I
have the great pleasure of working as a Sales & Marketing Manager for Tub King, our showroom located in Jacksonville, FL, and through this role have met amazing and inspiring seniors. In many
cases I’m also communicating with adult children of seniors who are concerned
with their parent’s comfort and safety while bathing. Being an empathetic creature I oftentimes
internalize their frustration of having to venture down the road of demolition
and the remodel of their homes with little to no idea of how to do it, when to
do it, nor what to buy.
Based
on my own personal experience with this growing segment of the population, and
being a person who requires data before making a decision, I went on an
internet research expedition. The statistics I’m about to share with you are
eye opening if you are in a business which provides products or services to the
senior population.
Today one in three Americans is now 50 or older and in 2030 individuals aged over 65 will climb to about 72.1 million, or one in five Americans. (Source: Admininistration on Aging).
What will that look like in 2050? The senior population will soar to 88.5 million — or 20 percent of the population. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010
How
do these facts impact home and community building contractors currently? A
survey conducted by AARP of
1,616 adults ages 45 and older found that fewer than half of the respondents
have an entrance without steps, a half-bath on the main level of their home, doorways
that are wider than standard door, nor handles that are levers instead of
knobs.
AARP
shares, “The
great majority of older adults have a strong desire to live in their own homes
and communities. However, unsupportive community design, unaffordable and
inaccessible housing, and a lack of access to needed services can thwart this
desire.” Unless there are vital changes in how houses and communities are
constructed and what services are offered, many older adults will find it
increasingly difficult to live in their communities and may be compelled to
consider institutional care.
“Nearly 90% of people over age 65
indicate they want to stay in their home as long as possible, and four of
five in that age bracket believe their current home is where they will
always live,” says AARP, which stressed the importance of accessible building standards
to allow people to remain in their homes instead of having to spend money on relocating
or retrofitting. “It might be a good idea to design houses and communities that
are accessible to all people, including older Americans and those with
disabilities, and some states encourage developers of affordable housing to
install features that make it easier for older adults to age in place”, says
AARP. Examples of this include: wider accessible entrance doors; entry-level
hallways that are wide enough for mobility devices; ramped or beveled door
thresholds; and accessible bathrooms focused on safety.
I implore contractors, builders,
remodelers, architects, and designers nationwide to think forward and be proactive when it comes to what is 'future forward' when selecting bathtubs for seniors.
Consider, not only what the client wants now, but what they will appreciate
having incorporated into their home for use in the future. Sure, go ahead and put an
exquisite Tub King cast iron clawfoot tub in their master bathroom but also
think ahead to the time they or their 'aging in place' parent may need the comfort and
independence provided by a Tub King walk-in bathtub installed in one of the guest
bathrooms.
Kudos to the National Association of
Home Builders who have instituted a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program
to address these needs in the building industry. The CAPS designation offers
your potential clients what they need most: reassurance that you’ll help them
make the choices that will help them stay in their homes safely and securely. I
am actually considering becoming certified myself! If you are considering implementing this strategy in to your new home building or renovation project, please contact our Sales & Marketing Manager, Edie, at (800) 409-3375 for contractor pricing on walk-in bathtubs for elderly and disabled persons.
Watching a
loved one deteriorate, whether it is physically, mentally or both, is a very
difficult process. You have wonderful memories of your parents in their prime
at family dinners and outings, giving of themselves and creating memories that
last a lifetime. They raised their families and worked hard to provide for
their loved ones. They were war veterans, entrepreneurs, musicians, doctors,
teachers, and so much more. They made major contributions to society with their
work ethic and love for their family. It was difficult to imagine they would
ever grow old. For that matter, you probably thought you would be young forever
and always have the comfort of knowing you would always have that shoulder to
lean on.
