Safe bath mats are an essential bathroom addition, especially for aging adults. This article will discuss what makes a bath mat safe and what to avoid for your mom or dad.
Is There a Safer Bath Mat Out There for my Aging Mom?
Answer – Yes.
Yes, there are bath mats out there that are safer than others. Some traditional bath mats increase fall risk because they're bulky and are likely to slide or flip up. Removing these types of mats from your older adult’s bathroom is essential. But splashes and drips from bathing make the floor wet and slippery, increasing fall risk.
Solution: Safer Bath Mats
A good solution is to use a low-profile, non-skid mat to soak up water on the floor during bathing. We like this inexpensive, low-profile, non-skid mat. It’s a kitchen mat, but it has a soft feel and does a great job keeping the bathroom floor dry.
Using kitchen mats or indoor doormats as a bath mat might seem strange, but they're much safer than a traditional bath mat. Ultra-thin mats with fully rubberized backings stick securely to the floor. Because they’re so thin, they’re less likely to flip up at the edges and cause your mom to trip. They're also easier to glide over with a walker.
Although these mats are more expensive than traditional bath mats, the small investment is well worth it to prevent a devastating fall.
DailyCaring tip: For even greater safety, only put the mat out during bath time. When your older adult is finished bathing, drape the mat over the side of the tub or shower door. This keeps it off the floor, so there's no chance of tripping.
A few more mats we like
For more color and price options, search websites like Amazon.com or Bed Bath & Beyond for non-skid, low-profile, or microfiber mats.
Here are a few more we liked:
- Soft Impressions Dogwood Leaf Low-Profile Mat, 2 by 3-Feet
- Soft Impressions Wisteria Low-Profile Mat, 2 by 3-Feet
- Microfibre Low Profile Vine 2-Foot x 3-Foot Mat
You might also like:
— 4 Simple Bathroom Safety Tips for Seniors
— Home Safety for Seniors: 10 Quick Fixes for Bathroom, Bedroom, and Kitchen
— Seniors Get Up From a Fall More Easily Using Creative Tips [Video]
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About the Author
Connie Chow
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
