falling in the bathroom

Cariad Again, I sit on a comfortable plastic shower chair to shower and had the slide rail moved down to where I can make the water colder or hotter or switch off from my sitting position. You can get stuff for filling in the holes in the tiles alternatively Polyfiller works well enough

Just checked out that Hitslam range of showermats and thought "There's a style there that should fit in with my modern Scandinavian type taste - and it's got good reviews by some German customers" and just ordered it. Thanks...

I shall be watching this with interest - in order not to have any falls in the first place.

Defo with you on what the look of my bathroom is like - ie I only want the type of stuff in it that anyone/everyone would have (ie by choice). So modern/plain/Scandinavian type style - generally very stylish is my taste.

Since I actually lived in Denmark (decades ago now) I decided at that time that I wanted both a bath and a separate shower and, if there was only room for one, then the priority would be to have a shower. So as my house only has one (small) bathroom my house renovation here included removing the awful bath with unmatching shower thing over it and replacing it with a modern size shower cubicle (ie large).

But I am wondering re what to grip onto - given the darn workmen that did the bathroom put the shower slide rail too high for me - even though I was here throughout and so they could see I'm short - and so I can't grasp onto that. Have been managing since with the way the bathroom window is in the shower (as my double size shower goes right across that wall) - and so I grip the windowledge.

But yep...shower floors can get slippy - especially if using one of those moisturising creamy type soaps.

Ideal solution for me would be the sauna room I've wanted ever since living in Denmark - with a shower in it. Then I could just do my feet by sitting on one of the slatted benches. Don't know if that sparks any ideas in anyone's head on that front....?

I bought my dad a little mobile phone, it only stores 3 emergency numbers, on the back has an sos button that calls the police. I put it on a lanyard for him- luckily he never needed it

These are my five recommendations:
• INSTALL grab bars at differing heights to help you get in/out of the tub and stepping in/out of the shower. Do NOT rely on suction cup grab bars. Dangerous because you exert a lot of weight on them.
• install a comfort rise toilet - they come in varying heights 3 to 6 inches. This is a life changer! Extender toilet seats are ugly and unsanitary, but useful if you need to go that route.
• they say the number one reason seniors trip is throw rugs, scatter rugs on their he floor. Get rid of them as you can tangle your feet and misstep. A shower mat to me is one you put IN the shower or tub to stand on while bathing to prevent slipping. You can find a non-skid mat or rug for the floor (then put it away so you don’t trip on it.
• always bring your phone into the bathroom with you, or get an ALEXA (that was a really good idea!) or wear a Life Alert bracelet or around neck.
• don’t use any step stools to reach for things.

I am fearful of falling after breaking a vertebra in a badminton game.
The bathroom is a minefield isn't it.
I have non slip rubber mats in the shower, rails and a non slip surface on the bathroom floor.
There are loads of great suggestions for you here, but I would add that doing the Age UK Falls Prevention course was the best thing I did.
Things may have changed since I did it, but I referred myself ( I am sure your doctor could refer you) and turned up to each of the 12 weekly classes. There were people there who couldn't drive and I seem to remember that they had transport provided,
All the very best to you.

Ask your GP to refer you to Occupational Therapy, they can assess your need for mobility aids in the home, I think. Or should know who to ask. I was given a second hand rail for our staircase, and various other grabbing handles. I’d had a couple of falls by this stage. I was also referred to the Falls Clinic, nothing much came of that.

They can’t force you to accept equipment you don’t want, incidentally!

V3ra

Grannysara in the extra-care apartments where my Dad lives the bathroom doors all open outwards 👍

Yeah my partner has epilepsy and I made all bathrooms etc have outward opening doors, or concertina ones.

granshe

When I had my knees done my DH fixed chrome bars wherever I suggested. When we go on holiday we always take a couple of removable grab handles and a non slip shower mat.

I would't trust those suction ones. Especially when you're away and have no idea how well the tiles are stuck onto the wall.

My neighbour kept tripping up and broke her arm one time. Was referred to an exercise class for gentle exercise to improve her balance. Loved doing the class and made friends. Carried on doing another class. Hasn't had any falls since.
I sometimes find removing clothing standing on one leg taking trousers off makes me wobble. Should sit and protect myself.

