According to Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), data shown on Injury and Trauma Quick Stats, stated that in 2020, half of all injury-related hospitalizations were by Canadian seniors, who fell at home.  Preventable falls are the #1 reason for injury-related deaths, hospitalizations and emergency room visits by older adults, and as our population ages, this number is expected to increase.  Falls can lead to devastating injury and the lasting effects of chronic pain and reduced Quality of Life.  Parachute Canada is a national charity for injury prevention, and the best way to prevent falls, is to prepare for them.  Focussing on lifestyle key strategies and increasing awareness, you can prepare your environment to be less hazardous, and more of a safe haven.  Below are some tips and tools that can help keep you safe in your home.

Senior Home Safety in the Bathroom

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , about 235,000 people over the age of 15 ended up in the emergency room because of a bathroom injury. To help prevent being one of those numbers, here are some tips to help make your bathroom safer:

• Add some traction to the bathroom floor and tub with slip-resistant mats, which can help minimize slips and falls.
• Instead of using the flimsy towel bar, install grab bars. Grab bars are more stable, can handle a person’s body weight, and can be strategically placed in the room to provide stability when needed.
• Invest in a walk in-tub, which help people with mobility issues enjoy a relaxing bath without having to step over a slippery edge. You can sit safely while you bathe which reduces the risk of slipping.

Stair Safety

Stairways are the second most common area for falls besides the bathroom.  The following are essential to ensure your safety at or near the stairs:

• Handrails:  ensure handrail is securely attached at, above and below the stairs to landings.
• Lighting:  ensure stairs and hallways are well lit, and switches are easy to reach.
• Clutter-free:  remove all items from stairs and landings, even if they are just placed temporarily

Senior Home Safety in the Bedroom

We spend at least eight hours of our day in the bedroom, and it should be a place that provides safety and security, especially for those with mobility issues. Here are some safety tips to incorporate in the bedroom:

• Reduce clutter: Over time we accumulate stuff, and it may be hard to purge it or find new homes for some items. However, this is a necessary step for increased home safety. Removing the clutter can help because it eliminates potential obstacles in walkways, frees up space, and can keep you organized. Tuck shoes and slippers out of the walking area.
• Nightstand: Keep your bedside table or nightstand neat and clean, and use only for essential items
• Assistive Devices: Keep within reach or use a SuperPole to help you in and out of bed and/or the areas you need support.
• Telephone: Keep a cordless telephone or emergency button within reach of your bedside table.
• Furniture Placement: Create a clear path from your door to bed to bathroom, and chairs out of the way.
• Nightlights: Try installing (sensor) night lights throughout your home, as they can provide enough light to guide your path.
• Eliminate Cord Clutter: Electrical cords can be a tripping hazard if they’re not organized. To stay safe, invest in a power strip to space out the cables.
• Smoke & C0 Detectors: Have smoke/C0 alarms installed outside each sleeping area.  Have someone check and replace the batteries in all detectors   Smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years

Senior Home Safety in the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and a place to eat as a family, but did you know it’s one of the more dangerous rooms in the house?  The National Fire Protection Association  stated that 3 in 10 home fires start in the kitchen, but that’s not the only safety issue. Check out these safety tips to help make your kitchen safer:

• To prevent fires, practise Fire Safety & Prevention: stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. Turn burners off if you have to leave the room, and after you’ve completed your cooking or baking. Make sure to turn off appliances that aren’t being used or invest in ones that have automatic shut off features such as toasters, coffee makers, rice cookers, and tea kettles.
• Be organized: clear countertops for only regularly used essentials within reach, and clean dishware regularly.
• Clean up cluttered messes to avoid the risk of slipping.
• Make sure that heavier objects are at knee to waist level and use lightweight dishes and glassware.
• All rugs are tripping hazards: eliminate kitchen rugs or ensure that it is rubber-backed so that it doesn’t move.
• Do you have a pet? Put water & food bowls out of the way to avoid tripping and slipping on spilled water.
• Make sure the kitchen is well-lit with both daytime and nighttime lighting.
• Have smoke alarms installed on every level of your home outside each sleeping area. Have someone check and replace the batteries in all smoke detectors   Smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years.

 

Strategies for Avoiding Falls Altogether

By taking care of your health and wellness, you can avoid illness.

Focus on the following strategies, and by seeking assistance with some light to moderate exercise programs, to can age longer and stronger.