Now the roles
have reversed. You are seeing changes in your parents that make you worry and even
occasionally step up to take a little more control of their lives. They don’t
want to feel like a burden, so it becomes a sensitive issue. It’s a fact that
people are living much longer than they did in the past. However, it’s also difficult for most people
to ask for help when they need it most. Admitting they need help represents a
loss of independence. This can lead to denial.
Denial is the unrealistic hope that a problem is not really happening
and will go away by itself. “Denial plays a major role and signs get ignored,”
says Paul Hogan, Founder and Chairman of Home Instead Senior Care.
The process
of becoming the caregiver can become overwhelming, both financially and
emotionally. Whether you are prepared
for this task or not, you will be faced with making some major decisions
associated with their care. Most of us would prefer to allow our loved ones to
stay in the comfort of their homes and studies show that 80 to 90 percent of
elderly people prefer to stay at home as long as possible. You can be an
integral part of giving your parents the independence they need while having
some input to ensure they are safe and secure.
As our loved
ones age, preparing food can be a potentially dangerous task. Gas burners and
ovens can be left on, shaky hands can lead to cuts and burns, water can be left
running and so on. Under normal circumstances, accidents do happen in the
kitchen. Did you know that home fires started by cooking equipment kill about
480 people a year? Much of that is preventable since it’s often due to leaving
cooking equipment unattended. As our loved ones age, they become more forgetful
and the likelihood of these accidents increases, which is exactly what we are
trying to help them avoid.
Eating
healthy is an essential part of keeping our bodies and minds in top form and to
guard against illness. As people age, they often tend to choose easier methods
to cook meals and that may often mean eating more canned food and frozen
dinners that have little nutritional value. As I already mentioned, accidents
can occur if they are trying to do too much food preparation.
A great
option is home food delivery. There are a number of delivery services that can deliver
healthy home cooked meals to your loved one’s door. They can also cater to the
special dietary needs of their clients. This is definitely a more expensive
option, but it can also be used as a safe supplement rather than the primary
source of food for your loved ones.
Cook in bulk for your family and
prepare portions for your parents. Thank goodness for the microwave oven. A great way to be
efficient and economical is to cook in bulk. Don’t make a pot of chili that
feeds four; make it so it feeds eight people and put it into individual
containers to bring to your parent’s home where they can eat or freeze it. Seniors
know how to use a microwave and it provides a much safer option than using the
stove or oven. More importantly, they will be eating healthy, nutritional meals
that you cooked, while at the same time reducing the chances of causing an
accident in the kitchen.
PREP THE HOME FOR SAFETY- DON’T LET
THE BATHROOM BE THE CULPRIT
According to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year about 285,000 people
visit emergency rooms because of injuries suffered in the bathroom. More than a
third of these injuries occur when bathing or showering. There are
many ways to make a bathroom safer for your loved ones in order to decrease the
chances of falls which can be debilitating and potentially deadly for seniors.
1.Install grab bars near the toilet and
other places where one must stand for a period of time. Tile floors are
slippery when wet and bathroom spaces often do not have good footing. Seniors can
have issues with balance, making them particularly susceptible to falls in the
bathroom.
2.Climbing in and out of a bathtub can
be an ordeal as a person ages. A bathtub in the home can be altered with safety
features or even replaced with a more modern and safe version such as walk-in
bathtubs and safety showers. This is an expense that is well worthy of
consideration since it can contribute to the independence of older adults and
give them the privacy they desire when taking care of their bathing needs.
These
showers and tubs are literally made so you can walk into them without a climb.
They have built-in seats and removable shower heads so one can sit comfortably
and safely without fear of slipping. Can you imagine how independent your loved
ones might feel knowing they are safer in the bathroom and are able to take of
their own needs? Even better, these showers and tubs are made so anyone can
walk into them without a climb. Can you imagine how independent your loved ones
would feel knowing they are safer in the bathroom and are able to take of their
own needs?
