Bathroom Shower Fall Hazards Might Be More Common Than You Think!

Since vehicle accidents are fairly common, we often forget about the hazards we’re exposed to in our homes. In other words, we’ve all thought about car accidents from time to time, but nobody thinks about the risks associated with slippery surfaces in the bathroom.

It may surprise you, but your loved ones are at risk, and it’s time to take prompt action.

The Culprit

Falling in the shower can be painful and dangerous. The hard surfaces of the bathroom, from the bathtub to the floor tiles can cause serious injury. But the question remains, why does it happen? There could be several reasons you become susceptible to slips in the bath.

Outdated shower. A worn-out shower and bathtub increases the risk of falling. Since bathroom installations are exposed to continuous moisture, they deteriorate over time and may break down as you shower. Repairing them mitigates the risk and ensures your safety.
Wet floor. A poor ventilation system can leave your bathroom floor wet for long hours.
Poor lighting. Poorly lit areas keep you from seeing properly. This means you become more vulnerable to unwanted accidents in the shower.
Uneven flooring. If an inexperienced contractor handled your bathroom installations, there’s a high chance the flooring could be uneven. This can cause you to trip and fall easily.

Bathroom Shower Statistics

Your bathroom can be one of the most dangerous places in your home. Here are some surprising statistics about bathroom injuries:

According to an article published by Nationwide Children’s, over 43,000 children suffer bathroom injuries and seek emergency treatment.
Most injuries are due to falling, tripping, or slipping during bathing or showering, confirms the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Around 370 individuals are injured in the bathroom in the US every day.
Approximately 235,000 teenagers and adults seek emergency due to falls and slips annually.
Bathroom injuries are more common in seniors. Studies confirm that around 79% of bathroom accidents occur in people who are over 65.
According to the New York Times, fainting is the most common cause of injury. However, it was more prevalent among the 15-24 age group.
The same study reveals that the injury rate in women was 72% higher than in men.
Injuries increase with age. Dr. Stephen Ayella-Ataro, a fitness trainer and a sports doctor, explains why. He mentions that older people lack physical fitness and are more suspectable to diseases like cardiac problems and diabetes. This may lead to numbness in the legs and affect the blood flow, increasing the likelihood of falls.

Although doctors highlight numerous precautions for the elderly - think exercise - to boost health and keep themselves risk-free, adding features and structures that increase safety in the bathroom is also crucial.

How to Prevent the Problem?

Regardless of your age group, you’re always vulnerable to slips and falls inside the bathroom. Hiring professionals for a practical bathroom renovation can mitigate the risk of falls.

Installing Grab Bars

Grab bars are an unbeatable tool for making bathrooms more functional for the elderly. They serve the needs of seniors in two ways. First, they allow them to grab something as they walk. Second, they let them hold the bar in the event of a fall.

Professional bathroom renovators install grab bars at the right place in your bathroom and curb the risk of injuries.

Installing Non-Slip Surfaces

Wet and slippery surfaces are major reasons people fall in the bathroom. Experts install non-slip surfaces or coat bathroom tiles with non-slip decals to prevent unwanted hazards.

You must pay special attention to shower flooring since people are more likely to fall when taking a shower.

Boosting Accessibility

Bathroom essentials must be kept within reach. Oftentimes, people fall when grabbing a towel or a shampoo bottle. When these items are kept within reach and at an appropriate height, it minimizes the risk of injuries in the bathroom.

Boosting Visibility

Since poor lighting is another reason people fall in the bathroom, increasing visibility can lower the risk.

Professional contractors use adequate lighting in the right places to light up the bathroom. This comes in handy, especially at night when we’re half awake and might trip due to an obstacle in the bathroom.

Installing New and Efficient Showers

Worn-out showers tend to have slippery surfaces. This heightens the risk of injury while taking a shower. Professionals install efficient showers and fix them firmly in place.

Closing Notes

Nothing hurts more than falling on a wet surface in the bathroom. It can take days or perhaps weeks to recover from the injury. Even worse, it impedes your daily life.

To keep yourself safe in your home, hiring professional bathroom and shower renovators is the way to go. They ensure your bathroom fixtures and installments are up-to-date, efficient, and safe.