Slips and falls are common among the elderly. Given this fact, people should be proactive in preventing these accidents. A good example is placing non slip mats in the shower to secure footing. Several of these products are available in the market with different materials, designs, and prices. Below are some of the things to look out for when buying these mats:
Ample Size
The mats should provide adequate floor coverage. Most of them are either squares or rectangles. You will need to measure the length and width of the shower floor to have specific numbers to aim for. As much as possible, aim to get full coverage with just as single mat. If the floor is quite large, then you might opt for the mats that come as interlocking tiles.
Anti-bacterial Surface
Bacteria thrives in dark and moist environments which is exactly what showers are. This is why tubs and tiles can smell bad after a while without treatment. Mats are just as vulnerable since they are usually left on the floor all day, every day. Stepping on surfaces that are filled with germs is not a good idea, especially for those who have open wounds. Look for products that have anti-bacterial surfaces to reduce the danger.
Machine Washable
Of course, these will still need to get cleaned from time to time. Check whether the products are machine washable or not. This could save a lot of time and effort. If you had to clean it manually, then read the care instructions to see the recommended process. Some might need more work than others.
Durable Material
Check the reviews to see comments on the durability of the mat. The last thing you want is to see tears and cracks after normal use.
Excellent Grip
Some materials offer more traction than others. Consider both sides. The top should make it easy to stand without slipping. There should be adequate drainage to prevent wet spots on the surface. The bottom should have excellent grip to prevent it from moving around despite the presence of soapy water.
Appearance
Although the primary goal is safety, many will still want to get an item that looks good in their home. The color should not stick out like a sore thumb. For example, The contrast between gray marble tiles on the walls and bright yellow non slip mats on the floor may be too much for some.
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