Written by Lee-Anne Creery for American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada

 

Ah, sunshine finally!

One of the most important things you can do is to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather.  But while you are taking a deep breath of fresh air and getting some much-needed Vitamin D, you’ll also need to practice proper hydration and sun protection, even in the Canadian winter & spring.

Here is what you should keep in mind.

While most people are itching to get outside and away from snow and COVID confinement, it’s important to remember that the sun’s UV rays are still powerful and can burn and easily damage older adult skin in a short period of time.

 

Sun Protection Tips

• Apply sunscreen (even in winter) with SPF 30+ one half hour before going outside
• Dress for the weather. It’s always best to layer clothing for warmth while it’s still chilly, and keep exposed skin covered.
• Wear a hat. Wide-brimmed is best to keep the top of your head covered, but also shade for your face and ears.
• Wear sunglasses. While you do receive Vitamin D through your unshielded eyes, 20% of cataracts are caused by extended UV exposure.  Ensure that your sunglasses are full spectrum UV protection, which will also shade the glare from bright surfaces such as wet pavement, and snow & ice.
• Go outside in the morning before 10a or after 3p, when the sun is less harsh, and less damaging.
• The same tips apply if you choose to stay indoors and get your sunshine in front of a window.
• Know the warning signs of overheating. Seek shade on days of high heat and humidity, and prevent mental confusion and high heart rate caused by heat stress.

Statistics show that 32% of Canadians are Vitamin D deficient, rising to 40% in winter; Health Canada recommends that people over the age of 50 need to take a daily supplement of 600 IU-800 IU (15mcg-20mcg) in addition to the natural or fortified sources of foods.

Vitamin D deficiency can have a severe impact on your overall health, from bone maintenance to protecting against cardiovascular disease; colorectal cancer, and regulating the immune system.

Although you don’t need sunlight as part of your DRI for vitamin D, it sure does feel good after what seems like a long winter’s nap!

If getting some sun isn’t your thing to boost your mood when the days are still gray, and you start to feel the winter blues setting in, boost your spirits with aromatherapy and essential oils.  Research shows that the components of certain oils can boost our mood, ease stress and help us to relax while supporting our mental health during winter blahs.  Citrus helps to remind people of summer and may invoke positive emotions.  What is your favourite aroma to help you feel good?

 

For Seniors, not drinking enough water can have serious consequences.  Dehydration is a leading cause of hospital visits among older adults who feel pain & discomfort, confusion & dizziness, and fainting.  Dehydration can lead to poor cardiovascular health, low blood pressure, blood clots, and painful kidney stones.

 

Hydration Tips

Water is the most important element to the human body.  Water helps your heart pump blood to the necessary muscles, it lubricates your joints, helps your organs function properly, and helps your brain prepare for the decisions that you make.

• You MUST drink 6 to 8 cups (8oz each) of water per day as a minimum.
• The recommended Daily Activity Level is 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week, so if you are an active adult, add 1 to 2 cups of water for every 30 minutes of exercise. According to this article by Reader’s Digest Canada, Dieticians recommend water intake differently for men and women.
• If you are thirsty, chances are, you are already becoming dehydrated, so be aware of dehydration warning signs: muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, chills, irritability, and dry mouth. Drink water immediately, or seek medical help.

Did you know that your fluid intake can also include food moistures?

Change your fluid sources, but remember that not all drinks are equally hydrating.  Water can be consumed cold or hot with lemon, in forms of tea, sports drinks, popsicles, or fruits and vegetables.  Apples, watermelon, celery and cucumbers have the highest water content.

But beware, make sure that you keep the sugar content/glycemic levels low.  Drinks like sodas, beer/alcohol, hot chocolate, lemonade, sweetened iced tea, energy drinks, flavoured milk, and smoothies can work against you, causing dehydration.

So, if you want a healthier hydrating beverage next time you are thirsty, reach for a sports drink that is helpful for replenishing electrolytes, or a moisture-rich food.

Read more:

Safety Tips and Healthy Living Recommendations

 

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

 

 

written by Lee-Anne Creery for American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada

A time for celebration, fun and joy, the holiday season is for family, friends and loved ones.  Being careful and aware of safety risks and hazards in your home and in others’, will help ensure that you are safe and healthy.

Decorating

Everyone likes to put up decorations or lighting, but have you considered the material that each is made from, or the age of the item?  If not, it’s time you reviewed your decorations, and eliminate those that are not going to be safe.

