Recently, incidents of accidents happening to the elderly while using the toilet have become more common. How can we prevent such incidents from happening? Experts believe that elderly people with poor physical health should focus on maintaining their overall well-being to improve their physical condition. Additionally, certain precautions should be taken when using the bathroom to minimize the risk of accidents.
Firstly, elderly people should take their time when squatting down to use the toilet. When older adults need to defecate in the morning, they should do so slowly, gradually squatting down and standing up. Older people often suffer from arthritis, which can make it difficult for them to squat. Therefore, it is advisable to use a sitting-style toilet. Installing handles around the toilet can also be considered to assist the elderly in sitting down and standing up.
Secondly, caution should be exercised when exerting force during bowel movements. People with constipation problems, especially elderly individuals with hypertension, should consider using stool softeners before using the toilet and avoid straining too hard during bowel movements. This is because many older people, due to hypertension and some degree of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular sclerosis, may experience a sudden increase in blood pressure and heart rate when exerting excessive force during defecation, especially when holding their breath. This can potentially trigger the sudden onset of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as cerebral hemorrhage and myocardial infarction, and even lead to sudden death in the bathroom for some elderly individuals.
Thirdly, precautions should be taken to manage low blood pressure. Some elderly people may be frail, have poor physical conditions, or even suffer from hypotension, which often leads to symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue due to inadequate blood supply. As the night tends to be relatively cold, many people are reluctant to get out of their warm beds to use the bathroom, resulting in holding urine. However, once they can no longer hold it, they rush to the bathroom and completely empty their bladder, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and resulting in fainting. Moreover, when elderly people are in the bathroom, they may also experience a sudden drop in blood pressure if they abruptly stand up after a prolonged period of squatting or sitting, causing dizziness and posing a risk of falling. In severe cases, this can lead to fractures and other injuries.
When using the toilet, elderly people should squat down slowly, be cautious when exerting force during bowel movements, and avoid holding their breath for extended periods. For men, it is preferable not to stand while urinating and to avoid emptying the bladder all at once. The movements should be done slowly. Additionally, it is important to note that elderly people should not lock the bathroom door when using it. In case of emergencies, it is essential for family members to provide immediate assistance.
