As our parents age, naturally occurring changes in their eyesight and mobility affect how they interact with their home environment.  Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries to senior citizens, and the numbers are startling.  According to the National Council on Aging, 2.5 million fall injuries are treated in emergency departments around the nation each year, resulting in 734,000 hospitalizations and more than 21,000 deaths. Falls can cause serious bruises and lacerations, broken bones, head injuries and irreparable damage to delicate internal organs. As disturbing as these numbers are, they may only represent an estimate. Many seniors do not report fall accidents to family members or health care providers for fear that they may lose their independence. This is especially alarming since research shows that the risk of falling increases with each additional accident. More than half of senior citizens treated for hip fracture due to a fall will fall again within six months. The risk of having a falling accident also increases with age: 30% of seniors aged 65 and older will fall this year, and 50% of those aged 80 or older. With more falls happening in the bathroom than any room of the house, it is essential that the home environment of your aging parent be renovated to increase their safety and comfort while promoting good health and independence.

Proactively undertaking bathroom renovations for an aging parent not only creates a safer home environment, it promotes good health. Installing a walk in tub promotes wellness and independence, while preserving dignity. Research has shown that bathing regularly in warm water is an effective treatment for those who suffer from arthritis. Because water displaces up to 90% of our body weight, tender joints can decompress, allowing for an increase in healing blood flow. Bathing increases your heart rate and lowers blood pressure, creating a cardiovascular response that provides the same benefit as exercise, promoting wellness in patients with a number of ailments. Custom jets massage and stimulate tissues, providing nerve pain relief for diabetics and improving sleep. A walk in tub provides a greater sense of safety for the bather, and the design allows for privacy while seated. Eliminate the risk of a devastating falling accident by installing a therapeutic walk-in bath. Your aging parent will enjoy the rejuvenating water jets and comforting warmth, and you will have the peace of mind that comes from know they are safe. Factory Tubs is a full-service dealer and installer of beautiful walk-in baths. Call 1.800.748.4147  or fill out the form in the sidebar to learn how affordable luxury and security can be.