[Last updated April 30, 2025]
The bathroom can be a hazardous room in the home for older adults, often posing a risk for falling due to wet, slippery conditions and hard surfaces. Fortunately, bath and shower aids can help make the bathroom safer. Here, we offer practical solutions for senior bathroom safety, giving older adults and their loved ones greater peace of mind.
Common bathroom hazards for seniors
The bathroom presents several unique risks for seniors, such as slippery floors and surfaces, low toilet seats, high-sided tubs, limited space, and other hazardous issues.
Identifying these hazards is the first step toward creating a safer bathroom environment. If you think your or your loved one’s bathroom might be a risky room, performing a home safety assessment can help spot specific risks that might not be immediately obvious. Once you’re ready to make the bathroom safe, you can target specific aspects of the bathroom and add aids or products that will help you reach your safety goal. Below are several products that can help increase bathroom safety for seniors.
*Prices accurate at time of publishing.
Slip-resistant flooring options
You can’t completely prevent all slips and falls, but some helpful products and aids can go a long way in making the floors slip-resistant. We have two budget-friendly options to help your shower or tub floor and bathroom floor become more senior-friendly:
Gorilla Grip Bathtub Shower Mat ($27.99): This 35″ × 16″ shower mat has hundreds of tiny suction cups that hold it in place, and its pebbled, textured surface helps prevent slipping. The mat is also machine washable, so it’s easy to keep clean.
Always ensure bath mats have a nonslip backing and are secured firmly to the floor. Place mats strategically at tub exits, in front of toilets, and by sinks where water splashing is common.
Anti-Slip Shower Stickers ($13.99): These self-adhesive stickers can be applied to your shower floor to help the surface feel less slippery. They come in various colors and have an application tool that makes installation easy.
If you have a larger budget and want to create a more permanent solution, consider replacing the flooring throughout the bathroom. Here are a few materials that have slip-resistant qualities:
- Textured vinyl flooring with slip-resistant properties.
- Ceramic tiles with textured finishes and smaller grout lines.
- Cork flooring, which provides natural slip resistance and cushioning.
Grab bar installation and placement
Grab bars and handrails help people remain steady during transitions, such as stepping in and out of the tub or getting on and off the toilet. They allow the user to support their bodies in standing and also help maintain balance. We offer some options that may require installation help, depending on the tools you have. The other options are easy to install but still offer safety and peace of mind.
Moen Home Care 24-Inch Grab Bar ($28.98-$29.75): This ADA-compliant grab bar supports up to 500 pounds and comes in various finishes to match bathroom décor. