The bathroom can be a scary place for adults as they age. Older adults slip and fall in the bathroom at a higher rate than any other room in the home. And, the fear of falling in the shower or while at the sink is a real worry for older adults that often adds another layer of stress on top of the already-challenging task of washing or bathing.
These fears are, unfortunately, well justified. One in three people over age 65 fall each year and most of these accidents happen in the bathroom. As aging-in-place builders and designers, we need to do everything we can to reduce the physical and emotional dangers an unsafe bathroom poses for the aging-in-place adult and find ways to prevent falls.
The bathroom flooring products you choose during your renovation are your first line of defense against avoidable accidents. There are many great flooring materials out there for aging-in-place as well as other flooring products you can add to your renovated bathroom to make the floor as slip-resistant as possible.
In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the best flooring products for the aging-in-place bathroom. Each one will help make the bathroom floor safer and empower your parent to confidently age in place.
Floor Mats
Floor mats are tricky in aging-in-place homes. The intention of adding a floor mat to the bathroom is to reduce slipping on a wet floor. However, use caution. By resolving one problem you don’t want to invite another by creating a tripping hazard. Aging-in-place floor mats need to be low-pile. A shag-style mat is not going to cut it. Also, make sure the mat you choose is slip-resistant with a rubber backing. When an older adult steps onto a bath mat, it should not move or slide forward.
These low-pile, low-profile floor mats will work well in your aging-in-place bathroom.
This is one of the best low-profile, non-slip bath mats I’ve found for aging-in-place. The mesh edges of the mat are nearly flush with the floor and slowly rise up to the low-pile fibers. The entire mat is waterproof and moisture-resistant, plus it’s non-slip and comfortable to stand on. At 35” X 23”, it’s a great size for right in front of your tub or shower, giving an older adult plenty of space to step out of the shower without risking a slip or fall.
It doesn’t get more low-profile than this bathroom floor mat set. And, that’s great when you’re creating the safest possible bathroom for aging-in-place. These mats have a thickness equal to laying a bath towel down on the floor, yet they’re made with high-quality cotton yarn so they’re still soft and comfortable. I like this style bath mat because there’s virtually nothing to trip over. They’re one of the safest mats you can buy for an older adult aging in place.
I’m always on the lookout for simple products that make floors safer in an aging-in-place home. This is one of those products that I take with me to every bathroom I renovate. This non-slip rug pad from Gorilla Grip keeps rugs in place, even woven cotton rugs with no backing like the towel mat I mentioned above. And, you can trim each pad to fit any size mat. These rug pads are simple, easy to use and budget-friendly – a must-have for any aging-in-place bathroom.
Floor Treads
I love floor treads for aging in place! You’re probably used to seeing floor treads in bathtubs. But, they can be laid on just about any floor in or out of the shower and are an effective and inexpensive way to add some instant safety to your aging-in-place bathroom.
Floor treads couldn’t be easier to install – you’re literally placing a non-slip sticker on your bathroom floor. They come in many different shapes and sizes so finding one that fits is pretty easy. And, many come in sheets that can be cut to fit the floor space you’re trying to cover.
Here are a few of the best floor treads I’ve found for my aging-in-place bathrooms.
This is one of my favorite floor treads. Most treads are thin and small, but this tread sheet is 6-inches by 12-inches so you can cover a good size area. I’ll place one in the center of the shower where an adult will most likely stand. I’ll also lay them in the higher-traffic sections of the bathroom floor, like in front of the shower or toilet. This tread is virtually invisible so you’ll barely notice it’s there while it’s helping to keep your bathroom floor much safer for your parent.
While these anti-slip tread strips are most commonly used on shower and tub floors, you can also add them to the bathroom floor to add more traction. You can use as many or as few strips as you’d like to cover an area. They’re incredibly customizable. I recommend placing several strips outside the entrance to the shower or tub. While you’ll likely have a bath mat in this location, these strips can act as a back-up plan should the mat get moved. I also suggest placing them at the entrance to the bathroom just inside the door, and in front of the sink and toilet at a minimum.
Shower and Tub Mats
Don’t forget the shower and tub floor when you’re planning for bathroom floor safety. Of those accidents that happen in the bathroom, slips and falls inside the shower or while getting in or out are the most common culprits of serious aging-in-place injuries.
Improving traction on the shower and tub floor is critical to safe bathing. Here are my recommendations for the best bath mats to consider to make the shower floor as safe as possible.
This slip-resistant bath mat is made to fit a standard bathtub. It’s made with quality plastic that’s mildew-resistant. Cheap bath mats can harbor mold and mildew and you’ll end up creating a health issue nearly as dangerous as the one you’re trying to prevent. This tub mat from Pebbles will keep your parent safe and healthy.
Another great product from Gorilla Grip is this over-sized bath mat. Most other bath mats only cover about three-quarters of the tub. Gorilla Grip’s mat is 35-inches long, covering the entire tub floor and reducing the chance of a fall. Even beyond the size, this mat pretty much has it all. It’s anti-bacterial, mildew-resistant, and machine washable.
This mat is similar to the Pebbles tub mat above but shaped for a stand-up square shower stall. The mat is made with durable plastic and can be trimmed to fit a small shower if needed. I like this mat because it’s made to sit right over the top of the shower drain. Since shower stalls typically place the drain right in the middle of the shower where a person stands, the bath mat also serves a dual purpose of keeping an older adult’s feet up off of the drain and much more comfortable.
Pro Tip: If you’re going to place a quality bath mat in your shower or tub – which I highly recommend you do – your parent should not use a bath oil of any kind in the shower. Soap and body wash only. The oil will leave a residue on the bath mat that can build up, creating a very slippery surface. And, even without a bath mat, avoid oils altogether. The risk of slipping is just too high.
Time to Get Started
The threat of a slip or fall in the bathroom is a scary reality for adults as they age. Luckily, there are a lot of preemptive strikes we can take to protect our loved ones. This weekend, make it your DIY project goal to add these flooring products to your aging-in-place bathroom. In just a day or two, you’ll improve the safety of the bathroom and reduce the likelihood of your parent slipping or falling.
As always, use the comments section below to send me your questions throughout the flooring upgrade. And, good luck with your next aging-in-place home project.
