Rehab Select Blog

The combination of water and hard surfaces makes the bathroom the most likely room in the house for slip and fall accidents. That combination can create serious fall hazards for seniors in particular, since bones lose strength and density with age, increasing the risk of serious injuries when accidents do occur. Plus, eyesight, balance and coordination issues that affect many of us with aging make such incidents more likely.

Falling is the number one cause of injuries – and injury death – among older Americans. It is somewhat shocking to discover that roughly one third of seniors in the United States experience a fall of some type every year that results in a trip to a hospital emergency room. In fact, fall related injuries have become so common for seniors that many physicians think of it as an epidemic, annually damaging the health of millions of otherwise healthy Americans.

A fall can be an unpleasant situation for anyone. For a senior citizen or someone with a physical injury or disability, however, this type of situation can be a disastrous one that leads to significant damage. The bathroom is a particularly dangerous area in which falls can happen, for two main reasons: surfaces in bathrooms, including floors, are usually hard and slick; and people generally use water in bathrooms, which can make these slick surfaces even more slippery. Luckily, there are a few fall prevention tips that can be followed to minimize the risk of falling while in the bathroom.

Your home is your safe haven, and you have lived there for years. It stands to reason that it would also be the safest place to be as you grow older. You know every inch of your familiar home, so there are no surprises, no unforeseen risks that could cause falls, right?

Not necessarily. In fact, because you are so familiar with your home and therefore think you don't have to take precautions, falling can actually become even more of a risk. It doesn't have to be, though.

As you get older, you may experience physical changes that impact flexibility, agility, strength and endurance such that falls become a significant risk to your independence.

Of course, preventing falls altogether is the ultimate goal. However, if you've already experienced a fall, the goal then is to attend a rehabilitation program so that you can return to normal function and prevent further falls from happening.

Falling can cause serious injury no matter how old you are – but can be more dangerous if you are older, since conditions like osteoporosis weaken bones and can increase the risk of fracture.

Preventing falls: Steps you can take

• Go to the doctor

The first and most important step to preventing falls is to check in regularly with your doctor.

Get a physical

Simply getting a physical and determining your current level of physical health and fitness can help you pinpoint any problems you have with balance or mobility.