WISE AGING: Tips to Reduce Bathroom Falls Risk

Many falls resulting in serious injuries such as fractures and brain injuries, happen in the bathroom. Reasons often cited are slippery tub/shower, wet floor; loss of balance with slippery floor surface.



Think about it. Bathing and showering is a daily activity that increases the risk of falling due to the conditions. (wet and slippery) People even in the best of condition have slipped in the tub and fallen.



There are some really simple things that can be done to reduce fall risks. These tips work well for everyone. I heartily recommend the following:



THINGS TO DO! FOR EVERYONE



1. Install safety rails: I think the single most important purchase you can buy for bathroom safety is safety rails for the tub or shower. No home should be without them. I wish it was a universal requirement.



2. Add non- slip strips or a safety matt to the tub/shower floor.



3. Install a phone in the bathroom.


4. Install a night light in the bathroom. (I like the automatic night lights that turn on whenever they detect movement.



5. Keep floors dry at all times.



THINGS TO DO: IF UNSTEADY BALANCE



1. Use a shower chair (rather than standing to shower)



TIP: There are many types of shower chairs or transfer tub seats. It is important to get the best one for your specific circumstances. I have used and recommended using molded outdoor plastic chairs. They generally cost about $6-$10 and usually fit in most tubs or showers, depending on how the base of the legs are designed.



2. Do not bend or twist while standing. (These are awkward postures that change the center of gravity, and further reduce balance.



3. Install a handheld shower attachment with extra long hose (this makes it alot easier to get to all the places that need to be washed without having to bend and twist)


4. Use safety rails (AKA grab bars) for additional support when bathing (washing legs, lower back, upper back, hair, etc.)



5. Use soap on a rope, to prevent the possibility of dropping the soap and having to chase it.



TIP: Soap on a rope can be easily made at home. (Here's how: Take a skewer and make a hole through the soap. I usually put the hole closer to the middle. Then tie a piece of rope on it. Usually 4 feet long, but you decide how much rope you need.

Oh, some soaps are better to do this with than others. Creamier soaps are better than flakier soaps.)



6. Organize useful things within an easy reach. (Avoid storing anything above the shoulders or below the knees.)



WHAT NOT TO DO!



1. Never lock the bathroom door.



2. Never, ever, ever use a towel rack, soap tray, shelves or other attachments not anchored in the wall, as a support for body weight.



3. Never turn suddenly while washing in shower.



For more detailed information, please take a look at my newsletter articles.



http://www.safeaging.com/newsletter/Aug2006newsletter.htm



http://www.safeaging.com/newsletter/Nov2004newsletter.htm

Be wise, stay safe,
Dr. Vanessa

Vanessa M. Dazio, OTD, OTR/L
SAFE AGING
www.safeaging.com
www.medictag911.com