Falling in the shower is a terrifying prospect for many, especially the elderly, due to the risk of serious injuries and fractures. The German «Safe Home» initiative suggests several simple aids to prevent such accidents. One of the primary aids is a shower seat, which is particularly suitable for people with balance issues, as showering while seated is much easier for them. If the shower space is too small to comfortably fit a seat, it is better to use a foldable seat that is permanently mounted on the wall. Another aid are grab bars for the shower or bathtub. It is important to ensure that suction-cup-mounted grab bars have a safety indicator or warning button. These indicators signal a weak suction, which means the bar needs to be detached and reattached. Another aid are non-slip adhesive stickers for the bathtub. These serve as an alternative to non-slip mats, under which brown algae (mold) can form. It is also important to use colored adhesive dots to mark the start and end of the bathtub.
How to Prevent Falls in the Shower: Simple Safety Aids
The German «Safe Home» initiative offers simple aids to prevent dangerous falls in the shower: special seats, grab bars, and non-slip stickers to make your bathroom safer.