Bathroom Safety Guides for Seniors and the Elderly

modified bathroom showing many of the bathroom safety products for elderly and seniorsThe bathroom is often the first place you might discover you need a little help.

It’s also a need you probably don’t want to discuss with friends or family.

But, when it comes to your safety at home, you should focus on your bathroom setup. Make sure even the slightest chance of falling is eliminated.

In research conducted by the CDC, if you are between the ages of 65 and 85, you have double the risk of getting an injury in the bathroom than the average Joe. After age 85, you are more than likely than not to have an injury in the bathroom.

But, there are many steps you can take to improve your safety in the bathroom.

  1. The first step is to think – honestly – about where you struggle the most in the bathroom. Is bathing difficult for you? Do you have trouble getting up and down from the toilet?
  2. Research tips and products that help seniors and the elderly with bathing and toileting. I have several guides on different pieces of bathroom safety equipment below.
  3. Discuss your situation with your doctor. I also suggest discussing it with a close family member or friend as well.
  4. After you have input from trusted loved ones and professionals, take action and get the safety products you need.  Some insurances will cover these at no cost to you. Sometimes, you have to buy them on your own.

Where Should You Start?

If you want to get a general overview of your options, I recommend you start with these two guides:

Or, scroll down to read my other bathroom safety guides. These include guides to showering more safely, bathtub safety products, and devices that make toileting easier.

I hope you find these guides helpful. If you have any questions about what you read, please leave a comment at the end of the guide.

Scott Grant ATP

Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS

shower chair next to the tub in a clean white bathroom

The Best Shower Chairs for Elderly (Stay Seated for Safer Showers)

Shower chairs, aka bath seats or shower seats, are important products for reducing falls in the tub and shower because they give you a place to sit while showering. Look for a shower chair with a back and arms for support, adjustable height legs, and that dries quickly. Here are the best shower chairs based on my experience.

the best bathtub lifts for seniors increase independence while bathing

The Best Bathtub Lifts for Seniors (Who Just Want a Good Hot Bath!)

Bathtub lifts, aka bath lifts, tub lifts, or bath lift chairs, are battery-powered devices that lower you into your tub and raise you out again. The best bath lifts for seniors are rustproof, with floating hand controls, safety lockouts, suction cupped feet for stability, and transfer flaps.

best shower transfer bench

The 5 Best Shower and Bathtub Transfer Benches for Elderly People (for Safer Bathing)

Shower transfer benches, aka shower benches and tub transfer benches, help you get in and out of the tub easier because you don’t have to step over the tub wall. Instead, you sit on the bench outside the tub, then scoot or slide into the shower area. The best bath transfer benches have sliding bath seats with arms and backrests for support and safety.

shower options for the disabled

5 Shower Options for the Disabled and Elderly

There are lots of shower options for the disabled and elderly who need bathing help. Bed baths and shower chairs can help without remodeling. But, sometimes, renovating an existing bathroom is necessary.

bath mat and bath slippers next to a bath tub

The Best Non-Slip Bath Mats for Elderly People (And The Shower Too!)

Look for a bath mat that securely sticks to the tub surface, has a textured surface to reduce slipping, drains well, fits your tub or shower, and is antibacterial and machine washable for easy cleaning. Even better, choose a mat that also is BPA-free! Avoid soft, fabric mats and any bathroom rugs.

elderly woman getting up from her tall toilet

Ultimate Guide to Tall Toilets for the Elderly (Plus 6 Cheaper and Easier Alternatives)

Tall toilets have seats that are 16″ to 20″ from the floor to help elderly people get off the toilet easier. Before buying a new toilet, know how much space you have, how tall you need it to be, what style of bowl you prefer, the flushing system needed, and what your price range is.
Some easier and cheaper options to replacing a toilet are using elevated toilet seats, installing a riser under your existing toilet, using a toilet safety frame, putting a commode chair over the toilet, or even using a powered toilet lift.