One thing is inevitable. We’re all going to get older. With age comes risks, including an increased likelihood of falls. It’s not that age necessarily makes us more unsteady on our feet. Rather, certain health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even issues with our thyroid, nerves, blood vessels, and feet, can wreak havoc with our balance.
And falls can happen anywhere. Walking up the steps into your home, while making dinner in your kitchen, and in particular, when going to, coming from, or spending time in your bathroom. In fact, an article from some time ago suggested that about 10% of falls are related to the bathroom. And one of the most dangerous places? The shower.
Why the Shower Becomes Riskier with Age
Regardless of age, adding water to the mix increases risk. Let’s face it, water increases the risk of instability. And when you have to lift your legs up and over a tub enclosure? It can be incredibly dangerous. But water isn’t the only reason that showers for seniors can be so dangerous.
Here are some factors that can increase the risk of a slip-and-fall in your bathroom.
- Poor balance can make it easier to lose your footing on wet floors.
- Stiff joints can make it hard to step over a bathtub wall.
- Reaction times aren’t what they used to be, which can make it hard to regain balance if we start to slip.
- Most of us no longer have the 20/20 vision we once had, making it harder to see where we place our feet.
- Most older bathrooms just don’t have grab bars or shower seating.
What Makes a Shower Safe for Older Adults
Today, more and more senior citizens have the option to age in place. Retirement communities and assisted living communities can be expensive. Plus, you deserve to live in the home that you have always loved, provided it is a safe space for you to do so.
If you are determined to age in place, you deserve a shower that is safe to use. Here are some of the benefits of a safe shower for seniors.
- A walk-in shower that doesn’t require you to step over a wall
- Slip-resistant flooring that helps maintain traction
- Grab bars to give you a bit more peace of mind
- A bench or fold-down seat for use while showering
- A handheld showerhead that makes it easier to clean your back and feet.
- An open space for easier movement
Aging in Place Starts with Smart Bathroom Choices
Bathroom renovations are a great place to start when you choose to age in place. A walk-in shower for seniors is just so much more accessible than one of those tubs where you need to climb in and out, hoping you don’t slip and fall. And whether you live in Seattle or elsewhere, freedom and flexibility are top priorities.