Activities that take place in the bathroom, such
as showering and bathing, are a simple part of most
peoples’ daily routine. Yet, slips in the tub and
falls in the shower or from the toilet may cause
serious injuries.
New CDC Research
According to a new CDC study published in the
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), an
estimated 234,000 people ages 15 and older were
treated in U.S. emergency departments (ED) in 2008
for injuries that occurred in bathrooms. Four out of
5 of these injuries were caused by falls—which can
have especially serious consequences for older
adults.
Almost one-third (30 percent) of adults aged 65 and
above who were injured in bathrooms were diagnosed
with fractures. Among adults aged 85 and older, 38
percent were hospitalized as a result of their
injuries.
Steps for Safety in the Bathroom
Certain home safety measures may reduce the risk
for all household members of being injured in the
bathroom. Some prevention strategies include:
- Adding non-slip surfaces and grab bars
inside and outside the tub or shower to reduce
slips and falls.
- Installing grab bars next to the toilet for
added support,
if needed.
Preventing Falls Among Older Adults
Four out of five injuries that took place in
bathrooms in 2008 were the result of falls. Falls
can be especially dangerous for adults ages 65 and
older.
Older adults can take steps to make falls less
likely. If you are 65 or older, take the following
steps to reduce your risk of falling:
Get some exercise: Lack of
exercise can lead to weak legs, which increases the
chance of falling. Exercise programs like Tai Chi
can increase strength as well as improve balance,
making falls less likely for aging adults.
Be mindful of medications: Some
medicines—or combinations of medicines— can have
side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. This can
make falls more likely. Having a doctor or
pharmacist review all your medications can help
reduce the chance of risky side effects and drug
interactions.
Keep your vision sharp: Poor
vision can make it harder to get around safely. To
help make sure you’re seeing clearly, have your eyes
checked every year and wear glasses or contact
lenses with the right prescription strength.
Eliminate hazards at home: About
half of all falls happen at home. A home safety
check can help identify fall hazards, like clutter
and poor lighting that should be removed or changed.
Source:
cdc.gov/Features/FallRisks
