The Dangerous Bathtub

As we get older, climbing in and out of the tub becomes more of an adventure. Some University of Michigan researchers have looked into the risks involved, and reported their findings in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society. They videotaped people over 60 (fully clothed!) getting in and out of the tub. One third of the 90 participants had difficulty, such as sitting down hard on a tub seat or hitting the side of the tub with their legs.

The researchers found that self-reported difficulties were reliable indicators of the “environmental feature utilization” or EFU, as they called it. In other words, if your loved one tells you they have a problem getting in and out of the tub, you should take action. Make sure there are robust grab handles, a clamp-on tub rail, no-slip mats, and the like. And, of course, encourage strength and balance exercise programs!

The AARP and other magazines are full of ads for walk-in bathtubs; here’s an example.