Bathroom Safety

SPONSORED BY CANNON PHARMACY

BY JASON MORTIMER

Bathroom Safety

Have you ever thought about how dangerous your bathroom can be? The CDC states of all the falls that Seniors (65+) have, 80% of them occur in the bathroom and 24% of those falls, lead to hospitalization. Not all falls can be prevented however, there are ways to reduce the risk of falls in the bathroom.

Install grab bars to help with balance. Having something stable to hold onto is key to keeping you upright. Most grab bars are installed in the tub. However, don’t be afraid to install more grab bars around the commode, door, or sink. Grab bars are much safer to grab onto than the wall or the slippery sink counter. Towel bars are NOT grab bars! They are not meant to support your weight. Slip-resistant grab bars are recommended.

Use a shower chair or transfer bench. If you struggle to get into and out of the tub, you may need a transfer bench. This bench straddles the tub wall and allows you to sit on it from the outside of the tub and slide into the tub. If not, a shower chair will help. There are many options and styles to choose from.

Install a non-slip bathmat in your tub and be sure that rugs in your bathroom are also slip resistant. Get rid of any rugs that are not slip resistant.

Install a raised toilet seat and/ or toilet safety rail. The added height of the toilet seat will make it easier to get up and down. The safety rails provide additional balance assistance.

Start now by removing nonessential items from your floor that can be trip hazards (magazine racks, toilet paper holders, trash cans, scales, etc). Keep essential items within easy reach. Falls happen when we think we can reach something but really, we can’t. Adequate lighting in the bathroom. Exercise. Physical activity strengthens your muscles which improves balance, therefore decreasing your fall risk. Most of the products mentioned are inexpensive to purchase.

Call Cannon Pharmacy DME @704-933-6337 if you need help deciding what you need. Don’t become the one out of four senior adults who fall each year!

Your Pharmacists at Cannon Pharmacy are Ready to Help!