seniors in Concord, Farmingham, Lincoln, Marlborough, Natick, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, and surrounding areas. We are Making Life Easier℠ in our Massachusetts communities every day! (508) 952-6219
Sources:
Boston Globe
Next Day Access