• Get Active
• Physical activities that challenge balance
• Muscle strengthening at least 2x per week
• and moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activities of at least 150 minutes per week
• Get Your Sleep (7 to 8 hours of quality sleep)
• Go Slow -but limit being sedentary
• Eat Right
• Stay Hydrated
• Safeguard Your Home & Bathroom
• Get Your Sight & Hearing Checked Regularly
• Review Your Medication with your Physician
• Wear Sturdy Shoes
• Use Mobility Devices for Safety

Active Aging Canada has some tips for keeping you active and on your feet.

Staying active is something we should be doing daily, and staying safe from weather outside is also important. Remember to hydrate first, wear sunblock and a hat.

These are just a few tips to help you help you stay safe in your home.  They are important considerations for both older adults and caregivers. For more ideas,  check out projects that can help seniors live independently.

You don’t have to be an older adult to observe safe practices and prevent falling.

Safety is for everyone!

 

For more information on Bathroom Safety:

  American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada  1-844-867-7737

 

 

 

We all have New Year’s Resolutions and if one of yours is to incorporate more exercise into your routine, these workouts for seniors can help! There’s no reason to make excuses because in as little as 15 minutes, you can get moving and enjoy the many benefits of exercise.

Let’s look at some safe, effective 15-minute workouts for seniors!

A Walk Outside (or on the Treadmill)

The easiest (and most affordable) way to get moving is just to take a walk outside. Or, if the weather doesn’t permit this winter, take a walk on the treadmill. This exercise should be no more than 60-75% of your maximum heart rate (which is 220 minus your age). Aim for this fat burning zone to both burn calories and increase your cardiovascular strength. For example, if your target heart rate is 165 bpm, a brisk walk should do the trick. If you’re inside, try turning up the incline to imitate walking up hill. This will help raise your heart rate and stimulate more muscles in the legs and glutes.

Wall Push Ups

Regular push ups might be hard for some people, but wall push ups are the perfect upper body workout for seniors because they are low impact for sensitive joints, safe, and effective. Simply stand in front of a sturdy wall about two feet away. Place your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Keep your body straight and bend your elbows so your body leans in toward the wall. Stop with your face as close to the wall as you can get, then push yourself back up. Watch a video demonstration of wall push ups here.
For your full 15-minute workout, try doing 50 seconds of the exercise with 10 seconds rest. You can combine wall push ups with other upper body work, like bicep curls with household items.

Chair Squats

Squats are a great way to work the hamstrings and glutes, but bending down to the ground to do a full squat might be out of the question. But, that doesn’t mean you have to give up this beneficial exercise. In fact, squats are one of the best workouts for seniors because they help improve functional movement that you use every day.

For chair squats, simply set up a sturdy chair and stand about a foot in front of it. Keeping your back straight and your chest upright, sit back into the chair. Instead of putting all your weight down, try to just touch the chair with your glutes and then stand back up. This continuous tension will help your muscles grow! If you want to step it up a notch, try adding some dumbbells for extra weight. Just make sure to stretch it out before and after your workout to avoid injury.

Dance

There are countless dance classes at the gym, but you can have a dance party right in your own living room and get a great workout! If you’re serious about getting your dance on, there are plenty of online resources to learn how to dance. Or, simply put on your favorite playlist and get moving! Don’t worry about looking a little silly, we all need a laugh or two here and there.

Back Leg Raises

While you have your chair out from your chair squats, let’s add another lower body workout for seniors. Back leg raises are a great move to work the hamstrings and glutes and a similar movement is used in a lot of barre, yoga, and ballet classes.

Stand behind a chair and slowly lift one leg straight back without bending your knees or pointing your toes. Instead, flex your foot downward. Hold that pose for one to five seconds, depending on your strength level. Repeat this ten to fifteen times per leg. If you want to try mixing it up, pulse five times while your leg is at its highest point to maintain tension in the muscle. More variations can be found in this barre-inspired video. You’ll have a better shaped behind in no time!

Age is just a number when it comes to moving your body. This year, ditch the excuses and try these workouts for seniors right in your own home. Build a complete workout routine to start 2022 off right.

To help you relax after your exercising program, rejuvenate your body and relax your mind in a hot bath.  A ComfortSeries bathtub can help your body recover.

