Which is the best non slip shower mat for seniors, the elderly, or the disabled? Read our guide to find out
According to the National Institute of Aging (NIA), about 30 percent of seniors slip and fall in the bathroom every month while attempting to shower. The causes of the falls vary but the majority are due to the unforgiving and slippery surfaces of the bathroom.
As a caregiver, it is important to teach seniors how to get in and out of tubs and showers properly. Apart from this, the home should be equipped with the necessary safety precautions that can reduce senior falls.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1.6 million older adults seek emergency care every year for head trauma, fractures, and other fall-related injuries. The elderly are already weak and those that fall and break a hip are more likely to lose their independence. Even worse, seniors over 65 that fall and break a hip are more likely to die.
There are many reasons why the elderly are more likely to fall at home. Examples include balance issues resulting from thyroid conditions, heart disease, diabetes, and use of various medications. Moreover, most seniors have failing eyesight and their reflexes are not as sharp as they previously were in their younger years.
Young people may not see the value of having a non-slip shower mat. However, for seniors, shower mats are essential for preventing bathroom accidents.
If you are a caregiver or an elderly person, here are the best anti-slip shower mats that you need to prevent accidents in the shower.
Best Anti Slip Shower Rugs for Seniors & the Elderly
To come up with this list of the best non slip shower mats for elderly citizens, we bought and tested various mats from different manufacturers. We also scoured the internet for reviews and experience of other customers with the mats.
From our research, any of these five mats will help to reduce accidental bathroom slips.
Let’s get to the list.
Best Non-Slip Shower Mats for Seniors
If you are short on time, watch this video on best non-slip shower mats for seniors.
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1. Vdomus Non-Slip Microfiber Bathroom Mat
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As the name suggests, the Vdomus nonslip bathroom mat stays in place in the shower. The mat does not slip, even when the bathroom floor is full of soapy water. This makes it an excellent rug for preventing bathroom slips.
The anti-slip mat is a soft rug that is comfortable on the feet. Considering how soft and fragile seniors’ feet are, this mat is a must-have accessory in the bathroom.
Feature at a Glance
- Comes in multiple colors. Get your elderly family member the rug in the color he/she prefers
- Machine washable
- The soft rug makes it excellent for both seniors and children
- Dries quickly after use
- Designed with anti-skid backing that is crucial to preventing seniors and children from sliding in the bathroom.
What to Be Aware Of
- The rug is quite small; just enough for one person to step on when showering
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2. Gorilla Grip Rectangle Non-Slip Bath Mat
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If you don’t prefer a thick, shag-inspired mat, get the Gorilla Grip Non-Slip Bath Mat. This is a simple nonslip option infused with anti-bacterial properties.
The non-slip shower mat for the elderly features small holes throughout, which allow water to circulate safely. The design also makes it impossible for algae, mold or bacteria to accumulate and grow on the mat.
Features at a Glance
- Comes in multiple colors to choose from
- Machine washable
- Sold with a 10-year moneyback guarantee
- Made of non-toxic materials and has no toxic smell
- Made of BPA-, latex- and phthalate-free material
- Has antibacterial properties that prevent mildew
- Has holes all over to allow free flow of water
- It’s quite large (35” x 16”)
- The non-slip design ensures that the matter stays firm on the bathroom floor
What to Be Aware Of
- It does not stick very well when used as a layer covering for bath tabs
- Not suitable for textured or tiled surfaces
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3. Vive Square Non-Slip Bath Mat
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For a stylish non slip bath mat for seniors, check out the Vive Square Bath Mat. This shower mat has a center drain hole for draining away the water that usually piles on the surface of the mat after use.
The stylish bath mat has functional suction cups that provide a tight and foolproof grip. Therefore, you can be sure that it won’t slip or slide in the bathroom.
The Vive Square bath math is large and has a textured surface that prevents lips. Moreover, the shower mat material has antibacterial properties.
The large shower mat for the elderly and seniors is made from latex-free material.
Features at a Glance
- Sold with a 60-day moneyback guarantee
- Features a stylish design
- Made from latex-free material, which is important for seniors who are allergic to latex
- Has a 6” center drainage hole that prevents water from pooling
- Has a 22” x 22” textured surface that ensures stability while showering
- The material has antibacterial properties, which helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew
- Does not slip, even when wet, thanks to the 116 suction cups that hold it in place
What to Be Aware Of
- It is quite small in size and, therefore, can only be used by one person at a time
- The mat gets stained easily if not washed regularly
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4. Epica Anti Slip Bath Mat
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It’s not easy to find simple bath mats that are made of rubber, are easy to clean, and do not slide on surfaces. However, these are the qualities that define the best shower mats for the elderly.
