Slipping and falling – these unintentional occurrences may seem commonplace, but they are not to be underestimated. They are incredibly dangerous and happen a lot more often than you may think. And, as you may have guessed, a person’s chances of slipping and falling significantly increase with age. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians.
In fact, the statistics are quite startling. They also report that 20 to 30 percent of seniors experience at least one fall every year and that falls are the cause of 85 percent of seniors’ injury-related hospitalizations. Falls are also the cause of 95 percent of all hip fractures!
Where are most falls taking place?
The Public Health Agency of Canada reveals that 50 percent of all falls that cause hospitalization happen at home. And the bathroom is notoriously the room in the home where most falls take place. It should probably come as no surprise that the area of the home with the most slippery surfaces is where slips and falls are most likely to happen. And, as mentioned, as we age and lose our strength and mobility, our chances of falling increase.
How important is it to increase safety in the bathroom?
It would be fair to consider that a trick question. Undeniably, it’s wise to take measures to make the bathrooms in your home as safe as possible, especially if you live with seniors. The Public Health Agency of Canada suggests that you start by wiping up all spills immediately and adding non-slip surfaces in your tubs and showers. They also recommend the installation of grab bars by toilets and bathtubs in order to promote stability when sitting and standing.
The team, here at LifeCare Mobility Solutions, couldn’t agree more. As one of the many bathroom modifications that we offer, our grab bars offer significant assistance to individuals with mobility issues so that they can prevent themselves from falling in their bathrooms. Our list of home bathroom modifications also includes transfer benches to help individuals get in and out of showers with little or no assistance.
What other home bathroom modifications are available?
Some of our bathroom medications provide simple solutions to ensure greater safety in the bathroom. They include easy-to-use fixtures such as oversized or lowered light switches and levers that replace sink faucets. Good visibility is a key to safety in all areas of the home. When rooms are well-lit, it helps for individuals (especially those with vision impairments) to see where they are going and to avoid potential tripping hazards.
LifeCare Mobility Solutions also offers roll-in showers that enable wheelchair users the freedom to use shower wheelchairs that they can manoeuvre in and out of the showers. That way, they can enjoy the privacy of full and thorough showers with running water without the risk of slipping and falling. We also widen doorways to accommodate those who require wheelchairs and/or walkers for mobility.
“You can prevent falls by making the needed adjustments to your home and lifestyle, and by making sure you eat well, stay fit, and use whatever devices will facilitate your daily life while keeping you safe,” encourages the Public Health Agency of Canada, “Your independence and well-being are at stake. Take action!”
For more information about our home bathroom modifications, please don’t hesitate to call us at 647-350-4488 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