Want to learn more about the best walk-in tub in Canada? Click the button below to get a free estimate!

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*Health experts suggest that you talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program.

 

Written by American Standard 2018; Updated on October 15, 2021

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the world’s most prevalent disease. For most of us, that fact is shocking. Being aware of Arthritis and the devastating impact that it can have on so many people, is our opportunity to understand important facts about this condition, treatment and prevention, and what you can do to help.

 

 

Arthritis is Bigger Than You May Think

While arthritis may not be as life-threatening as heart disease or cancer, it is no small health issue. Arthritis is the most common chronic health condition in Canada.

 

Arthritis not only costs the 6 million individuals and their caregivers who must live with its effects, it places a tremendous burden on our Canadian healthcare system. Affecting all ages, it interferes with physical and mental health, decreasing quality of life.

 

Arthritis is On The Rise

As Canadians age, the number of people with arthritis will also increase, furthering impacts on families and our healthcare system.  It is projected that today’s 6 million living with arthritis, will increase to 9 million by 2040.

While researchers look for ways to find a cure for arthritis, there are treatments and strategies available today to make arthritis relief easier for you or a loved one.

Reach Out to Loved Ones

The pain of arthritis expands beyond just physical hurt. Many patients feel lonely because their friends and family don’t understand what they’re going through. But just because they haven’t felt the same pain doesn’t mean that they can’t help. If you have arthritis or arthritis symptoms, lean on your loved ones and know you’re not alone. Explain your limitations to those close to you and suggest activities you can do together, such as going for a walk or reading. The Arthritis Foundation has even more solutions for dealing with challenges that arthritis can create in your relationships.

 

Practice Self-Care

While arthritis compromises physical health, it also impacts mental health, where depression and anxiety are known factors.  Dealing with long-term arthritis symptoms can be just as taxing on your emotions as your body. Feelings of emotional distress, including anger are all completely natural. The key to dealing with those feelings is not to ignore them, but to understand and accept them as a part of your own process. It’s important to remember that your emotions can change your perception of your arthritis symptoms, and you have the power to alter your condition.

Self-care practices like therapy, exercise, diet or counseling and arthritis support groups can help you manage your challenges.

Canada’s Food Guide can help you plan meals to ensure that you achieve your recommended intake of protein and nutrients.  Some foods help to reduce inflammation and arthritis pain.

 

 

Seek Comfort

ComfortSeries^™ accessible bathtubs have built-in benefits to specifically target and ease aches and pains caused by arthritis. Designed specifically to provide safe bathing for users with limited mobility, American Standard’s ComfortSeries™ walk-in tubs are Arthritis Friendly, and have been awarded the Ease of Use commendation from the Arthritis Foundation.  Our bathtubs are designed specially to be accessible to those who suffer from mobility challenges, to help soothe arthritis pain, and are proven* to make life easier for people with Arthritis and limited mobility.

Features include ADA safety and comfort features, as well as RevitaJet^®Hydrotherapy System for soothing therapeutic massages.

 

*This award recognizes products that make life easier for people with arthritis and other physical limitations. Products undergo a multi-step testing process conducted by an independent lab of experts in the field of universal product design and evaluation.

 

If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis, consider looking into walk-in tubs to serve as a complement to your arthritis treatment and relief, and consider ways to make your home safer and more comfortable if you are struggling with arthritis pain.

The ability to move freely, dress, bathe, and go about our daily business is often taken for granted, until Arthritis develops.  Pain can be life-changing.

Support & education is available through the Arthritis Society among other resources, but consider how you can help someone with arthritis today.

 

Sources:

Statistics Canada Annual Demographic Estimates: Canada, Provinces and Territories 2020

ACREU: Status of Arthritis in Canada Report

Arthritis Society: arthritis.ca

August 17, 2021

 

Do you ever wonder why people enjoying a good bubble bath take so long in the bathtub?  Not only is it soothing and calming, but it’s actually good for you.

Of course, baths take longer than showers so it might not be as convenient, but the benefits of a bath far outweigh that of a shower.

Ileana Poules-Brunet agrees, and has written several lifestyle articles about it.  However, American Standard has been in the bathroom business for almost 150 years, so we know a thing or two about bathrooms, healthy living, bathing science and health benefits.

 

Here’s why a Bath is better for your Health:

1. Youthfulness and Age Delay

Dermatologists will tell you that bathing can reduce skin complications like acne, and reduce the aging process.