PAY ATTENTION TO THEIR MEDICAL AND
PHYSICAL NEEDS
Don’t rely
on your parents to remember to take their medications if they need them. Set up
a system to ensure they are taking their prescribed medications. Did you know
there are “smart” pill bottles on the market? They have 3G capabilities and
sensors that can track humidity levels within the bottle to “sense” how many
pills or fluid ounces are left inside. Amazing! That data is then sent into the
cloud and can remind people via a telephone call or text.
Focus on
maintenance for healthy seniors and encourage them to be active. People are
living longer than ever and can live long, healthy lives and stay physically
fit. Be the motivator and inspiration. Encourage them to take a walk after
dinner or enroll them in your local YMCA. They often have classes geared
towards seniors and they can make friends while they’re working out.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE WE LOVE
Everyone
desires to age gracefully and independently. Today’s seniors have many resources
that allow them the freedom to live healthy, happy and independent lives while
giving their caregivers peace of mind.
I hope you
found the information in this article useful. Until the next time….
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.
Ever wonder what your top four needs should be as you get
older?
As seniors, we’ve seen a lot in
our lives. As the world as it moved from the Industrial
Age to the Information Age across the new millennium, we witnessed it in
real-time. Both the good and the bad. Some of us were fortunate to be able to
acquire valued belongings, some of us were able to travel a bit, and maybe, some
of us had the chance to really enjoy our families.
As we age, our “needs” list change somewhat.For example, when we are in our late teens
and early 20s, getting a good education is a vital concern. The next ten years require that we find a good-paying
job or a promising career. This would
also be the time for purchasing our first home.Our 30s and 40s are the earning years, when we should be putting money
away and investing wisely.In our 50s,
we should be thinking about retirement and putting the final touches on
planning for our “Golden Years.”Then
come the retirement years.
If you have planned well, you can enjoy some rest and
relaxation.No more punching a clock or
running a business. You can slow down
and enjoy retirement.Obviously, with
money, life always seems to be a little easier to manage. But, whether you have planned perfectly or not, there are
certain needs that you’ll have as you reach the “Golden Years.”
Number one is Companionship.If you’ve been happily married for many years and still have your
lifelong companion, this can be a great time.Many who are just reaching their retirement years want to travel.They want to see the world they were deprived
of visiting while they were busy making a living.
However, health issues can soon slow down the travel
arrangements ― any retirement plans really ― and may require rethinking how you
will spend those special years.Health
problems may require needed assistance from your companion.
But what if you don’t have a companion?There are in-home services that can offer
help with everything from meal preparation to companionship.Usually their services are offered during
regular business hours.If nighttime
assistance is needed, the cost can add up.Moving in with your family may be an option, as long as there is someone
in the family that has the time, willingness and/or ability to help.If not, assisted living facilities are
available.They provide housing, meals,
assistance with medications, transportation and companionship.These can be costly, but it’s a possible
option.One of the advantages of assisted
living is the ability to be with other residents, create friendships, and have
projects that you can enjoy doing together.
The second need that seniors will require is Transportation.If you’ve reached a point where you can no
longer drive, transportation becomes critical.
Crucial errands such going to the grocery store and pharmacy suddenly
become a real challenge. Same with going
to scheduled doctors’ appointments or other health-oriented events (exercise
sessions at the gym, etc.). Who can help
with that?There are some stores that
offer free delivery.If not, some non-profit
groups offer transportation.If you have
some form of assisted living, they can also take care of transportation needs.In many cases, family or friends can help
with this, too. However, some transportation issues are more oriented
towards rest and relaxation. It may be
that you just need to get out of the house to take a drive, for your own mental
well-being.
The third need is a New Challenge. Whether we are eight or
80, we never outgrow our need for a new challenge.Even
in our retirement years, we need to seek out challenges for our mind and
body.It might be starting some fitness
program, developing a new hobby, or getting more into reading.Keeping the mind challenged and busy is
another way to ward off things like dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.Challenge yourself!