Grannysara in the extra-care apartments where my Dad lives the bathroom doors all open outwards 👍

HITSLAM Shower mat Non Slip, 120x40 CM Non Slip Bath Mat with Drain, Soft PVC Loofah Shower Bath Mat for Tub, Quick Drying Shower Mat for Bathroom, Beige amzn.eu/d/7Z6ZIwM

I bought this shower mat for Dad and his care team are really impressed with it!
It comes in different sizes and colours.
We hang it over one of his grab rails to dry.

Several years ago my Mum had a fall in the shower at home and was admitted to hospital. Nothing broken but she was badly bruised.
There was no shower mat in place.
She ended up being kept in for six weeks. Adult social services were involved (quite rightly so) and the hospital refused to discharge her until she agreed to accept a carer at home, which she and Dad didn't want.
The social worker told me that as I had power of attorney I could overrule them!

Just something to ponder on... 🤔

My late husband fell in the bathroom and was trapped behind the door, I had to call an ambulance. They managed to push him away from the door so they could get in and pick him up. It was so stressful as he had stage 4 cancer and was so ill, sadly he died a few days later.

When I had the bathroom redone the following year I had the bathroom door rehung so that it opened out onto the landing. Along with having a shower installed instead of a bath it has made my life feel much safer. At least if I ever fall I will never be trapped in the bathroom.

crazyH

If you call Age Concern, someone will come out to assess your house. They will then send Care and Repair to sort the problems out. I have had a non-slip handle on the side of my shower cubicle, an easy-lock system on my back door, they have raised my sofa, which was too low. Get in touch with them. They are kind and helpful.

Yes, exactly this !

Why are people against non slip shower mats? I wouldn’t be without mine and even take a small one with me when I go on holiday. They are machine washable and cheap to replace.

I also have a non slip bath mat to step on to which looks like a rug - the colour matches my tiles. It’s also machine washable and as my shower room is large, with the same flooring you get in a wet room, it gives it a cosy look.

Always better to be safe than sorry.

How do you wash the soles of your feet with these shower slippers on?

I don’t like bath mats either. I prefer to stand on a flannel. Always take one to use if I’m away from home. Top tip!

What the bathroom looks like is far less important than your safety Due to two strokes in my twenties and thirties I have a grab rail in the shower and beside the toilet I use a non slip rubber mat in the shower no bath mat on the floor I recently took up swimming and purchased some water shoes for that I have since used when showering as they have good grip Have you been investigated for the cause of your fall? Get an Ot assessment for expert advice

I’ve anti slip laminate flooring in my bathroom this was recommended to us by the company we bought our wet wall panels from. It’s great and my DGD haven’t slipped even when they’ve splashed water everywhere

If you have a shower you can get a chair/stool to sit on, it’s safer than standing

The suggestion by Doodle to get an emergency pendant is a good idea.I live alone and have a necklace pendant. I test it once a month to be certain it is working properly.You can the same but as a bracelet.That didn't suit me as think it could easily be set off accidentally. I wear mine in the shower also.

I know how you feel. I fell , twice and cut my leg on the corner of the sink unit . My Neuro physio said that I’d have to get one of those baths with a door things . No thank you . I took out a small bank loan and had the bathroom completely refurbished with a rainforest shower in a large cubicle -( large because there’s no there no bath) - and safety rails. It looks very chic and is a pleasure to use - nothing like the hospital/ disability ones and I feel safe in it … always assuming that I can have a turn in it when the grandchildren aren’t luxuriating in it!

I did slip in the shower a few weeks ago, managed to save myself and did consider buying a shower mat but I held off as I really don't like them at all, they look dreadful. This post has reminded me, I really will have to go and buy one, needs must!

When I had my knees done my DH fixed chrome bars wherever I suggested. When we go on holiday we always take a couple of removable grab handles and a non slip shower mat.

Your stride works well for us. It is a watch with a panic button which alerts the people in control. They speak to you through the watch and will also call a relative or an ambulance. It really does work.