For those that are frequently stressed by everyday life, circumstances, health (both physical and emotional), the stress hormone Cortisol will be elevated.  Elevated Cortisol levels can increase blood pressure, cause weight gain, fatigue, irritability and headaches, but can also lead to anxiety or depression.  According to Premier Health, Cortisol narrows the arteries, while another hormone Epinephrine, increases your heart rate, forcing your blood to pump harder and faster.  This also increases blood sugar levels that your pancreas may struggle with, whether or not it can keep up with the demand for insulin.

Long-term elevated Cortisol can also suppress your immune system, thereby making you more susceptible to colds and illness, and the inability to reduce inflammation.

We know that Inflammation is at the root cause of almost all illnesses.

 

1. Sore Muscle Relief

When muscles are sore, we usually apply hot compresses or heating pads.  A warm bath encourages the circulation of blood around your body.  The increased blood flow provides your muscles with more oxygen and nutrients.  This improves the elasticity of the connective tissues, releases muscle tightness, and relieves pain.  Healthline states that heat therapy works by improving circulation and blood flow to a particular area due to increased temperature, and can actually heal damaged tissue.

 

When you are bathing, you are submerged in warm to hot water, which not only relieves the muscles in your body, but the buoyancy in water relieves pressure from sore joints as well.

Muscle Recovery can occur in just 15 minutes

2. Lower Blood Sugar Levels and Improved Blood Pressure

Always check with your doctor before starting a new therapy, but they usually agree that a warm bath may be the best option for you.

 

While exercise for seniors is important for overall wellness, as is a healthy eating plan; taking a warm bath might be just as good if you are looking to burn a few extra calories.  Soaking in an hour-long hot bath can burn as many calories (around 140) as a 30 minute walk according to a 2017 study led by Dr. Faulkner at Loughborough University in London.  Warm water raises your temperature and makes your heart beat faster.  This is good for cardiovascular health, because your body must work harder to maintain the appropriate internal temperature, which accelerates the body’s ability to burn fat.  Hot baths also improve the body’s anti-inflammatory response, just like exercising.

4. Heart Healthy

A new study from Japan reports that hot baths can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.  Bathing is a key part of Japanese culture, and they found that the risk for hypertension/cardiovascular disease and stroke is significantly decreased.   30,000 Japanese adults were tracked for 20 years during this study, which showed 26-28% lower risk, but by using hot baths, this number jumped to a 35% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

 

5. Insomnia Help

According to TheSleepDoctor and Princess Cruise Line’s spokesperson & Luxury Bed Developer Dr. Michael Breus, warm baths have been a well known remedy for years for people with insomnia, because warm water relaxes the body and helps core body temperatures to drop afterwards.  It also signals the pineal gland in your brain to produce melatonin (your sleep hormone).  The best time for a bath is 1-2 hours prior to going to bed.  According to Dr. Shahab Haghayegh, it’s called the Power-Down Hour.  Warm to hot baths help muscles to relax, reducing arthritic pain, and increases circulation to reduce swelling and inflammation.  Reducing pain also helps you to get a good night’s sleep.

6. Stress-Relief

As with all stress-relieving techniques, some form of meditation is required along with wellness therapies.  Some examples are:

• creating a calming atmosphere
• imagining the temporary feeling of escape from stressors
• Chromatherapy
• Aromatherapy
• Focussing on your muscles relaxing and the sensations that you are feeling

 

Meditating (or simple mindfulness) while the bathtub is filling, and during your bathing and hydrotherapy session will help to heal, and assist you on your wellness journey.

 

 

7. Some Baths Are Just as Clean (if not cleaner) Than Showers

If you are washing off or soaking from a normal day, a bath will clean you the same as a shower.  If you have dirt or bacteria on you, then a shower may be a quick way to eliminate the dirt, however, bathtubs such as American Standard’s ComfortSeries™️ have an Ozone Sanitation System built in.  This means bacteria is killed 3000+ times faster than chlorine, and eliminates any disease-causing organisms.  It is completely safe, and actually improves the water quality in your bathtub; it eliminates dirt/grime ring that bathing may leave by oxidizing oils, salts & soaps by removing those particles from the water.  It’s so much cleaner than a shower!

