Sponsored by No Slip

According to a 2011 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 200,000 Americans are treated in emergency departments for bathroom-related injuries annually. Up to 80% of falls in the home are in the bathroom.

It is for this reason that the homes of elderly people should be made “fall-safe” to help prevent such injuries– especially in the bathroom.

Making Dangerous Bathrooms Safe

Use a tub-attached grab bar: Installing a sturdy bar near the bathtub can give added support when getting in and out of the shower or bath.

Use a bath (transfer) bench:  For those with poor standing balance, a shower chair made of sturdy plastic or padded vinyl can be an invaluable safety measure to have in the bathroom.

Shower thresholds: Many old homes have thresholds to prevent water from getting all over the floor. For increased shower safety, take off the shower threshold or reduce the height of the threshold, if possible.

Make the bottom of the floor slip-free: Bath mats inside the tub are awkward and unsanitary, but a new revolutionary process known as tub etching has begun to catch on among safety-savvy seniors. With tub etching, a liquid is spread on the bottom of the tub for ten minutes, and microdots are created — when filled with water, these microdots will keep feet from slipping. After ten minutes, the solution is washed down the drain with no visual effects on the tub. Feet will stay stationary in the tub, and the risk of a slip and fall is significantly decreased. Tub etching is for ceramic/porcelain bathtubs and shower floors.

Freedom and independence are two qualities that most people cherish. Start in the bathroom by making your bathtub or shower a safe haven free from the fear of falling.