For individuals affected by mobility restrictions, every day can present possible obstacles. This is particularly true when it comes to home safety. More than one in three seniors over the age of 65 fall each year and, from this, 80 percent of those falls occur in the bathroom. Due to the multitude and instability of bathroom surfaces, it is important for the security of your loved ones to properly outfit these problematic areas.
At EZ-ACCESS, we are committed to providing the safety you and your family deserve. With these helpful guidelines and products, you can maintain security and get the peace of mind you need.
Stay Safe in the Shower
According to the CDC, approximately 1.6 million older adults seek emergency care every year for fall-related injuries, fractures, or head traumas. Showers are one of the most at-risk areas to experience such an injury. To combat this, transfer benches and shower chairs offer additional support to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Keep It Clean
Since bathrooms are at high risk for falls, don’t put anything to chance. Make sure all spills are cleaned promptly and the bathroom floor is not slick. Additionally, don’t let décor ideas stand in your way. Clear away any unnecessary items so that there is plenty of space to move around. For added precaution, cover sharp edges of counters and faucets with towels while the bathroom is in use.
Update Problematic Areas
To guarantee safety in and out of the bathtub, install reachable safety handles by the bathtub and shower. This should be specialty-designed items that will support weight, as opposed to a towel rack or bar, which can cause further injury if used as a grab bar. For stable footing, install non-slip strips or mats in the bottom of the bathtub as well as a stable mat in the entry/exit of the shower. Additionally, make sure a portable phone is always available in the bathroom in the event of an emergency.
Above all, make sure to address toilet safety. This problematic area accounts for 14 percent of falls. To ensure safety for your loved ones and prevent injuries to family members or caretakers, EZ-ACCESS recommends the TILT™ Toilet Incline Lift. By offering both comfort and the functionality of a heavy-duty commode, the TILT is the all-in-one bathroom safety solution that’s perfect for your family. Easily activated to raise and lower with the push of a button, you can maintain independence and still get the needed security to avoid falls.
Although bathrooms offer a potential increase in injury, these tips and products can help keep your loved ones safe and in their own home. To learn more about how you can make your home more accessible, contact the team at EZ-ACCESS today.