A recent article in The Wall Street Journal explores the onset of balance issues and statistics related to balance and falls. Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury for people over 65. Still, adults can first notice signs of balance problems as early as their 30s, signs such as relying on handrails and other aids for balance, especially in the bathroom.

We encourage those with limited balance to consider going to a physical therapist and doing balance improvement exercises on a consistent basis. It is also important to protect yourself against injury by employing simple aids to help keep you on your feet. Falls, especially at an advanced age, can send someone to the hospital and result in a long recovery that will further complicate balance problems.

Practice balance safety in the shower

Taking a shower can be especially difficult, as the shower floor is often too slippery for those with balance issues, not to mention the fact that you often have to surmount a sizable barrier just to get into the shower.

Create manageable steps

Bathtub Steps

Instead of attempting to climb over your shower barrier, consider acquiring one or more Bathtub Steps. A Bathtub Step gives you a four-inch boost for going over those high shower barriers and features a textured rubber surface to provide traction. Stack two more together for an extra boost of two more inches. This will give you graduated steps as seen in the graphic below.

Tackle slippery surfaces with tread

Tub and Stair Safety Treads

Speaking of traction, you can overcome slippery, dangerous surfaces in your home with the Tub and Stair Safety Treads. These strips of tread are mildew-resistant and therefore perfect for the shower, but they can also be applied to just about anywhere you can step on, from ladders to stools.

Clean feet without bending

Soapy Soles Elite Foot Cleaner and Massager

Another risk for falling in the shower is bending over and straining to clean hard-to-reach areas of the body. While bends and stretches make for good exercises, the shower may not be the safest place for attempting them. The Soapy Soles Elite sticks right on the shower floor and cleans, massages and stimulates your feet and toes through its three types of brushes. You’ll love to immerse your feet in bristles of relief and comfort. As Martha from Hawaii says, “The foot cleaner I previously had was too rough on the feet–it had bristles that were too scratchy, but this one is just right and feels great.”

Stay on your feet and enjoy the simplicity and assurance these balance aids will offer you.