Hello, it’s Ed here. As a senior and an advocate for elderly independence, I understand the significance of safety and comfort in our daily lives, especially when it comes to essential facilities like bathrooms. Today, I’m going to share with you the secrets of bathroom aids. As we age, we need bathroom aids to help us prevent falls and maintain our health. In this article, I’ll reveal these secrets, gathered from various sources and across centuries, to help you achieve this. We’ll delve into the importance of prevention, the necessity of assessments, the effects of medications, and the benefits of developing strength and balance.
Thousands Now Move Confidently Who Never Thought They Could
Secret #1: Prevention Is Key
An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure By Benjamin Franklin – Don’t Forget It.
Each year, thousands of older Americans fall at home. Many of them are seriously injured, and some are disabled. In 2011, nearly 23,000 people over age 65 died and 2.4 million were treated in emergency departments because of falls.
Falls are often due to hazards that are easy to overlook but easy to fix. This checklist will help you find and fix those hazards in your home.
This checklist is a compilation of several CDC ( Center Of Disease Control) Reports.
Learn More About Preventing Falling
Secrets #2 Assessments Are Crucial
TESTING TO IMPROVE SAFETY
There are way too many variables not to test each product before agreeing to keep it. Here are some testing ideas.
- Test your gait with these (DGI)tests from physio-pedia.
- Test your balance by clicking the CDC Test
- Test the levelness of the tub or shower and the floor with a level.
- Test if the stool, chair, or bench sways
- Test if the stool, chair, or bench rocks
- Test if the stool, chair, or bench slides
- Test if the stool, chair, or bench leans to one side or another.
- Don’t forget to test the stool, chair, or bench dry, and as soon as you get it to avoid warranty and return issues.
Secret #3 Review Medications Affects
Medications Are Among The Most Common Causes Of Increased Fall Risk In Older People
I am not a doctor.
Below are two sources that list medications that can increase your risk of falling. Please look them over carefully and consult your doctor. These sources are the actual and complete articles.
Generally, it’s wise to keep the number of medications you take to a minimum. Routinely discussing your medications with your doctor is the best way to ensure this.
This list of drugs that increase fall risk includes but is not limited to the following is from Harvard Medical School :
- antidepressant drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines
- anticholinergic/antispasmodic drugs (used to treat stomach cramps)
- antihistamines
- blood pressure drugs, such as alpha blockers, centrally acting antihypertensives, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), and beta blockers (including eye drops, which can lower blood pressure as a side effect)
- diabetes drugs, such as insulin, glipizide, and glyburide
- heart drugs, such as anti-arrhythmics, nitrates and other vasodilators, and digoxin
- pain drugs, such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- sleep drugs, such as sedatives and hypnotics.
Generally, it’s wise to keep the number of medications you take to a minimum. Routinely discussing your medications with your doctor is the best way to ensure this.
Want To Learn More About Medications Affects
Secret #4 Develop Strength
Several studies have shown that people who practice Tai Chi regularly have better upper and lower body balance, strength, and endurance compared to people living a sedentary lifestyle. A study by National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health showed that Tai Chi improves muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance.
At the beginning of the research, a number of tests were done to determine the participants’ muscle strength, body balance, flexibility, and endurance. On the 6th week, there was already a significant difference in the flexibility, balance, and endurance of the individuals. After 12 weeks, all participants showed a great improvement. They had better stability, reduced rigidness, increased stamina, and stronger muscles.
At the beginning of the research, a number of tests were done to determine the participants’ muscle strength, body balance, flexibility, and endurance. On the 6th week, there was already a significant difference in the flexibility, balance, and endurance of the individuals. After 12 weeks, all participants showed a great improvement. They had better stability, reduced rigidness, increased stamina, and stronger muscles.
Secret #5 Develop Balance
Balance Is Vital to Seniors
Older adults worried about falling receive general advice: Take an exercise class. Get your vision checked. Stop taking medications for sleep. Install grab bars in the bathroom. A balance disorder needs to be investigated for all seniors.
A new study suggests that advice hasn’t proved to be effective: About three times more adults age 75 and older died from falls in 2016 than in 2000, according to a recent report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
In 2016, 25,189 people in this age group died from falls, compared with 8,613 in 2000. The rate of fatal falls for adults 75 and older more than doubled during this period, from 51.6 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 122.2 per 100,000 people in 2016, the report found.
One In Four Americans Aged 65+ 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
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding these secrets of bathroom aids can significantly enhance the safety and independence of seniors. From prevention and assessments to understanding medication effects and developing strength and balance, each aspect plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and comfortable bathroom experience. However, remember that everyone’s needs are unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s crucial to consider your specific requirements and consult with a healthcare professional before making a decision.
As always, my goal is to provide you with the most accurate and helpful information to ensure your safety and independence. I’m committed to continually improving this platform, and your feedback is invaluable. If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore, don’t hesitate to let me know. Remember, your safety and comfort are paramount, and making informed decisions is the first step towards ensuring them. Stay safe, and take care.