Number four is Making Your Environment Safe to Live in.Whether you live in your own home or an
assisted living facility, making your location safer becomes more and more
important as you age. One third of those
aged 65 or older will fall each year.At
age 80, that percentage increases to 50% of us.And of that number, once having fallen, these people are two to three times
more likely to fall again.Falling is
significant because it almost always leads to broken bones, such as fractured
hips, which could reduce mobility and permanently hamper one’s lifestyle. Worse yet, a head injury can lead to more
serious problems such as brain trauma or even death (read our previous blogs, “The
Danger of Bathtubs – Falling is a Family Matter,” and “How
Seniors Can Protect Themselves from Falling.”)
Why are seniors prone to falling?There are several reasons.It may be because of prescribed
medications.It could be because of loss
of balance due to lightheadedness.It
can also stem from being unfit.This is
why exercise, even in our senior years, is so important.Falls can also occur simply because
precautions have not been taken to make the house safe.Slippery floors, thrown rugs and clutter
doesn’t help.
One area that requires special attention is the
bathroom.It’s is the number one area
where harmful falls can take place.Why
not add several grab bars in the bathroom, especially around the toilet and the
tub?
Many seniors (and/or their caring families) are seeing the
need for a Walk-in Tub.These
specialized bathtubs offer a soaking and sit down shower option that’s free of
the risks taken with normal bathing.They fit in the spot where a normal bathtub is located.They offer a water-tight door that can be
easily opened and closed by the occupant.The door’s low threshold makes entering and exiting the tub easy.Once the door is closed and locked, the tub
can be filled with warm water that covers the back.A hand-held shower wane allows them to shower
while sitting.Therapeutic air and water
jets can be added to relax the body and help heal problem areas.
Another great thing about Walk-in Tubs is they this
allow the senior to bathe independently and in private.This is tremendous for one’s self-esteem.And all this is done without the fear or risk
of falling.Not surprisingly, many who
have just reached retirement age and are still in good health are installing
Walk-in Tubs as they plan for the future.
Another option for seniors is the Safety Suite Shower. These
can be configured as Low-Threshold or Zero-Threshold designs. Each model has a
built-in seat, in a variety of different configurations (i.e., fold-down,
built-in, etc.), which can be topped with slip-resistant acrylic surface or a
Brazilian Walnut seat top.
These handsome showers can be customized to meet each
individual’s situation. For example, in the Zero-Threshold models, the shower
can be right- or left-side oriented (in terms of where the seat and hand-held
water sprayer are configured). In the Zero-Threshold models, the hand-held
shower wand and controls can be situated on the left, center or right. Even the drain can be placed in different
locations to facilitate installation and plumbing issues. Both designs feature safety
wall grips and handrails, even atop the temperature control.Optional accessories include a bathroom paper
roll, towel rack and shelf, all of which have built-in safety grips.
Whatever your age, it’s not too early to think about what
lies ahead.Planning and preparation
will make life a little easier down the road. Take the time to think about these four needs.
Set aside some time to discuss these
issues with family and friends. Once you
have determined what your needs and goals, put your plan in writing and then
begin implementing your plan one item at a time.
In this article, I discussed the top four needs of seniors, especially
as they reach retirement. I outlined the details on each need and discussed how
seniors can pragmatically address and accommodate these needs. If you found this article useful, please share it with your
friends and co-workers. If you have a comment related to this article, leave it
in the Comment section of this blog.
Testimonial for Walk-in Tub
If you’d like to receive
a FREE Walk-In Tub Buyers’Guide,
click here. Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the
number or email listed at the end of this article and I’ll personally get back
to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.
Thanks again for visiting with us.
Have you purchased a tub from Tub King lately? For a limited time, Tub King is offering our customers a Free $10 GiftCard for giving us feedback on your experience.Click Here to Learn More.
Alan and Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville,
Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and
senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products,
they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award”
four years running. If you’d like to contact them, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to Alan@tubking.com.
