Bathroom Falls and Slips: Why You Should Take Them Seriously

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common places for bathroom injuries are showers and bathtubs. Outdated showers are one of the biggest culprits for slips and falls, as they can be slippery when wet. Even worse, one out of five falls results in a serious injury, such as a head injury or broken bones. That's concerning enough to make you take a look at your bathroom and make sure it's up-to-date and safe.

Reasons for Bathroom Slip and Fall Hazards

Bathrooms are often wet, slippery surfaces. In outdated showers and bathtubs, the grout between tiles can become worn out or cracked, which creates an additional hazard. Poor lighting can make it difficult to see the floor and bathtub surfaces, increasing the chances of slipping. Loose rugs or mats near the tub or shower can pose a serious tripping hazard.

Finally, it's important to make sure your bathroom has adequate ventilation. Water can linger on the floors without proper ventilation and create a slippery surface. Often times, the best way to avoid a bathroom slip and fall is to ensure the room is up-to-date. This means replacing worn or outdated showers, bathtubs, and tile grout. It also means installing adequate lighting and good ventilation.

Susceptibility to Bathroom Falls and Slips

If you're an able-bodied adult with good balance, you're less likely to suffer serious injury in a bathroom fall. But if you're elderly or have limited mobility or balance issues due to a medical condition, you're at greater risk for serious injury. Likewise, children are more susceptible to slips and falls in the bathroom due to their small size and lack of experience. Even if they don't suffer serious injury, they can easily become traumatized by a fall. People with disabilities may also be more susceptible to bathroom falls due to limited mobility. For this reason, it's important for people with disabilities to take extra precautions.

Prevention and Protection

There are many steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from bathroom falls. Here are some of them:

• Always make sure the floor is clean and dry.
• Install non-slip mats or adhesive strips in the shower or bathtub to help prevent slipping.
• Grab bars should be added near the toilet, in the shower and tub, and any other surfaces that could be slippery when wet.
• Make sure that your bath mats are not too thick or too slippery, and replace them when they become worn out.
• Keep bathroom items like shampoo, soap, and razors out of the reach of small children.
• Install a shower seat or chair in your bathroom to provide stability and balance.
• Check the lighting in your bathroom to make sure it is bright enough to see clearly.
• Keep a nightlight on in the bathroom at night.

Impact of Outdated Showers on Bathroom Falls and Slips

Outdated showers can increase the risk of falls and slips in your bathroom. Here are some signs of an outdated shower:

• Broken or cracked tiles on the shower floor
• Frequent water overflow
• Very narrow entrances or exits to the shower
• Low-friction surfaces
• Slippery shower floors

Outdated showers can be hazardous, as they often do not have any type of effective anti-slip coating. It can increase the risk of falls and slips, as there is no traction when walking on a wet surface. In addition, showers with narrow entrances and exits can also increase the risk of slips, as they can be difficult to navigate. If your shower is narrow, you should always take extra caution when entering and exiting the shower. Finally, water overflow can cause standing water to remain on the surface of your shower floor if not properly drained. It can cause a slipping hazard and should be addressed immediately, as it can increase the risk of falls and slips.

How to Deal With an Outdated Shower

The best way to deal with an outdated shower is to give it a facelift. Replacing the fixtures, tiles, and hardware can make all the difference in enhancing the safety and aesthetics of your shower. It's best if you hire a professional to update your shower. Here are the benefits of hiring a professional:

• They're experienced and can assess the job and make sure it is done properly.
• They will have all the necessary materials, tools, and equipment needed to complete the job.
• They will be able to help you find the right fixtures and tiles that fit your budget.

Make Your Bathroom Safe for Everyone

In conclusion, bathroom falls and slips can be prevented by taking a few simple steps to make your bathroom safer. Make sure the floor is clean and dry, install non-slip mats and grab bars, replace worn-out bath mats, and check the lighting. If your shower is outdated, hire a professional to update it.