The Perfect Non Slip Floor Mat for Elderly Individuals
What makes a good non slip floor mat for elderly people? First, actually being a nonslip. Second, it needs dry easily from all the moisture that collects on it. Lastly, a non slip floor mat needs to be aesthetically pleasing and fit the design and decor of your bathroom. No one wants their bathroom to look like a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Get a nice non slip mat and prevent a fall for your loved one.
What Makes a Non Slip Floor Mat for Elderly Good or Bad?
Some of the best non slip floor mats for seniors are made out of natural rubber material. Important to realize while others may look more aesthetic a rubber mat is perfect for the shower and bathtubs. I recommend getting a mat that includes texture to prevent slipping. The most common mats on the market that are designed for the elderly are made from rubber or PVC and are simple to clean. Rubber is naturally slip-resistant. As a result, the most popular nonslip mats for seniors are made of rubber. A rubber floor mat comes in many colors and designs. Alternatively, consider silicone, clear or colored vinyl, or even bamboo.
The perfect nonslip mat is large enough to fit the area adjacent to the bathtub or shower area. Mats designed to go into the shower are also available. Choose a design that maximizes the floor space giving the senior the most protection from falls.
Non Slip Mats Prevent Falls
The number one thing for seniors to avoid is falling. A nonslip floor mat gives seniors stability in the bathroom. Coupled with grab bars placed in strategic locations. The potential risks associated with the bathroom get reduced drastically. Under these preventive circumstances, an older adult has the best chance to avoid a nasty fall. Ultimately, a fall in the bathroom causes many injuries. Unfortunately, seniors that fall in a bathroom are more likely to break a hip, sustain a serious head injury, or worse die.
According to the CDC, 80% of falls occur in the bathroom. However, protection is available in the form of senior bathroom aids designed to reduce falls and increase senior safety. Therefore, family caregivers helping a loved one need to take every precaution possible. Especially if their loved one has a history of poor balance or falls. Many people do not have the best non slip bathroom flooring for seniors and mats become essential for reducing fall risk.
Non Slip Floor MatsDon’tAbsorb Water
The best non slip mat for elderly seniors do not absorb water. Keeping the mat and area adjacent to it dry is important. Other types of mats capture large amounts of water. This keeps them moist and develops bacteria and mold. Avoid this with a solid rubber mat. Use a towel to dry the mat. A family caregiver needs to check the mat daily for excessive moisture and dry off as needed. Do not let water puddle under the mat for extended periods of time. It’s appealing to use a mat that absorbs water to avoid this. However, be cautious as those are the mats most likely to lead to a fall in the bathroom.
How Do Non Slip Floor Mats Work?
Nonslip floor mats for older adults work by providing traction. In effect, a non slip mat reduces slippery surfaces. Replacing a slick floor tile with a pvc or rubber mat that does not move improves stability. Too often seniors have traditional soft material bath mats. These types feel good on the feet, but slip on the floor too often when force is applied. A person transitioning in and out of a bathtub easily moves a mat an inch or two. An able-bodied adult can handle this transition. An older adult, however, does not have the balance and strength to adjust. This failure leads to a fall. On the positive side, the solution is simple. Get a quality rubber non slip floor mat for seniors and place one in the bathtub or shower area and one right outside it.
