Data shows the No. 1 cause of injury related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors is falls at home
An estimated 92% of seniors aged 65 and older are embracing independence by remaining in their homes for as long as possible. While that’s laudable, the decision to do so comes with risks. According to research from Statistics Canada, accidental falls cause 85% of injury-related hospitalizations among seniors and 95% of all hip fractures. Additionally, the highest rate of injuries in the home tend to occur in or around the bathroom.
Safety Proofing the Bathroom
Mary A. Languirand, Ph.D., co-author of the book, “How to Age in Place: Planning for a Happy, Independent, and Financially Secure Retirement”, promoting senior self-reliance can mean continuing to live in one’s home, or moving into a quasi-independent assisted living community. Languirand wrote seniors should be “thinking about how they might need to change their lives or their environments to ensure that they’re going to be able to retire and live comfortably where they want to live and be doing what they want to be doing.”
For elderly persons who opt to remain at home, changing their living environments are a must. That may include the need to install a new laundry room that’s easily accessible. Otherwise, the majority of modest renovations should be focused on the bathroom, including:
• Replacing a traditional bathtub with a walk in tub
• Replacing low seated toilets with a right-height model
• Installing grab bars in your tub and shower stall
• Using a nonslip mat in the tub or have a nontoxic, antislip treatment applied to it
• Plugging in a night light in hallways and bathrooms
• Wiping up moisture or spills on the bathroom floor immediately
The Benefits of a Walk In Tub
For seniors or anyone with mobility challenges, a walk-in tub makes daily personal hygiene easier and safer, and they significantly curtail the threat of potential injury.
For those mulling over whether or not they can comfortably afford a walk in tub installation, there’s good news: Ontario residents can take advantage of what’s called the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit until January 1, 2017. The tax credit eases the cost of home safety renovations for people aged 65 and older who qualify. Walk in tub installations are allowable under this tax credit program.
Our professional and courteous staff are experienced at walk-in tub and other bathroom-related renovations. We offer a 100% customer satisfaction money-back guarantee that the services and products we provide are world-class, and will meet or exceed your expectations. Call us today to talk about installing a walk-in tub in your existing or new bathroom at 1-866-786-1801.
