A recent study suggests that millions of Americans age 15 or older have been injured in bathroom accidents costing approximately $67.3 billion in lifetime medical costs, a large majority of which happen in their own homes. The study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weekly Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, found that in 2008 there were 234,094 nonfatal injuries in and around the bathtub, shower, toilet and sink.
The study also found that:
–About 81% of the injuries were caused by falls.
–Women were more likely to be hurt than men.
–Two-thirds of all injuries occurred in the tub or shower, though only 2.2% occurred while getting into the shower or tub.
–Overall, only 1% of accidental nonfatal injuries occurred in the bathroom, but for those 65 and older, 2.5% occurred in the bathroom.
That is a lot of injuries that could be prevented with better education, safety equipment, and particular attention being made to keep senior citizens safe.
