Falls are a hazard that the elderly and people with mobility issues face every day – and the majority of falls happen in the bathroom. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared the bathroom the most dangerous room in the house for older adults.
As we age, our balance, strength, and vision can begin to decline, and navigating stairways, steps, stoops, and landings can become increasingly difficult. Progressive illnesses and injuries can also cause these familiar household structures to become hazardous. In fact, falls are the leading cause of death and injury to older adults and a common reason that people give up on independent living.
If you have worked in or been to an elementary, middle, high school, or even a university lately, you may have noticed that there are many diverse situations that need to be accommodated for: wheelchairs, walkers, space for physical and occupational therapy, barrier-free playground equipment, etc. Many schools throughout the country are older and were not built with these accommodations in mind, and despite the Americans with Disabilities Act, some schools are not as compliant as they could be. So, if you are an administrator looking to adapt your school’s environment for students with disabilities or a parent wanting more access, read on for more tips on accessibility!
Walk-in bathtubs have long been known as an accessible bathing solution for people with limited mobility. But did you know that recent studies have also highlighted the therapeutic benefits of walk-in tubs? A walk-in tub can help people with a variety of conditions, including:
For seniors and those with limited mobility, grab bars can be a lifesaver. There are many types of grab bars that can be added throughout different rooms in a home to provide stability for people who have trouble walking. The bathroom is often the room that makes the most sense for the installation of a grab bar because it is the most dangerous room in a house for seniors or those with limited mobility. In fact, falls in the bathroom due to a wet, slippery floor is one of the top causes of injuries for elderly men and women. Whether it's the barrier that makes it difficult to get in and out of a tub or shower or a toilet that is tough to get off of, the bathroom definitely presents its challenges.
Fast approaching is that wonderful time of year when family and friends gather to celebrate the holidays. Often that means events and parties that include elderly parents, friends or relatives. Whether an elderly relative or friend with limited mobility is coming for the afternoon or staying longer, it is best to consider their safety and comfort.
As we age, getting in and out of a bathtub can become a difficult task that can put us at risk of injury. For those that enjoy a warm bath after a long day but have trouble lowering themselves into a standard bathtub, a walk-in tub might be the perfect solution. A walk-in bathtub features a water-tight door that swings either in or out, and a built-in seat that allows you to bathe in a seated position. This means you can avoid lowering yourself into a traditional bathtub.
As we age, tasks that we once took for granted such as climbing the stairs or taking a shower, can become a challenge. If you or a loved one are planning to Age-in-Place, there many home modifications or adaptations that can help make this a reality.
Are you struggling to take care of mom and dad…AND your children? Lifeway Mobility helps people in the sandwich generation* care for both their parents and their children and keep them safe. We offer a variety of services in child safety and accessibility remodeling.
If you have an aging loved one who lives on their own, you may be concerned about how they handle their activities of daily living (ADL). Tasks such as eating, bathing, toileting, dressing and transferring are essential to independent living. If your loved one is having trouble with these activities, it may be time to consider in-home care to assist with these functions. Knowing what signs to look for can help determine if home care is necessary.
If you use a mobility device such as a walker or a cane to help you stand from a seated position, you probably know that this can be a tricky maneuver that often requires assistance from another person. It may also be a safety concern. Fortunately, there are a series of affordable safety pole systems that can assist with the sit-to-stand motion for those with limited mobility.
Changes in balance and mobility can become a problem as we age, and getting in and out of the tub can be especially hazardous. If stepping over the side of the bathtub is a safety concern for you, a tub cut may be the best solution.
The holiday season is normally the time of year when we gather with family and friends, especially those that we may not see too often. When we reside in the same living space every day, we tend to get used to how things are, overlooking accidents waiting to happen. Sometimes a small change is all it takes to keep family members safe. If you find problem areas in your loved one's home, consider contacting an experienced home access provider for an accessibility assessment. Many providers will offer them free of charge and will be able to provide the right solution to fit your needs and budget. Unsure where to start? Lifeway's checklist below is the perfect place to begin as it highlights potential problem areas and fall hazards in the home.
As we age, simple tasks such as taking a shower can become a challenge. Bathrooms can be especially risky for those with limited mobility due to slick surfaces and the movements required for bathing and toileting. The National Safety Council estimates that each year, over 200,000 people are injured in their bathrooms. These injuries are mostly due to falls and many of them are preventable.
If you have mobility or balance issues, taking a shower or even getting in or out of the bathtub/shower presents a potentially dangerous situation. For most people, a shower is a time for relaxation and stress release. But if you face physical challenges and/or suffer from a health condition, the act of bathing can be a scary, stressful time. An elderly, ill or disabled person should equip his/her bathtub or shower with a bath seat to prevent the risk of falling.
The bathroom can present challenges for people who are aging, wheelchair-bound, or have limited mobility. More than 2/3 of emergency room visits are due to falls in the bathroom. A loss of balance, wet floors, tight spaces, and/or bending and lifting required to access the tub and shower, are things that can lead to a fall in the bathroom. With that being said you may be wondering, is it possible to enjoy bathing or showering independently at home for those with balance issues or limited mobility? In the rest of this post, we will provide information about some of the options that can make showering and bathing safe again.
Falls in the home are dangerous for anyone, but they are especially dangerous for people who are injured or aging. Falls are also more likely to happen to people who are injured or aging, as people who are injured or aging might lack the agility to stop the fall. An aging person who falls is more likely to break a bone, and the healing process slows as people age.
As relatives age, they may require a wheelchair in order to navigate around their home. Unfortunately, with the vast majority of elderly people living in older, more traditional homes as opposed to open floor plan designs, maneuverability with a wheelchair can be very difficult. This is especially true of bathrooms; small footprints, corners, vanities, large tubs, and other storage items make moving around the bathroom challenge. While moving a sink or toilet may not be a viable option, there are many bath safety solutions that can make this space more user-friendly and safe for an aging loved one using a wheelchair.
