The
bathroom, usually the smallest room in your home, is statistically the most
dangerous. A 2008 study conducted by the Center of Disease Control and
Prevention, found that about 235,000 people over the age of 15 visited
emergency rooms due to injuries that occurred in the bathroom. These injuries
are not only limited to slips and falls. There’s risk of electrocution if an
electrical appliance falls into water as well as the risk of poison since many
chemical products are often housed in the bathroom. Don’t forget those nasty
cuts from the sharp items that abound in the bathroom like razors, or even hand
held mirrors that can shatter when dropped. This is beginning to sound like a
hazard zone but it really doesn’t have to be. Your bathroom can and should be a
safe space for people of all ages.
Children,
adults and especially seniors are vulnerable and can be at risk if thoughtful
precautions are not taken. You can start with the easy improvements that
require little to no expense and move up to more extensive changes or upgrades
if necessary. This is your family’s safety and that is always a number one
priority. Let’s start with the small stuff.
POISON CONTROL
Can you
believe the second leading cause of home injury death is poisoning? It leads to
about 5,000 fatalities a year.
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If you have
these items in your bathroom or anywhere else in your home (like the kitchen),
it is essential to have them clearly marked. Educate your young ones on the
perils of touching these chemicals. Ideally, if you have very young children,
store them in a place where they can’t reach or even better, under lock and
key.
DON’T BE SHOCKED!
I mean that
literally. You keep your blow dryers and curling irons in the bathroom. You may
have an electric toothbrush on your countertop. Any of these items can cause
electrocution if they fall into a tub or a sink filled with water. Beware of
damaged or frayed cords as they can be another hazard especially if they are
lying on a wet countertop.
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BE SHARP WITH YOUR RAZORS
As you know,
young children love to explore. They are in awe of all of their surroundings
and are fascinated by the littlest trinkets and gadgets. Some of those gadgets
should not be within their reach and the razor is one of them. Simply put them
in a cabinet that is out of reach and don’t leave them in the shower or tub.
Keep your children cut-free.
PROTECT AGAINST THE NUMBER ONE
CULPRIT- FALLS
Falls are
the leading cause of home injury deaths with about 6,000 fatalities per year.
Seniors are especially vulnerable. About one in three seniors who suffer a
fall, will incur injuries that lead to hospitalization. There are many ways to
protect against these accidents and some are fairly simple remedies.
1. Rugs can be a hazard but they don’t have to be. Throw rugs in the bathroom enhance
the décor and add a little color and luxury. They can also cause you to trip or
fall when they slip. Your bathroom can still be plush and safe if you purchase
non-skid rugs. Double sided industrial tape placed beneath the rug will keep it
safely secured to the floor.
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3. Grab on to those grab bars. These bars may be one the most useful preventative items you
can purchase for your bathroom. Install them near the toilet area to allow ease
of transfer. Getting up and down onto the toilet can be especially difficult for
seniors. You should not expect that toilet paper holders, towel racks or
wall-mounted sinks can reasonably support one’s weight. Proper installation is
the key to safety. They should not just be mounted onto the sheetrock but
instead, firmly attached to a wall stud. This can be a do-it-yourself project
but for those lacking skills of a carpenter, professional installation might be
a good idea. I’ll discuss a little more about grab bars for the bath/shower
area in the next section.
SCRUB A DUB DUB- DON’T FALL
GETTING OUT OF THE TUB
That says it all. Most falls in the bathroom occur while
getting in or out of the bathtub and shower. Seniors are most susceptible due
to their lack of agility. There are a few precautions you can take to make the
area much safer for everyone.
1. Use grab bars. As
I mentioned previously, these need to be properly installed for paramount
safety. Knowing there is something to hold onto while getting in and out of the
tub can provide an extra level of comfort.
2. Rubber mats are all the rage. Well, that might be an exaggeration but they definitely have
their place in preventing slipping in the tub or shower.
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| Image courtesy of TubKing.com |
3. Sit comfortably and safely. Shower seats and chairs should be purchased with care. Make
sure they have rubber and suction feet to prevent slippage.
4. A hand held shower head makes bathing a blast. Whether you are a senior or someone
who is just a bit tired after a long day, it is pretty relaxing to sit in the
shower and be able to control the placement of the shower. It does provide an
added layer of protection and safety.
THE ULTIMATE SCORE
The
emergence of walk-in tubs and showers really is all the rage. These are amazing
additions to any bathroom and will provide years of comfort and safety.
Literally, you can walk right in without having to climb. They come with many
additions, like built in chairs, removable shower heads and built-in grab bars.
They are not only extremely functional, but quite elegant and are an upgrade
that will pay off for many years to come.
In this
article, I provided you with many precautionary measures you can take to make
your bathroom a safer place for people of all ages and give everyone in your
home more peace of mind.
If you would like a FREE copy of our eBook "The Walk-In Tub Buyers Guide", fill out the form below and we will send it to you.
If you would like a FREE copy of our eBook "The Walk-In Tub Buyers Guide", fill out the form below and we will send it to you.
Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and my brother, Alan, who heads up Tub King, will personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.
Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. His companies not only provide superior products, they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” four years running. To contact Tub King directly, call (800)843-4231 or email alan@tubking.com.
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