Fortunately, the Epica Anti Slip Bath Mat has all these qualities-. The material used to make the shower mat has antibacterial properties and is durable. The shower mat is also comfortable to step on and does not slide.
Features at a Glance
- Does not allow soap build-up
- Made of natural rubber that is comfortable to the feet
- Super sturdy construction that ensures the mat will last for years
- The material has antibacterial properties that prevent mildew from growing
- It is machine washable
- Has anti-slip properties
What to Be Aware Of
This is an excellent bath mat for seniors. We didn’t find anything worth being cautious about with the mat.
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5. Mainstays Non-Slip Bath Tub Mat
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Also making it on our list of the best non slip shower mats for seniors is the Mainstays Non-Slip Bath Mat.
This plain and simple mat does the job right, thanks to the suction that holds it firmly on the floor. The shower mat looks great and does not slip.
Features at a Glance
- Machine washable
- It is PVC-free and, therefore, does not produce bad odor
- Nontoxic and latex-free
- Stylish design
- Easy to clean
- The material has antibacterial properties that prevent mildew
- Has anti-slip design with strong suction
What to Be Aware Of
- It can get stained when not washed regularly
- Not suitable for tile, textured tub, and other non-smooth surfaces
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What is a Shower or Bath Mat?
A bath rug or a shower mat is a bathroom accessory that is typically made of rubber, wool or shag. This accessory is usually recommended for homes with seniors or disabled to prevent them from slipping in the shower or around the bathroom. The mats also help to protect naked feet from extreme heat or cold.
Some people prefer buying shower mats because they simply look cool in the bathroom. For others, they are simply decorative items that are meant to enhance the appearance of the bathroom.
However, for elderly people, shower mats or rugs are important for preventing accidental slips and falls. The mats are usually placed where the senior’s feet lay on the bathroom when showering. They can also be placed where the senior steps upon when getting out of the tub.
Why Buy an Anti-Slip Shower Mat for Seniors?
Any shower rug can make the bathroom look beautiful. However, if you are looking to buy a shower mat for a senior, not just any of them would be ideal.
Seniors need shower mats with suction cups, which will stay in place even when the bathroom floor is wet. These anti-slip shower mats prevent the elderly from falling when exiting the toilet or taking a bath.
Most elderly have balance issues and are at risk of falling on wet surfaces. In the home, these wet areas are usually in the bathroom and toilet. You can put anti-slip rugs in these areas to prevent accidental falls.
Tips for Buying Bath Rugs for Seniors
When looking to buy a bath mat for seniors, there are some important features you want. These include:
Anti- Slip Resistant
The best shower mats for seniors have anti-slip properties. This is important since many seniors have balance or disability issues.
Here is how you can quickly determine whether a bath mat is non-slip:
- The mat or rug should have many suction cups underneath
- The mat or rug should have a patterned design that will obstruct the otherwise smooth nature of the mat top
All the shower mats we have listed above have anti-slip properties.
Easy to Clean
Check that the mat is easy to clean. The last thing you want is for your elderly loved one to spend time cleaning the mat.
Most people prefer machine-washed mats since they won’t have to do any manual cleaning.
Comfortable Texture
Seniors can be fragile and their feet may be sensitive. Therefore, you want a mat with a comfortable texture. The mat should not tickle the bottom of the feet.
Moreover, the shower mat should be hard enough to last and perform the function you bought it for.
Anti-Bacterial Property
The bath mat or rugs should be made of materials that have anti-bacterial properties. This is important to prevent the formation of mildew or algae, which can lead to various illnesses.
You can also wash the rug after every use to prevent bacteria from forming.
Fast Drying
Bath mats are supposed to prevent you from slipping in the bathroom. However, to do this effectively, they need to dry fast.
Rubber-made mats dry fast since the material does not retain water. However, if you are going for a shag mat, check reviews from other customers to find out how quickly it dries.
The above are the best nonslip bathroom mats for seniors.
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I am a senior citizen and disabled. Do you have any recommendations for non skid solutions for tiled shower stalls? Nothing I have found adheres to the tile floor, whether it is wet or dry. Thank you.
Hi Robert, you’d probably want a shower mat with suction cups. The Gorilla Grip Bath & Shower Mat is one such option.