Utilization of bathroom safety devices, patterns of bathing and toileting, and bathroom falls in a sample of community living older adults

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Aminzadeh, Faranak^{a; b; *} | Edwards, Nancy^{a; c} | Lockett, Donna^a | Nair, Rama C.^d

Affiliations: [a] Community Health Research Unit | [b] Regional Geriatric Assessment Program of Ottawa-Carleton | [c] School of Nursing, University of Ottawa | [d] Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada

Correspondence: [*] Faranak Aminzadeh, Research Associate/Geriatric Assessor, Queensway Carleton Hospital, 3045 Baseline Rd., Nepean, Ontario, Canada K2H 8P4. Tel.: +1 613 721 4148; Fax: +1 613 820 6659; E-mail: faminzadeh@qch.on.ca.

Abstract: Bathroom falls are a significant health hazard among seniors. This cross sectional survey examined patterns of utilization and acceptability of bathroom safety devices, bathing and toileting practices, and bathroom falls in a sample of 550 older residents of non-profit apartment buildings in two Canadian regions. Almost one-third of participants (32%) preceding the study, of whom about 15% half of the bathroom falls were related to bath or toilet transfers and 80% access to bathroom devices used them regularly and found them helpful. However, many participants also relied on hazardous supports to facilitate bathing and toileting activities. Implications of the findings relate to policy planning, product design, standard development, and public education.

Keywords: bathing, falls, assistive technology, older adults

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-2000-13202

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 95-103, 2000