Falls prevention for the elderly gains national recognition

9/1/2009

BOISE, ID - There is an alarming statistic regarding the safety and health of seniors that is often overlooked and under reported. Nearly 16,000 people aged 65 and older die from injuries related to unintentional falls. Over 433,000 older adults are hospitalized, and nearly 1.8 million are treated in emergency departments each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although falls can happen anywhere, the bathroom is the most dangerous room in the home.

The cost of doing nothing is escalating. Each year falls cost us more than $19 billion. Most of these expenses are paid for by Medicare and Medicaid Services through Medicare. It is projected that the treatment costs from older adult falls will escalate to $43.8 billion annually by 2020, according to the CDC.

Last year, the President signed into law the Safety of Seniors Act (Public Law 110-202) and Congress issued a call to action with passage of a National Falls Prevention Awareness Day Resolution on September 22, 2008, the first day of fall.

Best Bath System, Inc. supports the efforts to protect elderly adults from falling injuries. “We offer safe bathing solutions to address this specific issue with families”, stated Director of Marketing Andy Hedden-Nicely. “A traditional tub is dangerous and can be easily converted to a much safer barrier free shower or walk-in tub. Grab bars and seats are also a part of the solution.”


One of the most effective new bathing options for seniors to reduce the chance of falls is a deep bath tub with a door. This unique bath tub features a deep bowl with a sealable door, specifically designed to assist older Americans with living safely in their own homes longer. The door seal has a life-time warranty.

Since 1971, Best Bath Systems has been a leader in providing safe bathing solutions, for seniors and people of all abilities with their extensive line of American Disability Act-compliant and barrier-free composite bathing units. Bathing products are designed to be safe, convenient, easy to install, durable, and beautiful.

To learn more about falls prevention visit the Home Safety Council at: http://homesafetycouncil.org/programs/pr_safesteps_w002.aspx, the National Council of Aging: www.healthyagingprograms.org and the National Institute of Health: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/toc.html.