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The Role Of Grab Bars In Keeping Seniors Safe In The Bathroom

As we age, we inevitably experience diminished strength and balance. As a result, it’s important to take measures to protect ourselves from slipping and falling in our elder years. However, while we’re still young enough and able-bodied, it is our jobs to take measures to protect the elderly members of our families from harm. The importance of paying attention to this matter cannot be understated. And that’s because slips and falls happen far too often for seniors.

A third of Canadian seniors are bound to fall at least once a year.

As Statistics Canada reveals, “Falls are the most common cause of injury among older Canadians. Every year, it is estimated 1 in 3 seniors aged 65 years and older are likely to fall at least once….According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, over one-third of seniors who are hospitalized as a result of a fall are placed in long-term care.”

Readers of the LifeCare Mobility Solutions Blog know that this isn’t the first time we’ve covered this topic. And it’s certainly not likely to be the last. With falls being so prevalent among Canadian seniors, it’s imperative that we take steps to make our homes safer for them. And, arguably, there’s no room that needs greater attention than the bathroom. With its slippery surfaces, it’s a place in the home that is most likely to be the location for falls.

How can grab bars make your bathroom safer?

Grab bars help to steady your elderly loved one when he/she enters the bathroom, gets off and on the toilet and enters and exits the shower. By installing grab bars, you ensure that there is something for bathroom users to hold on to, making it a lot easier to maintain balance when in an upright position.

“Equip showers and surrounding walls with sturdy grab bars anchored to wall studs so they can support the full weight of an adult,” recommends Byran Stapp of Caregiver.com, “Some portable safety handles use super strong suction cups and are easy to apply and remove.”

The role of grab bars in keeping seniors safe cannot be underestimated.

They are specifically designed to support the weight of adults. Individuals who assume that a senior can hold on to a towel rack or soap dish for support are mistaken. Not only do they not offer adequate grips but they run the risk of breaking and coming off the walls.

“Towel bars, soap dishes, or toilet paper holders should not be used to hold onto or support weight,” stresses Elizz.com, “These bathroom fixtures are usually not installed into the studs of the wall. They could loosen or break resulting in a serious fall. Even towel bars that may seem to be secured into the wall should not be used for support as the bar that is used to hold the towel may break.”

At LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we proudly offer grab bars to help you make your bathroom a safer place for the elderly loved ones in your life. However, they are just one of the many bathroom modifications we offer. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more! You may 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!

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