How often do you think about home shower safety? For those reaching senior status or who have a chronic illness, the topic of bathroom safety is extremely important!
And here is why:
A serious head injury or broken bone results from 1 in 5 falls1!!!!
According to the CDC2, 34,000 people, ages 65 and older, died from falling in 2019. The medical cost of these falls was approximately 50 billion dollars. There were also 3 million adult fall emergency room visits recorded.
Whether you are elderly, chronically ill, or both, the risks from falling are REAL! They are also expensive. Financial costs are just one way we pay. The injuries sustained from a fall could decrease or eliminate independence.
Make your bathroom safer and give your loved ones a little peace of mind with some of the following bathroom accessibility products.
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my coffee drinking habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied with caffeine. It’s a win for everyone. I am not a medical professional, and nothing stated in this article should be mistaken for medical advice…
Why choose a shower chair?
Reasons people choose to use a shower chair.
- Balance issues
- Dizziness
- Injuries that prevent them from standing
- Debilitating chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Fatigue
Shower chairs allow people to bathe independently longer. They are energy savers for those who suffer from severe physical fatigue. But most importantly, they make bathing a safer experience.
Choosing a Home Shower Safety Chair
There are no one-size-fits-all shower chairs. Like every tub and shower differs in size, so do the people who use them and their needs.
Shower stools are perfect for people who need to sit while bathing and do not require back support. Some have round or rectangular seats with safety wing handles to choose from.
Folding wall shower chairs are great for people who don’t have room to store a bathing chair.
Extra Bathtub Safety
Stepping into and out of the bathtub can be very dangerous for the elderly and chronically ill. While a walk-in tub would be a fantastic solution, it isn’t always an option for those living on a fixed income or disability. But a tub transfer bench is an option that is perfect for all tubs. The bathtub benches like the one pictured below allows the user to sit while swinging their legs over the side of the tub.
Get Your Shower Safety Needs Covered
Whether you are entering your golden years or are chronically ill, shower safety is important. Don’t wait until you’re injured by a fall to address your safety needs. Start thinking about it now! Read about the changes I made in my own bathroom that address my accessibility and safety needs.
Sources
1. https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/index.html
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