 

 

Taking a bath has many health benefits, from decreased stress to better heart health and blood circulation.  If you are interested in promoting relaxation, easing fatigue and treating chronic pain, a bath might be the choice for you.  With a ComfortSeries™️ walk-in tub, everyone can take advantage of this relaxing and beneficial therapy because it’s also accessible for safety.

 

The best way for you to take action & start to heal and reduce pain, is to reconsider what a bath can really do for you.  And when you are ready to combine that with a universal safe option for bathing, our professionals will help:  our personalized service team helps you determine the best product for your needs, and our professional installations take only just one day.

 

For more information:  American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada  1-844-867-7737

Creating an Accessible Bathroom

Written by American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada, June 2021

The way we live in our homes today, and how aging well has become so important that builders, renovators and homeowners are starting to pay more attention to creating an accessible and universal design plan for today’s generations.  Products, design details and materials now reflect todays needs in meeting accessibility requirements of older adults and those with mobility challenges, and no longer look institutional.

Safety and design have become paramount in bathrooms, as we’ve seen statistics of fall related injuries and the demographics of the many people visiting emergency rooms because of their falls.  Today, more than ever as we are spending more time in our homes, we want our loved ones and neighbours to be injury-free in the most used rooms.  With a legacy surpassing 150 years of excellence, we’ve put together a list of things to consider in your bathroom design to allow customers at any stage of life maintain safety, comfort & independence regardless of mobility limitations.

Access:  If your bathroom doors are less than 32” wide, you may have difficulty in passing through them, whether you are carrying towels if you are using a walker or wheelchair.  Optimal door widths to accommodate people and daily aids to living are 34”-36”.  There are different types of doors-pocket doors, hinged doors, or even sliding barn-type doors have made a presence in today’s renovations.  If you are a fall risk, consider reversing the hinge of the bathroom door to open out of the bathroom instead.  If you were to fall behind the door, EMS will be able to reach and assist you faster.

Grab Bars:  Bathrooms have been identified as the leading room where people have sustained falls & injuries resulting in ER assistance, that they’ve sustained while bathing/showering, getting in/out of the bathtub, tripping or while toileting.  Adding a Superpole, grab bar, or decorative support accessories used specifically for lateral support, can greatly reduce the risk of falling.

Easy to Clean Surfaces:  as people age, it becomes more difficult to clean and maintain high maintenance surfaces such as stone, tile/grout, and glass.  Choose materials that are easy to clean.  There are plenty of choices, and these can still match your new bathroom décor.  When it comes to germs, it’s important to stay on top of keeping things clean.

ADA Toilets and Accessible Countertops:  Getting older means that you make have stiff joints or knees that have been replaced.  Choosing toilets that have a taller seat height makes them more comfortable and accessible for all.  Closer to a 17” chair height will be more helpful during all the ups and downs that you will incur.

Countertops and right-height pedestal sinks that are 34” high, help reduce strains on knees and backs from prolonged use and standing.  Providing a multiple-height counter will be more inclusive to the needs of everyone in the home, from young children to those who need to sit in front of a counter with knee space below.

 

Accessible Bathtubs or Low/Zero-entry Showers: Joint stiffness, mobility challenges, frailty and balance issues will make getting in and out of a bathtub and shower difficult, if not resulting in falls.  A zero-entry shower pan or constructed floor is a better option as you don’t need to lift your legs over a threshold to walk into the shower.  However, you will need a seat, whether built-in or freestanding.  Just be careful to allow for access to easily move in and out of the shower; and be careful when using glass walls if you have visual challenges.  An accessible bathtub with an outward opening door is a better option because it is fully accessible even to wheelchair users, and the built-in integral seat will not move.  On a ComfortSeries™ bathtub, all the controls are within-arms-reach, and a door prevents a bather from falling out, even if standing to shower.

Single Lever Faucets:  Selecting a faucet with lever handles makes the faucet easier to operate for limited grip strength, and by choosing a single-lever faucet, it makes it that much easier.

Lever Handles:  If you have arthritis or any other grip-preventing challenge, you know that round door knobs are difficult to turn; replacing all your door handles with lever style, will make it easier and more comfortable to use as your needs change.  There are several finishes that can match your faucets, or other finishes in your home.

Storage Space:  Bathroom cabinets and countertops can easily become cluttered with medications, products, and other daily essentials.  This in turn makes it harder to clean and access your bathroom.  Plan for proper storage of necessities, in easy-to-reach locations.  Keeping it organized means that you will know where each item is, where and when you need it.

