The world’s ageing population continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, with life expectancy increasing as morality decreases. Whilst living longer is clearly a positive thing, the number of people living with chronic illness or disability is also rising.
At Trojan, we believe a bathroom should be a safe and relaxing space for every body which is why we created Bathe Easy, our specialised range of low-threshold and powered traverse seat baths, designed for independent living.
Below, in the second of our series of articles focusing on the latest health news, we explore mobility figures in the UK, in particular those related to paralysis and spinal injuries.
According to spinal-research.org, the UK’s leading charity for spinal injury research, more than 50,000 people in the UK and Ireland are currently living with paralysis due to spinal cord injury.
Recently published data by the NHS, shows that the stereotypical view of a person with a spinal cord injury has changed from a younger male involved in road accidents, to older people who have sustained injury through falls in the home and those suffering from illness that has left them paralysed, such as a stroke.
According to Brain Research UK, there are currently 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK. Whilst almost two thirds of strokes occur in the older generations, figures from Public Health England also found 38% of first-time strokes happen in middle-aged adults. The Stroke Association’s latest State of the Nation report reveals that in the UK almost 65% of stroke survivors leave hospital with a disability, with around three quarters of stroke survivors experiencing arm or leg weakness.
As paralysis is not always permanent, rehabilitation is essential; this may be through a rehab centre, electrical stimulation or hydrotherapy. It is important that homes are modified or equipped with devices that are safe and easy to use, allowing people with disabilities to live their lives as normally and as comfortably as possible.
A bath can offer escape from the pressures of adjusting to a new way of life – therefore the right bath can have a very positive impact. Warm water helps reduce tension in the body while also stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Submersion in water also decreases your body weight by up to 90%, making it easier for patients to move without placing stress on their joints.
From Style, our walk-in shower bath with full width-fold down seat, to Liberty our power seat bath with integral lift allowing gentle lifting in and out of the bath, Bathe Easy provides a safe, and independent bathing environment.
Why not speak to us today and find out more about our Bathe Easy range. Call us on 01484 648181 or email marketing@trojan-plastics.co.uk
Sources:
- https://www.spinal-research.org/
- https://www.stroke.org.uk/resources/state-nation-stroke-statistics
- https://www.brainresearchuk.org.uk/neurological-conditions/stroke
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-figures-show-larger-proportion-of-strokes-in-the-middle-aged
- https://www.physio2go.co.uk/exercise-in-water-and-hydrotherapy/
