Falls
prevention for the elderly gains national recognition
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.
This 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.
Locally, GFM Construction supports the efforts to protect
elderly adults from falling injuries. “We offer safe bathing solutions to
address this specific issue with families”, stated Frank Maestas. “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. The new Escape Plus
Walk-in Tub from Best Bath Systems
is on display at Northwest health and safety. 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 lifetime 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.
As a Best Bath dealer, GFM has received comprehensive
training regarding all aspects of accessible bathing. This training features
seminars on
safe bathing options available to assist older Americans to
live independently in their own homes, a popular movement known as “Aging
in Place.”
To learn more about safe bathing and “Aging in Place”
stop by the GFM showroom or call 360-909-5166 for a free in-home consultation.
