Prevent falls with conversion

No matter who we are, we get older. Most people don’t think it may be time to be proactive for senior safety. I had to learn the hard way. My mother was visiting, and my wife and I were both not at home. When I came home, my mom informed me she had slipped and fallen. After two days at The Queen’s Medical Center and a lot of stress, I felt really bad for a number of reasons.

Sure, she was OK, but this made me think what could have happened.

Also, I’m a general contractor and a plumbing contractor, and have been since 1981. This could have been prevented, and I, of all people, should have known better.

I am Matt, the owner of Tropical Windows and Baths. We specialize in semi-handicap bathrooms, tub-to-shower conversions, walk-in tubs and bathroom remodeling.

I was so busy working on other homes, I forgot about my home and how refusing to be proactive could affect one of the most important people in the world to me.

This changed my life, and I dug deeper into senior safety. When interviewing seniors ages 60-85, 90% of them felt there was no need for special safety precautions in their homes. The main reasons were: I don’t feel old; I’m healthy; It’s a waste of money; It’s such an inconvenience.

Now, here are the real statistics: 72% of all seniors get hurt in the bathroom; 88% of seniors are injured by unexpected falls; 63% of all seniors have no hand-bars or other safety items in their home to prevent accidents.

Every major fall to a senior can take as much as three years off their life span. Also, if a senior falls three times or more in one year, they normally do not live more than four years from that year. Pretty scary if you love your senior mother, father or other family members.

No fall, slip or trip is planned. No senior, or anyone for that matter, plans on getting hurt. The real question is what quality of life do I want now that I’m a senior at age 63?

I have multiple bathrooms in my home and all are semi-handicap fitted. My mother is now 93 and lives with me. She has not taken a fall since seven years ago, and I can tell you, from the day she fell, I became proactive. I have nonslip showers with handi-bars.

I have strategically installed handi-bars anywhere there could be a dangerous step. I have installed non-slip floors in my entire home, as well as improved lighting for better visibility. I could go on and on about all the little adjustments I have made, not only for my mother but now to benefit myself.

To sum this story up, I would like to first say be proactive about senior safety. Whether you call me to help you make your home a safe space or not, call someone and be proactive for your own safety.

Again, I am the owner of Tropical, and I have a showroom with bathroom ideas and solutions at 1351 S. Beretania St. We are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays.

Give us a call, and my son, Mike, and we will be glad to help you live a long and healthy life at home.