January is National Bath Safety Month. The smallest room in the home can also be the most dangerous, especially for older adults.
Each year, approximately 235,000 individuals aged 15 and over visit emergency rooms for bathroom-related injuries according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Bathroom-related slip and fall injuries are most prevalent among older adults, with injury rates significantly increasing with age.
Most of these injuries are caused by slipping and falling while getting in or out of the tub or shower. Many bathroom-related injuries occur in or around the tub/shower, followed by the toilet area.
Make Updates to Prevent Falls
Poor bathroom lighting increases the risk of falls. Ensure that lighting is bright enough for the person to see what they’re doing without being too bright, which could cause dizziness. Consider adding nightlights in the bathroom and on the route between the bathroom and bedroom to improve visibility and prevent nighttime falls.
Installing safety rails and grab bars can provide support to help older adults maintain their balance. These should be easy to reach at a height that allows the individual to grab onto them. Stepping in and out of a bathtub can be hazardous, so it might be time to replace the existing bathtub with a walk-in shower. A shower chair or transfer bench can aid adults who have difficulty standing and balancing on wet surfaces.
A raised toilet seat can make it easier for older adults to get on and off the toilet.
Get Organized
Avoid letting the counter and bathroom surfaces get too crowded. Use a shower caddy to organize items and keep them easily accessible.
Consider adding a non-slip mat to the shower floor to prevent slips. Any floor mats should have a non-slip backing. Make sure they are as thin as possible to avoid interfering with the ability to use a walker in the bathroom.
Check the water temperature. Water that is too hot can lead to a strain on the cardiovascular system. Lower the hot water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
