Safety Tubs Help Senior Citizens Maintain Independence

Posted on Sunday, April 3rd, 2011

According to Senior Journal:

“Among people 65 years and older, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Each year in the United States, nearly one third of older adults experience a fall.

In 2003, more than 13,700 people 65 years or older died of fall-related injuries. Another 1.8 million were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries related to falls.”

Due to the increased risks of falling by senior citizens, household items are being redesigned to accommodate the growing demographic. Through creating a comfortable, safe living environment, senior citizens can maintain their independence and reduce common risks. Redesigning the household items that pose the most serious risks and difficulties to senior citizens should be a focus in reducing injury.

Standing in a shower is not always an option and laying down in a tub makes exit much more difficult. With a slippery tub floor, exiting a tub can be a very risky pursuit. Safety tubs have been designed to take into consideration all of the special needs of senior citizens. Some of these needs are:

• A natural seating position that allows seniors to bath upright, without having to stand or lay down.
• A waterproof door allows seniors to enter and exit without having to step over a ledge.
• Non-slip floors allow seniors to have secure footing.
• Handles to help distribute weight between the legs and arms provide more stability.
• Quick draining tubs decrease the risk of heat stroke.
• Acrylic safety tubs are not porous and do not harbor bacteria decreasing risks of infection.

Since a safety tub is created to help reduce the risks affiliated with bathing, they have many design features beyond what has been mentioned. Safety tubs are worth looking into for yourself or your elderly loved ones. The ease of use and increased safety will ensure more independence and serenity to those who need a different bathing solution.

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