The bathroom can be a great place to unwind at the end of a long day, or a great place to get energized for the day ahead. If you’ve spent time trying to get your bathroom to be a place that looks great and is pleasant to be in, you aren’t alone—bathroom remodel ideas often emphasize an efficient floor plan, stylish colors, and good lighting.
With coronavirus and social distancing keeping many of us home more often, bathrooms are in full-time use—students or working adults who would often be gone all day are home during the day now. It’s more important than ever that bathrooms be a relaxing, peaceful escape from the uncertainty of the rest of the world.
That’s why it might be surprising to learn that bathrooms are one of the most hazardous rooms in the house. That’s right—the same room where you unwind with a bath or wake up with a shower is the same room where hundreds of thousands of injuries occur each year, and not just among the elderly. We’ll break down what kinds of injuries occur in the bathroom and let you know how we can help.
How many injuries occur per year in the bathroom?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) reports that there are about 22 million accidental injuries among Americans per year—and one in 100 of those people got the injury in the bathroom. Among people aged 15 and older, that comes out to about 234,000 bathroom-related injuries per year that send people to emergency rooms. That’s an average of 640 injuries per day! And of those 234,000 people who experience injuries every year, 14% are hospitalized for their injury.
What makes the bathroom so dangerous?
Bathrooms are usually small and full of hard, unforgiving surfaces—a fall isn’t going to be cushioned and if you do fall, you’re likely to hit something—like the counter, tub, or toilet. Another factor? Water and slippery surfaces. Porcelain, fiberglass, and acrylic are slippery to start. Over two thirds of the injuries that occur in bathrooms happen in the shower or tub—a spot that combines hard surfaces and a small area where it’s hard to break a fall and slippery.
Other factors can contribute to these statistics, too. Being in a hurry—either to get in the bathroom or to get out and ready for the day quickly—can also make people less careful and contribute to accidents. And heat can also be a factor. That relaxing steamy shower can lower your blood pressure and make you dizzy, which can make you unsteady and more prone to falls.
What kinds of injuries are most common?
Cuts and bruises represent about 30% of bathroom injuries. Fractures can be another big injury— especially among older folks where it is especially problematic. Wrists, arms, ankles, and hips are the bones that are often broken. A fall in any room of the house puts you at risk of a head injury—and a head injury puts you at risk of a traumatic brain injury.
Water can also be a danger in the bathroom. It is possible to drown in a very small amount of water—this is especially dangerous for kids, but can be hazardous for anyone who falls and is knocked unconscious or is unable to get up. And even if the incident doesn’t prove fatal, lasting brain damage is a risk.
Do injuries impact one age group more severely?
Let’s take another look at those statistics. Overall, bathroom injuries represent about 1% of all accidental, nonfatal injuries. People of all ages fall getting out of the tub and shower—injury rates are common among all age groups there. But among the 65 and above age group, 2.5% of accidental injuries happen in the bathroom. Injuries do increase with age—they peak in the 85 and above age group.
But it’s not just seniors. Children are more likely to fall in the tub or shower—older people are more likely to be hurt on or near the toilet. And across age groups, women are more likely to be injured than men.
How can I stay safe?
Lots of bathroom safety tips for seniors don’t take into account that the bathroom can be dangerous for all ages—but since it definitely is, younger people should keep the same ideas in mind! Many people reach for the closest thing near them for help getting out of the bathtub and shower—but grabbing an insecure towel bar or shower curtain can lead to falls. Installing a grab bar can help keep you safe.
Adding a non-slip surface to your shower or tub can give you added traction. Make sure that the space is accessible for everyone who uses it—that might mean adding a bathing chair or a tub step to make that step into the shower safer and more accessible.
Another idea? Repair any damage to your tub—that includes cracks, chips, or dings. If you’re trying to avoid stepping on a damaged area—or if you step on one and are startled by the feeling—you could jump, trip, or lose your balance. That doesn’t mean you have to replace the whole tub, either—bathtub reglazing can repair damage quickly and easily.
Where can I find bathtub reglazing near me?
As the holiday season approaches, many people find themselves spending even more time at home and hosting family and friends for home-time visits. It’s important to take steps to prevent bathroom injuries—no one wants to spend time making a doctor appointment and going to the doctor or sitting in the Emergency Room. With the pandemic still going on, that idea sounds especially unpleasant. If you’re ready to take steps to repair cracks, chips, or damage to your bathtub, shower, tile, or sink, In the greater Memphis Tennessee area, The Tub Pros are here to help! Our bathtub resurfacing process can repair damage and give you a new coating to get you on your way to making your bathroom safe and functional. Give us a call today or you can use our convenient online form. Call today (901) 871-8827 to get started!
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