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Continue readingTop Products for Avoiding Falls in the Bathroom
Falls are the number one cause of injury among Canadians 65+. According to StatCan, one third of Canadians in this age group fall at least once each year. And the most common place to fall? With its wet floors and slippery surfaces, the bathroom is the main culprit, accounting for up to 80% of mishaps.
Falling – and the fear of falling – can have a big impact on your ability to live independently. But the good news is there are many products that help you adapt your home, so you can move around safely and confidently.
Funding home modifications
Modifying your home to help you avoid falls isn’t without its costs. Luckily, both Ontario and British Columbia have introduced tax credits to help you cover the costs associated with renovating your home to make it safer and more accessible.
The British Columbia program allows seniors to claim for renovation expenses incurred on or after April 12, 2012, and people with disabilities to claim for expenses incurred from February 17, 2016. The Ontario credit is available for the 2021 and 2022 tax years.
You can learn more about the tax credits and find out whether you’re eligible at the links below.
- British Columbia home renovation tax credit for seniors and persons with disabilities
- Ontario Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit
It is always recommended to speak with a professional accountant or refer to your local government website for eligibility requirements and full details on a regular basis.
Choosing the right bathroom safety equipment
There’s a lot of bathroom safety equipment available and choosing what’s right for you can sometimes be overwhelming. If you need advice, expert staff at Wellwise by Shoppers™ locations are always on hand to talk you through your options. Our Home Services* team can even come and assess your home and make personalized recommendations. Learn more here.
Read on for our top bathroom safety picks.
*Home Services are currently only available in Ontario.
It may seem obvious, but a rubber or non-slip bath mat can be essential when it comes to avoiding falls while showering and bathing by providing friction on slippery surfaces.
Grab bars are also key when it comes to avoiding falls. We recommend placing them next to the toilet, shower, and bathtub, since you’re more likely to fall when getting in and out of these.
A bath or shower chair can be a good tactic for staying safe in the bathroom – plus they make for a more comfortable bathing experience! Bath transfer benches provide similar benefits, as well as allowing you to avoid lifting your legs while getting into the bath and providing additional support for caregivers.
If you have trouble getting on and off the toilet, a raised toilet seat can help. Whether you only need it while you heal post surgery or for everyday use, it can help boost your stability – and your confidence – while using the washroom.
Being able to use the bathroom safely is key to maintaining your independence and being able to stay in your own home for longer. With these simple modifications and additions to your home, we hope you’re able to bathe with confidence and avoid falls!
The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
