Long about a Saturday night, yeah
A rub dub, just relaxin' in the tub
Thinkin' everythin' was alright"
- Bobby Darin - Splish Splash
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, one third of all household falls occur in the bathroom, and almost four hundred people fall in the bathroom or shower every single day in the U.S. It isn’t just elderly individuals or children who need to take care in the bath. Accidents can happen at any time. Here are some helpful hints for you and your family to make your bathroom a safer place to soak in the tub!
Strips: Put non-skid strips in the tub and/or shower. Tubs and shower surfaces can be slippery, especially when water is present. A simple rough surface for the foot to grip getting in and out of the tub or while showering makes a tremendous difference in reducing the risk of a fall.
Floor mats: Again, slipping on bathroom floors is another possible hazard. Having a floor mat helps prevent slipping on the bathroom floor after getting out of the tub or shower.
Hand rails: Install rails to aid in getting in and out of the tub/shower safely.
Electric hazards: Keep hair dryers and electric appliances clear of water sources.
Don’t trip: Keep the floor clear of anything that might trip you up as you move around your bathroom. This might include items such as children’s toys that were left in the tub, laundry on the floor or other clutter. Most people are very comfortable in the bathroom, and might fail to see obstacles that might cause injury.
Door locks: It’s actually a good idea to keep the bathroom door unlocked to allow for quick access if someone does take a fall.
Don’t get burned: Test your water before getting in the tub or shower. Also, take care to keep young children away from hot water where they have a higher risk of being burned. You can do this the old fashioned way with your hand (carefully), or you can go a little higher-tech and install anti scalding devices.
