I fell in the shower. What actually helps, and what is a waste of money?

Sorry that happened — the fright often lasts longer than any bruise.

What earns its money, roughly in order:

Grab bars, properly anchored into studs or with proper hollow-wall anchors. Not suction cups. Not the towel rail. One by the shower entry and one on the wall you actually reach for.

A non-slip surface in the tub or shower base. Cheap and effective.

Lighting. Most falls I get called about happen in poor light on a route someone has walked a thousand times. A motion-sensor nightlight between bed and bathroom is about twenty dollars.

A shower seat, if standing for a whole shower is tiring.

What I would not rush into: a full walk-in tub conversion. They are expensive, disruptive, and for most people the four items above solve the problem.

Also worth knowing: some plans include an annual allowance for safety equipment. Ask before you pay out of pocket.

Tom is right about the allowance — several Advantage plans in Ohio include an over-the-counter or home-safety benefit that people never use because nobody told them it existed. Check your plan's benefit summary under OTC or supplemental benefits.