Non-Slip Rubber-backed Bath Mat:  Any rug in a bathroom is a trip hazard, especially if it moves.  However, if you place a rubber-backed rug by your bathtub or shower, it will be handy to prevent any slips from wet feet.

 

Universal Design doesn’t mean it has to look institutional, and in fact could look like a spa bathroom, just safer and more accessible.  As more Older Adults continue to age, bathroom and home designs will continue to evolve and improve to accommodate accessible design elements.

 

With American Standard’s luxurious walk-in tubs, stylish easy-to-use faucets, and RightHeight® toilets, you can create a beautiful bathroom that safely and comfortably supports independently remaining at home.

 

Are you considering including an accessible walk-in bathtub?  Get a free estimate for the best walk-in tub in Canada, by clicking the button below.

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Updated for December 2020

It’s important to keep the lines of communication open between you and your parents as you both get older. It’s not that they don’t realize they’re aging, but they may not be comfortable reaching out for help from their children. A good idea is to make it a two-way conversation, so they can voice their concerns and opinions on what to do to keep safe as they age.

“Take a step back and consider how your parent must feel as she faces her diminished capacities”

– Francine Lederer, psychotherapist (source)

It’s not necessarily a conversation anyone looks forward to, but it’s important to have. By approaching it openly and honestly, it allows the focus to be on providing the best situation possible for your parents. It’s not about who is in charge of decision-making or forcing anyone into a situation they don’t want. It’s about mutual respect where the other person feels understood and there can be a plan in place everyone is on board with.

Handle with Care

If you’re not quite sure how to approach the topic with your parents, here are a few tips on how to guide the conversation. Make sure you cover all major points, but allow for enough room for other issues to be brought up and discussed.

Ask your parents what they want. Think about when you were a kid. Did you ever like to be told what to do, even if it was something you may have later agreed was the right choice? It’s not too different now as an adult. Everyone wants to feel they have the freedom to have an opinion. Ask your parents directly what they’d like as they age in terms of care. The conversation may be one that happens every few years as a “check-in” for your parents. What they want or need at 65 may not be the same as when they are 70. Consider your parents’ wishes first and decide the best ways to honor them.

Execute proper legal documents. As our parents get older, the last thing we want to think about is their slipping memory or their slowing bodies. There’s no real way to prepare for it emotionally, but we can help them prepare for it logically. One important step is to appoint a power of attorney for health and finances.  As stated by Susan Howson, Director and Portfolio Manager of Mack Research Capital Corp, “As the population continues to age, adult children need to play a critical role in handling their elderly parents’ Financial and health-related needs” (The Globe and Mail), and understand the families’ role in the process.

It doesn’t sound easy, and in some cases it may seem premature, but again, you want to discuss your parents’ requests when they are still clear and truly cognizant of what they want. With regards to power of attorney, it needs to be clarified whether this person has power of attorney for everything or only for individual situations like medical care or real estate decisions.

Listen. Often, parents will want to discuss these matters with their children, but may not know how to bring it up. Listen for cues that could lead to a bigger discussion. Don’t dismiss one-off comments as not being serious or think there’s plenty of time to plan. The unexpected is what will make us wish we had planned sooner.

Have a plan. What to do as a parent ages can be an overwhelming topic. Having a mini-plan in place will help the conversation feel more structured and lead to a better resolution. If your parent wants to stay independent in their home, but requires assistance, consider hiring a part-time caregiver or making home improvements to address these needs.

Bathing, for example, is a routine that your parent may not want a caregiver’s help with. A walk-in bathtub can help keep them safe and comfortable, while respecting their privacy, as they enter and exit the bath. These smaller transitions may be easier to handle than an abrupt move from the house they know and love to assisted living or long-term care.

Adjusting to Life’s Changes

Considering a parent’s happiness and comfort is the best approach; you want to be a collaborator with them, rather than taking over and making all the decisions. The role reversal, when the child becomes more of the decision maker than the parent, can be difficult to adjust to. Being sensitive to this can help the conversation go much smoother.

Helping a loved one age safely can be a positive experience, and being prepared helps!  Afterall, it’s nice to have the opportunity to help those who have been a source of love and guidance throughout the years and give back to them when they need it most.