Each year, around 10,000 people die in restrooms, according to government reports. This means that bathroom and bathtub safety can be of vital interest to seniors. Up to half of persons age 60 and up will experience some level of difficulty getting into and out of the shower, and a fall in a little room filled with hard surfaces may result in an injury or even death.
One area for concern is using the sliding glass doors to support one's weight. The doors are not engineered to hold a senior's weight and can break if leaned upon. Adding shards of broken glass to a nasty fall can turn a small accident into a big one.
Another issue is restroom rugs. Most of these rugs do not have any sort of attachment to the floors and can move easily, especially while someone is getting out of the shower. Adding some non-slip attachments to the rug bottoms helps to improve footing and result in a safer restroom.
As one ages, the installation of grab bars in the restroom can be a great aid in getting into and out of the tub. Furthermore, if there is a slip and fall then the bars can help stop the fall and prevent injury. Grab bars are not the same as towel racks which are ripped very easily out of walls.
Other small steps like making sure the floor is always dry and keeping a nightlight on can go a long way toward keeping seniors safe. Electrical appliances are hazardous if they get wet. The installation of a ground fault circuit interrupter protects not just seniors but anyone who might be using the tub from receiving a bad shock should an appliance fall into the tub.
The tiniest room in your home can pose the greatest danger. Everyone is responsible for bathroom and bathtub safety. Tragic events can be prevented by taking precautions today.
One area for concern is using the sliding glass doors to support one's weight. The doors are not engineered to hold a senior's weight and can break if leaned upon. Adding shards of broken glass to a nasty fall can turn a small accident into a big one.
Another issue is restroom rugs. Most of these rugs do not have any sort of attachment to the floors and can move easily, especially while someone is getting out of the shower. Adding some non-slip attachments to the rug bottoms helps to improve footing and result in a safer restroom.
As one ages, the installation of grab bars in the restroom can be a great aid in getting into and out of the tub. Furthermore, if there is a slip and fall then the bars can help stop the fall and prevent injury. Grab bars are not the same as towel racks which are ripped very easily out of walls.
Other small steps like making sure the floor is always dry and keeping a nightlight on can go a long way toward keeping seniors safe. Electrical appliances are hazardous if they get wet. The installation of a ground fault circuit interrupter protects not just seniors but anyone who might be using the tub from receiving a bad shock should an appliance fall into the tub.
The tiniest room in your home can pose the greatest danger. Everyone is responsible for bathroom and bathtub safety. Tragic events can be prevented by taking precautions today.