If you are over 65 and live alone, you know that safety is important to maintaining your well-being, dignity and independence. Each year, thousands of seniors fall at home, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Many are seriously injured and some are disabled. More than 95 percent of hip fractures among adults ages 65 and older are caused by falls. These injuries can cause severe health problems and lead to reduced quality of life. To stay safe and independent, it’s important to take a look at potential hazards in your home as well as any conditions you have that may compromise your stability and safety. One common cause of slipping and falling is due to accidents that happen in the bathroom.
Think for a minute about all you go through to take a bath. First, you have to step over a high tub wall while you try as hard as you can to keep your balance. Then, you have to lower yourself into the tub using your arms. Some days, you might feel like you’ve discovered a new kind of push-up! You do all this on a wet and slippery surface. And you’re not even wearing shoes to give you traction.
If you’re a parent bathing a small child, the bathtub fitness test is just as hard. It’s not easy to bend over or kneel down while you try to catch a slippery toddler who wants to swim like a fish.
Failing either of these fitness tests is no small deal. It could result in a broken bone or two or a badly strained back. But what choice do you have? Should you start taking showers? Resort to sponge baths? No need for that. Instead, give Rebath of North Los Angeles a call and we can help you decide what is best for you.
For more information, please call 818-364-5660.