Winter poses a host of dangers for everyone. Keeping salt, a shovel, ice scraper, and water in your car are common measures people take to protect themselves in the case of getting stuck in snow. If you have special needs, there is even further consideration. The elderly know that if there is ice on steps, they will need a hand or just avoid it.

But there is a lurking danger that many people don’t realize about the winter: rapid fluctuations in temperature can cause a person’s blood pressure to drop and induce cardiac arrest – the elderly are especially susceptible while bathing.

A Recipe For Disaster

While everyone likes to take a nice, warm bath to relieve stress, the elderly have a few more reasons they might want to take an extended soak. Type 2 Diabetes, arthritis, back pain, and other ailments become more common as we age. Fortunately, soaking in a warm tub provides relief from the pain, increases circulation, and provides an overall better sense of well being.

The problem with soaking is that many bathrooms pose a danger to the elderly. Falling in a bathroom because of slippery surfaces is all too common. Bathrooms need to be retrofitted to accommodate the special needs of the elderly, but many aren’t. Compounding the problem of inadequate bathroom design is how the outside temperature can affect the elderly.

If an elderly person decides that they want some temporary relief in the winter and they draw a hot bath, it can cause their blood pressure to drop dramatically. That is why safety tubs are designed to fill and drain while the bather is still in the tub. Their body has a chance to slowly adjust to the outside temperature. Both entering and exiting a hot bath too quickly is a recipe for disaster among the elderly.

If you want to make sure you don’t run the risk rapid blood pressure fluctuations when you bathe, please call the number above.