Did you ever get stuck in your bath tub? Well it happens. Sometimes people can not get enough leverage to get themselves out of the bath tub.
Right now I have two of the best next door neighbors you'll ever find. They are both paramedics and make it clear that if we or other neighbors have a problem we are to call them.
So a few weeks ago the 88 year old lady across the street came running for the paramedics. The paramedics thought she was saying "Tom's dead. " So my neighbors ran to Tom's house to find that he had fallen into the bath tub. He doesn't know how it happened but he fell in a position where he couldn't grab onto anything to lift him out of the tub. He was not bathing but bumped something and fell. The paramedics had him out of the tub and on his way to emergency.
So the paramedics laughed and said they get all kinds of calls to get people out of bathtubs. Of course yours truly had to say, "I bet you see all kinds of sights!" To which they replied, "That's what towels are for." They went on further to say that a towel is used to put around the arms and shoulders to get a person out of a tub.
So this was the start of many stories about getting people out of bathtubs and any other cramped space. They have many stories.
I thought getting somebody out of tub was simple until the Micro Manager needed help . When someone is in a tub you cannot get in a good position to lift or move the person. The person is also wet and slippery. The Micro Manager took a second try and got herself out of the tub. It was a worry when you are helpless to help someone.
My mother used to have a seat which she used in the bath. It could be raised and lowered - down into the water to bath, then raised up to the height of the top of the bath so she could swing her legs across and get out. During the last year or two she needed supervision and help to get in and out, but it was a whole lot easier than physically lifting someone from the bath - I know, I was a care worker for many years and have the bad back to prove it.
ReplyDeleteSenior residences now have a special tub with a seat. You fill the tub and have your bath but you're sitting a chair height.
DeleteIs isn't as easy as it sounds , is it ?!
ReplyDeleteIt's a challenge , especially when you're older.
DeleteI have no difficulty in falling. My problem is keeping upright!
ReplyDeleteOh I know the feeling. My head is on the ground before my brain knows that I'm falling.
DeleteI'd love to hear some parmedic stories, those folks see everything.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the micromanager got out! I got stuck in the tub many years ago and have never got back in. It's not worth the risk
It must be a little freaky when you sit in one place and can't get out.
DeleteBeen there with my hubby exactly although he had a cut on the back of his head blood all over when they came all went ok
ReplyDeleteParamedics do an amazing job.
DeleteOrdinary things can become an issue so easily when you are a senior. This one had a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteIt is a worry, having a good hand bar to grab would help. I often think it would be easier just having a walk in shower and not use a tub. Take care, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteThere are handrails to attach to the walls or sides of a tub. I remember we did that for my Mom and Dad. It's scary the things that can happen to us as we age. :(
ReplyDeleteI have not been able to persuade the Micro Manager to install railings. I guess she thinks I'll always get her out.
DeleteI haven't fallen in the tub (yet) but I sure can understand how hard it would be to get someone upright who is wet and slippery. It makes for a good story afterwards, though. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou'd think that as well as railings they could install padding.
DeleteA year ago, I had to help my neighbor get up off the laundry room floor where they had fallen. Fortunately they were clothed and not in a bathtub.
ReplyDeleteAll the more stressful when they both fall at the same time.
DeleteI'm very thankful we don't have a bathtub. A shower is fine by me.
ReplyDeleteMost houses do have a bath tub. Senior housing now has a combination shower and tub.
DeleteThe last time that I got into the tub was the last time that I plan on getting into the tub. TG for showers.
ReplyDeleteI think showers are used much more than tubs.
DeleteOh your poor neighbor. That "i've fallen and I can't get up!" is no joke. I bought a place for my retirement with a walk in shower, bench and hand rails. Still not sure what would happen if I fell.
ReplyDeleteThe senior residences here have that kind of device installed as standard equipment.
DeleteA walk in shower is my only way of bathing. In hotels where i have to step in and out of a tub, I have to be very careful. Grab bars are important.
ReplyDeleteThere are different devices which could or should be used for our safety.
DeleteI used to call the paramedics when I fell down. Generally I only needed picked up.
ReplyDeleteThat's what happens with our paramedics. Not much help is needed.
DeleteWe have an old clawfoot tub which requires highstepping to get in the shower. I have noticed in the past year that my step is not as high as it used to be. The new house has a more sensible bathroom, more suited to a couple of older people.
ReplyDeleteClaw foot tub? That's from a way back. Smart planning on your new house.
DeleteI found your blog through a mutual blogger. Glad I stopped by...I learned that you can use towels to help lift someone up. Good to have paramedics as neighbors.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting.
DeleteI think about that all the time! I know all the Rescue people too..so :(
ReplyDeleteThe paramedics just laugh and say that it happens much more often than you think.
DeleteYou have to be very mindful. It is so easy to slip, even when in the bath, and crack a rib against the side. I've done it. Very painful for several weeks, and now have a lump in my side. The Dr. simply said, "Your modelling days are over".
ReplyDeleteThey don't seem to do anything for broken ribs these days.
DeleteI had an embarrassing episode after carpal tunnel surgery. Had to be lifted out because I had hooked my sling to the grab bar without thinking that through.
ReplyDeleteLove the tip on how to use towels to get someone out of the tub! Thanks, Red!
ReplyDeleteI often had trouble getting out the bathtub, lately I am wishing I had a walk in shower. Take care, have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteA slip and fall in the bathtub can be very serious, glad your neighbor was o.k. Nice to have those paramedics nearby!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure someone has mentioned this above, but do you have grab bars? They can really help when you need something to pull yourself up. On the other hand, if you and your neighbors already have them but are still having trouble, you may need more support like a shower seat.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm glad your neighbor got out of his tub, hopefully not worse for wear. What sweet people those paramedics are. The next household fixture here will be grab-bars in the bathtubs, though I have showers more these days, and never use the bathtub anymore. I have a feeling that old tub would swallow me up and never let me out.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite the tale! Retirement is never boring.
ReplyDelete