Keep all decorations away from a fireplace and any candles, and never use real candles in a Holiday Tree.  All artificial trees and decorations should have a CSA approval and fire-resistant rating.  If it doesn’t, or isn’t visible, then it’s time to replace your decorations.  If you are purchasing new lights, look for LED which burn cooler and saves you money on your electrical bill.

When you purchase or replace your ornaments, try to select new ones that are shatterproof.  This way, if they are dropped or if a furry friend finds them, there won’t be glass to step on or clean up, saving you time, effort and money.

Ensure that the proper lighting and cords are used; make sure that they are properly rated for indoor use, and that the wires are not frayed or damaged.  Lights rated for outdoors only should not be used inside at all.  Follow use guidelines so that you don’t overload cords (think Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation), potentially causing a fire risk.

When decorating, have someone with you if you require a ladder or step-stool.  Having a child or grandchild help with decorating is a gift in itself.

Floor Safety

Keep your floor area clear to prevent any chance of falling.  Elaborate holiday arrangements if not properly placed out of the way of foot traffic, could cause you or your loved ones to trip and fall.  Keep floors clean and remove any scatter rugs that could cause a slip.  All rugs should be adhered to the floor or be rubber-backed to prevent any movement.  If you use an anti-fatigue mat in your kitchen where you prep food, place it exactly where you need it for standing on, and not in the middle of the floor where it will be a trip hazard.

Lighting

Holiday lighting is lovely, but be sure that all areas of your home are properly lit.  Dim holiday lighting can prevent you from seeing a potential hazard, can cause disorientation due to shadows and glares, and generally make it hard to see where you are going.  Light switches can be hard to see, so nightlights in bathrooms will help to ensure you can see where you are going.  If you are visiting overnight, take a nightlight with you, as your host may not have one.

As magical as wintertime is, it can also be a time of power-outages.  Keep a supply of flashlights (never candles) and spare batteries.  It’s probably good to keep blankets in an easy access closet, so you know where they are in case of a lack of heat during these outages.

 

COVID-19

The last couple of years have been difficult for many who cannot see and visit with their loved ones.  We know that there is an increased chance of spread where people congregate together, unknowingly passing the virus to those more vulnerable; however the latest variant Omicron has been deemed airborne.  So when you are planning to visit with family and friends over the holidays, reduce your risk by

• wearing a mask,
• stay in groups of less than 10 people, and
• sanitize/wash your hands often.

 

Fire Safety

Many seniors like to cook for their families during the holidays.  You may have some wonderful traditional recipes, but unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires that occur during holiday time.

Always have a lid handy to smother flames in a pan should it catch fire, and baking soda for grease fires.  However, it’s best to keep an eye on food that is cooking at all times, and ensure that all knobs on your stove and oven are in the “off” position when you are done.

Ensure that your smoke and CO detectors are in working order.

Always have a fire extinguisher and an emergency plan of action in case of fire, along with an escape plan.

 

Personal Health

During the holidays, you should always be mindful of your health, how you feel, and listen to your body first.  Prevent accidents from occurring by being aware of what you are eating, how tired you are, your physical and mental state, and how much sleep you are getting.  A holiday gathering can create a sense of nostalgia, but also melancholy.  Ask someone for help if you need it.

Hydration & Rest

The holidays are full of excitement, anticipation and sometimes confusion.  When you are fatigued from a change in routine, you are vulnerable to falling, and may develop a weakened immune system.  So remember to rest when you need to, and stay hydrated.  Health experts recommend that you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.  Water is central to your health, and if you have an alcoholic drink, you need to replenish with an additional glass of water for every alcoholic beverage.

Follow Dietary Guidelines

Most people overeat, overindulge on tasty treats, and don’t get enough exercise over the holidays.  If that eating pattern continues, it can affect heart health, and can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes and inflammatory disease.

Eat meaningful food, monitor and modify portion sizes and food types to ensure that it follows Health Canada’s dietary guidelines to keep you healthy.  Be selective in the food you choose, ensure that ½ of your plate is vegetables, ¼ is made up of high fibre carbohydrates, and ¼ plate of lean protein.

Drink one glass of water before you start your meal, and eat slowly to allow your stomach to become accustomed to all the wonderful flavours that is filling it.  The slower you eat, the more your body will appreciate it, and you won’t feel over-stuffed.  All in moderation.

