Golden Tips For Bathroom Fall Prevention

The bathroom is filled with slippery surfaces, which can be hazardous to elders.  Coupled with the prevalence of hard surfaces, it is no wonder that so many falls of the “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” variety happen in the bathroom.
Slippery bathroom floors, shower stalls and tubs can be modified, and other bathroom hazards can be avoided to help prevent falls and injury in older adults.

The Division of Hazard Analysis of the Consumer Product Safety Commission published a breakdown of types of injuries sustained by seniors in their October 2013 report analysis. The report was titled, Hazard Screening Report, Consumer Product-Related Injuries to Persons - 65 Years of Age and Older. The reported injuries in this hazard analysis were related with, but not necessarily caused, by consumer products.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “falls were the most common hazard pattern associated with bathroom injuries,” in the 65 plus population segment. In 2011, the most common injury diagnoses for seniors treated in emergency rooms for injuries sustained in bathrooms were contusions/abrasions, and fractures.
Common bathroom changes that help lessen fall risks

1. Non-slip floors may lower the numbers of bathroom falls. Also, some flooring materials may even help mitigate damage from a fall. Always
   research and seek advices from an occupational therapist. Floors and floor materials were associated with an estimated 583,000 fall-related injuries in adults 65 and older in 2011.
2. Old bath door enclosures can be hazardous; many people mistakenly lean on these or hold on to the door handles for support. These thin handles/bars were not built to support body weight. Inappropriate bath seating devices and chairs can contribute to falls.
3. Inappropriate bath seating devices and chairs can contribute to falls.
4. It is not uncommon to see people trying to place a flimsy garden chair inside an old tub and shower; this is truly dangerous for the caregivers and the patients. Shower seats and bath benches provide a solution for those who are experiencing difficulty standing and have physical limitations. Some transfer benches and shower seats have nonslip seating surfaces. Most medical shower chairs and transfer benches have a weight limit. Always check the seat’s weight limitation before making a purchase. There are many different seating choices available at medical supply retailers. Always consider space and the patient’s medical needs.
5. Power-failure lighting systems and night lights should be installed in hallways and bathrooms.
6. Place assistive devices, such as grab bars in bath and shower stalls, in addition, add grab bars in the commode/toilet area.
7. Install a raised toilet seat, but not so high above the floor that the patient cannot place his or her feet flat on the floor; adjust accordingly.
8. Clean up, and dry bathroom floors to prevent injury.
9. Remove loose and slippery throw rugs from bathroom floors. When adding a bathroom rug, make sure it has a non-skid backing. Also, be aware that some backings lose their strength after a few washes.
10. Add high-quality and durable non-skid safety treads inside shower stalls and baths.

The good news is that many falls can be prevented. Falls prevention programs can start by looking around the patient's or elderly person's home. Let's see what the fall prevention experts say. The most important step you can take to prevent falls is to maintain as much strength and coordination as possible by following your doctor's instructions on taking your medications, eating properly, and exercising. The next step is to look around your home for hazards that could lead to a fall, and correct them.