To reduce the risk of slipping inside the tub, use either nonskid bath mats or bath strips.
Nonskid bath mats cover more of the tub floor surface than bath strips. And they’re available in colors, which can be very helpful to people with dementia. Many individuals have dementia-related depth perception problems and are afraid of either falling or drowning because they can’t make out where the tub floor is. A colorful bath mat, color contrasted to the tub walls, can help the person see the bathtub floor better.
To reduce the risk of slipping on a wet bathroom floor, you’ll need a bathmat that absorbs water from wet feet or splashes during the shower. As tile or vinyl floors can be cold and unpleasant to stand on, a bath mat also increases a person comfort level.
For outside the tub, use a mat with a non-slip latex backing to prevent the mat from slipping when stepped on. Cotton mats without backing should not be used as they can easily slide when walked on, causing a fall.
Bath mats left on the floor can also be a tripping hazard if they’re in the walkway, so it’s best to hang them on the side of the bathtub after each use.