 

Travel

If you plan on travelling, observe COVID recommendations and keep hand sanitizer readily available.  Take your medications with you to ensure that you take them at your usual time.  With the excitement of the holidays and celebrating with loved ones, it is easy to miss a dose.

Once you arrive back home, spend some time rejuvenating and much needed time on yourself.  Ease sore muscles in a relaxing or therapeutic bathtub soak with some essential oils.  Do you have trouble stepping over the tub?  Check out ComfortSeries™ for safety and accessibility.

 

Snow Safety

Do you shovel your own walkway, or are you able to hire someone to help you out?  If you do it yourself, make sure you do some stretching first before properly dressing for the weather; prevent frostbite by covering any exposed skin, and layer your clothing like the Scouts do.  Don’t overdo it; work in small increments at a time.  If it is or becomes too overwhelming, ask a neighbour to snow-blow or help you shovel.  Many communities offer Snow Angels programs, where volunteers remove snow for seniors and people with disabilities.  Call your municipality to inquire.

 

As you prepare for this holiday season, remember these Holiday Safety Tips and be sure to pass them on to your friends.  You don’t have to be an older adult to observe safe practices and prevent falling.  Safety is for everyone!

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.

 

Don’t Purchase a Walk-In Tub Without These 5 Things

Written by on October 16, 2017

Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy a soothing, hot bath. Whether you have chronic aches and pains, muscle tension, high stress levels, or simply enjoy the pleasure of hot water on your skin, a bath can provide relief and relaxation.

Those with limited mobility know standard bathtubs present challenges that can be difficult and dangerous to navigate. Investing in a walk-in tub can make bathing accessible, safe, and even luxurious. To make sure you are purchasing the safest option on the market, look for the following safety features when choosing a walk-in tub for your home:

• Textured Floor

Since every precaution should be taken to reduce the risk of slipping, look for a tub with a textured floor. A textured floor allows bare feet to grip the surface, making it more difficult to slip. Confidence in a slip-resistant surface allows you to enjoy your bathing freedom and makes for a more relaxing and safe experience.

• Low Entry

In a standard bathtub, the sides stand about 14-20 inches off the ground, which may present an obstacle for some. Those with limited mobility should be able to feel confident when entering and exiting the bath. A walk-in tub with a low entry makes this possible by minimizing the step height and allowing for easy access in and out of the tub.

• Safety Bar

Although the details of a quality walk-in tub are designed to prevent slips and falls, safety bars should always be present and easily accessible for extra stability. For some people, the bars are necessary for balance, when there’s need for help getting out of the bathtub. For others, the bars help to distribute their weight so that they can move with ease. In all cases, it is best to have safety bars available for support to avoid the use of a towel rack or other nearby object that is not meant to hold substantial weight.

• Wide Doors

When it comes to limited mobility, squeezing through a narrow door can seem impossible (and dangerous). When shopping for a walk-in tub, keep an eye out for wide doors that allow for spacious navigation in and out of the tub. Wide doors provide enough room so that the tub is accessible to everyone, regardless of size or mobility.

• Door Locking System

To protect both the bather and the bathroom floors, look for a walk-in tub with a secure door locking system. A securely locked door ensures no flooding will occur as a result of leaked or spilled bath water. It also allows you to relax in confidence by eliminating the possibility of accidentally opening the door during your bath. Choose a walk-in tub that offers a lifetime warranty on the door seal to ensure it is secure and safe, for life.

Ensure Safety with Your Walk-in Tub

The best walk-in tubs provide those with limited mobility the opportunity to safely bathe in luxury. When choosing a walk-in tub, it is important to take into consideration its safety features. A textured floor, low entry, safety bars, wide doors, and a door locking system are all important features that will allow you to bathe independently and with confidence. Finally, look for a walk-in tub with a fast draining capability, and a comprehensive warranty, preferably one that is good for the life of the tub and also includes the installation. That way, if there is ever a problem, you are covered.

Get a Free Estimate now for an American Standard walk-in tub!

Written by American Standard on March 15, 2019; updated November 24, 2019

According to the CDC, an estimated 234,094 nonfatal bathroom injuries were treated in the U.S in 2008, making the bathroom one of the most dangerous areas in the home. Continue reading “Why You Need an Outward Opening Door on Your Walk-In Tub”