I have to admit something.  I enjoy watching the television show "America's Funniest Home Videos" and my favorite clips on the show are people falling down.  Usually someone falling at a wedding is the funniest, but I digress.  The truth of the matter is that for some people and mostly for the elderly, falling is not funny at all, and could even be life threatening. 

For the elderly population, falling is less slapstick comedy and more of a potential major health concern.  It has been reported by the CDC that about 33% of people 65 years or older will fall, possibly suffering hip fractures and/or head injuries.  Due to the age and body health of the elderly, these moderate to severe falling injuries are the most common cause of hospital admissions and nonfatal injuries.  For example, as late as 2012, over two million nonfatal injuries due to falling among older adults were treated in emergency rooms, with over half-a-million being hospitalized. Sometimes, too often, these mostly preventable fall injuries can increase the risk of an early demise. 

Besides the fear and trouble of being hospitalized with a fall injury, after the hospital stay these injuries can, in various degrees, decrease a person's daily function and movement and the ability to live independently, and not only physically.  Many elderly people who have fallen may develop a fear of falling again.  Even the individuals who did not suffer any injury, often times thinking that they were lucky enough to beat the odds of the first fall, can develop some unhealthy stress that the 'next' slip and fall might be the bad one. Being aware of the physical reality of a broken wrist or hip from a slip and fall, elderly individuals may needlessly limit or alter their activities and lifestyle.

And the truth of the matter is that many types of falls by the elderly can be anticipated and therefore can be avoided.

Some ways to avoid more of the severe falling injuries for the elderly is to exercise on a regular schedule.  Water exercise and Tai Chi programs are especially good for core-building strength.  Reviewing an individual's medications with the doctor who prescribed them can assist in determining if any side effects or interactions such as drowsiness or dizziness could result in a falling accident.  Checking an elderly person's eyesight can also help prevent unseen obstacles, and bifocals are often a culprit in misjudging distances. 

Another way to avoid possible falling mishaps is to try to reduce the tripping and falling hazards located within an elderly person's home, with a special eye on the bathroom as this is the most dangerous falling hazard room in the home.  Bathroom safety should be a major concern for an elderly person or for someone who has an older parent. Some of the ways to make their homes safer from tripping, slipping, and falling in the bathroom is to install grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and also next to the toilet. Additionally, having a bathtub or shower chair can greatly assist an elderly person from have a nasty fall while bathing. 

  

One example of bathroom safety offered by Rehabmart is the easily assembled Knock Down Bariatric Transfer Bench.  "Knock Down" meaning this sturdy yet lightweight corrosion-resistant, 500 pound capacity transfer bench can assemble easily and with no tools.  It also comes with a blow-molded reversible plastic backrest that can accommodate any bathroom, and extra-large locking suction cups to provide added safety against slips and falls.

  

  


Having grab bars in the bathing area or next to the toilet is another good idea.  For many elderly people, getting up from a sitting position in a slippery environment can become a circus-type of performance with the balancing, twisting, and leg-lifting, and having a grab bar to help steady and pull one's self up is a huge relief.  The Telescoping Portable Grab Bar an be installed and removed without tools or professional installation.  Adaptable to most tub or shower tile configurations and because it will not deface or damage property, this is a great traveling companion to be used in different tubs or showers during vacations, hotel stays, for visiting guests in your own home, or if you rent a house or apartment. 

  

Another type of grab bar to use to help steady and support getting in and out of a bathtub is a bath tub rail.  The Clamp On Tub Rail handle design provides a secure hand position for easy grasping while transferring in and out of the tub.  This tub rail has a stainless steel locking mechanism and uses non-wearing rubber pads, providing scratch-proof security.  This white powder-coated steel constructed tub rail is durable and attractive and its tool free installation will fit most non-fiberglass tubs.

As human beings age into their golden years, more often than not they also become physically weaker and more unsteady on their feet.  Being able to inexpensively and easily help calm the fear of falling in the bathroom and even prevent a dangerous slip or fall is a really good idea to plan for in the future.  Many of us have parents who are at the age that one simple accident can come with unwanted and severe consequences. Help stave off the possibility of a slip and fall by simply installing bath benches and hand holds. 

Benjamin Franklin might not have specifically had bathroom safety in mind when he came up with this famous observation, but he does sum it up best:  "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". 

Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO