When KC was a toddler, we had to baby proof the house, putting little bumper guards on the corners of the furniture. We couldn't protect her from everything, but it gave us comfort to know that if she took a fall, having the bumper guards would prevent too serious a damage.
Recently, on a couple of occasions when I was making the bed I actually banged my leg on the corner and broke skin. I've noticed as I've gotten older than my skin is thinner and can be injured more easily.
After the second bruise on my leg Art took the extra bumper guards that our daughter, Tiffany had sent us a few years ago after KC was much more stable on her feet and attached them to the bed frame corners.
I'm finding myself tripping over nothing more often and bruising myself on things that would have never been a problem before.
Thank goodness Art installed grab bars in the showers and tubs because I have most certainly used them.
I really think that going to Zumba and Tai Chi have been good for my balance and confidence.
It's funny that sometimes, Tiffany's concerns and admonitions sound similar to how she speaks to KC. Oops! And I guess that's how I speak to my mother too.
At least mom hasn't needed any bumper guards in her rooms.
Recently, on a couple of occasions when I was making the bed I actually banged my leg on the corner and broke skin. I've noticed as I've gotten older than my skin is thinner and can be injured more easily.
I'm finding myself tripping over nothing more often and bruising myself on things that would have never been a problem before.
Thank goodness Art installed grab bars in the showers and tubs because I have most certainly used them.
I really think that going to Zumba and Tai Chi have been good for my balance and confidence.
It's funny that sometimes, Tiffany's concerns and admonitions sound similar to how she speaks to KC. Oops! And I guess that's how I speak to my mother too.
At least mom hasn't needed any bumper guards in her rooms.
My problem has been stubbing my toes, which leads to an infection, which leads to surgery and antibiotics. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good idea, I'm sorry you're bumping yourself though, thats not fun at all!
ReplyDeleteI've been doing the same thing for ages now. I can't blame it on being thin skinned, though. It's just clumsiness and not paying attention in my case. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point here Kay, as we get older we have to senior proof our homes. In fact they are now giving rebates for making such changes in our homes for seniors in Canada.
ReplyDeleteWell, I do feel your pain...literally. DJan said it--clumsiness and inattention, my problem as well, always has been. I could never comfortably watch slapstick comedy--too close to the bone.
ReplyDeletewhat a thoughtful hubby! we do lose some of our agility as we age and fear falling-time to slow down!
ReplyDeleteDavid bumps into everything. I suggested Bumper Guards but he rejected them. Sounds familiar? I have gates and guards in many places to keep the dogs at bay, and he thinks I am treating him like a dog. What a funny man. Your yellow flowers look beautiful in your header. The sun filtering through the petals makes them softer to my aging eye. Dianne
ReplyDeleteI totally understand fragile skin. Now days I judge a chore by how many band aids it takes to finish. I have had to add some soft corners in my kitchen. We do what we must.
ReplyDeleteMy brother baby-proofed everything when his son was born. It was hard to do anything in his house.
ReplyDeleteI can certainly identify with your situation. One of my projects this week is to rid the house of throw rugs.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea Kay. When I went through a spell of falling I had the same talkings-to from my son. Took me back I can tell you :)
ReplyDeleteYou make this so accessible. We have a raised-pebble type shower mat that helps. Arts pic of you is featured at my blog today :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Thank you, Cloudia! That's so very kind of you.
DeleteWhen I shower, I am always surprised at the bruises I find. I bump into walls and doors, and trip on stairs. My peripheral vision is poor since my second cataract surgery. You know I often walk with a cane to lean on, but I'm thinking lately I should wave it in front of me like a blind person's white cane, because I really had a bad fall on our last day in Italy last month.
ReplyDeleteBut I love the idea of baby bumper guards on furniture. Good for Art. It's true our skin gets thinner. My mother's skin got almost papery, so I might have that in my future.
K
You make me feel pretty normal, and I've taken several spills recently. I've learned, hopefully, to do one thing at a time. Do not walk, get out the keys and look over my shoulder to greet a friend--that brought me to my knees last winter.
ReplyDeleteBeing safe and smart. You will prevent yourself from visits to the doctor with these. I will keep them in mind. My jacuzzi is a disaster waiting to happen...and I am not sure what to do.
ReplyDeleteNo trouble bumping into things here, but I get all sorts of bruises on my hands and arms from doing things that years back didn't cause any problem at all. Have to stay aware that my skin is not what it used to be.
ReplyDeleteI am born a klutz. I hope it doesn't get much worse than how it's been. Fortunately, so far, no big major accidents. However, I did fall out of a tub from on top a ladder IN the tub and fortunately did not break my neck.
ReplyDeleteL...w
Whaaaat? I just read your comment to Art and his eyes got real big. That is so scary! If it were me I'd have at least broken my foot....again.
DeletePart of my daily exercise routine is working on balance. It has made a big difference in my stability. My biggest problem is bumping my hands, which can really hurt because of the arthritis.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't installed grab bars yet, but it may be just a matter of time.
I am visiting from Cloudia's blog. And all I can say is what a BRILLIANT idea. I constantly have bruises, nicks and scrapes from where I run into things. My shoulders are often bruised because the door jambs leap out at me. I will certainly investigate bumper guards - thank you.
ReplyDeleteHello!!! Thank you for your kind visit and lovely comment. Art also uses the bumper guards in the tool shed on the shelf edges where he's liable to bang his head.
DeleteYou are very witty! Pediatrics or geriatrics - the only difference is body mass!
ReplyDelete