5 Ways Seniors Can Reduce The Risk Of Falling In A Bathroom In 2023

In this review, I describe the 5 Ways To Reduce The Risk Of Falling. I provide advice to help you make better decisions about your safety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• One in Four Seniors Falls Each Year.
• Every 11 Seconds, An Older Adult Is Treated In The Emergency Room For A Fall;
• Every 19 Minutes, An Older Adult Dies From A Fall.
• Senior Falls Result In More Than 2.8 Million Injuries Treated In Emergency Rooms Annually
• Over 800,000 Seniors Are Hospitalizations From Falling
• More Than 27,000 Seniors Die Each Year From Falling
• Falls Are The Leading Cause Of Fatal Injury
• Falls Are The Most Common Cause Of Nonfatal Trauma-Related Hospital Admissions Among Older Adults.

 When I read these statistics about people over 65 years of age, I felt disturbed and sadden. I wanted to change it. I wanted to do whatever I can to reduce these horrible consequences as much as possible. There is no valid reason we cannot change this for seniors. And Yes, I am one of those over 65.

Considering that we will live longer these statistics will get worse.

The bathroom is the highest risk area in any house for falling. The floors are wet, slippery, and sometimes the quarters are too small.

 To see the complete CDC report click here.

THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE 
and
WE CAN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE RISKS 

Here Are Five Ways Seniors Can Reduce The Risks Of Falling In A Bathroom:

1. Seniors Can Reduce The Risk Of Falling In A Bathroom By Putting Grab Bars On Bathroom Walls Near Tub, Shower, And Toilet.

This is the most popular way to help reduce the risk of falling in a bathroom. It is also the least expensive way to reduce the risk of falling.

Grab bars are often used in conjunction with other medical devices to increase safety. For example, a grab bar added to a shower is frequently used with a shower chair and hand-held shower head. Grab bars installed by a doorway are usually added near a railing. In addition, grab bars can be placed on any wall where extra support is needed even if it is not the “usual place” they are used.

We need a  strong focus on the installation because we do not want the grab bar coming out of the wall. Grab bars mounted into the studs in the walls are the most secure. Grap bars with suction cups are not as secure and are usually in temporary situations or areas where permanent installs are not allowed, like an apartment,  or a hotel when you are traveling. There are also tension pole grab bars that are needed in a place where there is no wall, like stepping out of a tub.

If you want more information, click here to see the grab bar decision guide.

Here are product reviews for grab bars you can examine

2. Seniors Can Reduce The Risk Of Falling In A Bathroom Is BY Using A Transfer Bench.

A transfer bench is a bench that has one side in the tub and the other side outside of the tub. You sit on the transfer bench seat which is perpendicular to the tub, put on your seat belt and tighten it, next swivel the seat so it is parallel with the tub, and raise your leg closest to the tub into the tub. Next, you unlock the slider control and you slide towards the center, then raise the outside legs over the tub. With both legs in the tub move towards the center and lock the slider. Take your shower then reverse the process to get out of the shower.

Important features you will need (these features provide the safest transfers, Some transfer benches do not have all these features, which will reduce the safety) Some of the features are: A Swivel,  A Seat Belt, Sliding Controls,  A Locking mechanism, and A Sturdy Bench.

High Level of Safety: Our biggest fear is falling or slipping in the shower, hurting ourselves or a caregiver. An adult of 65 years old falls every 20 seconds. To see all the details, go to this page for the CDC Center for Disease and Prevention Control. The transfer bench with a seat belt and a swivel is safer than a caregiver holding someone up during a shower.

It Creates Independence: as we age our independence shrinks so anything that keeps it alive is fantastic. This bench be used solely used by a person who needs it or needs minimal help? Anything that can help the person who needs the bench to be more independent is a great thing.

If you want more information, click here to see the transfer bench decision guide.

Here are product reviews for transfer benches you can examine

3. Seniors Can Reduce The Risk Of Falling In A Bathroom is To Do Exercises To Improve Your Balance

Even if you have a grab bar or a transfer bench there will be times you will not have something you can rely on for your balance. It is important to build up your balance. Below are two ways to exercise to build up your balance.

• Stand on one leg at a time for a minute and then slowly increase the time. Try to balance with your eyes closed or without holding on.
• Stand on your toes for a count of 10, and then rock back on your heels for a count of 10.
• Make a big circle to the left with your hips, and then to the right. Do not move your shoulders or feet. Repeat five times

Tai chi helps improve balance because it targets all the physical components needed to stay upright—leg strength, flexibility, range of motion, and reflexes—all of which tend to decline with age. This will be a new website in the near future, Stay Tuned.

 Here are some books on balance that you might enjoy

4.  Seniors Can Reduce The Risk Of Falling In A Bathroom Is To Use a Nonskid Bath Mat In The Shower Or Tub

These mats prevent slips and falls while in the shower: Hold in place on any smooth surface. Many may look similar, but you need one with a strong grip.  The strong rubber material will outlast other mats made of flimsy plastic.

Look for anti-bacterial, hygienic, odorless  and safety mats. Mats that deter unwanted mold and bacteria. Antibacterial and Mildew Resistant, BPA Free, Non-Toxic, Phthalate Free, Latex Free, No Toxic Smell.

Make sure the mats are machine washable for prolonged longevity with durable rubber to facilitate hassle-free maintenance. To clean at any time, simply toss the mat into the machine and enjoy its fresh appearance.

Here are bathroom mats you can examine

5. Seniors Can Reduce The Risk Of  Falling In A Bathroom By Taking The Assessments To Determine Your Risk Of Falling. Don’t Under Estimate This, Learn From It.

The Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) was developed as a clinical tool to assess gait, balance, and fall risk. It evaluates not only usual steady-state walking but also walking during more challenging tasks.

DGI Includes

8 functional walking tests are performed by the subject and marked out of three according to the lowest category which applies. 24 is the total individual score possible. Scores of 19 or less have been related to increased the incidence of falls.

Equipment needed: Box (Shoebox), Cones (2), Stairs, 20′ walkway, 15” wide

Completion Time: 15 minutes

If you want to read more about the DGI click here

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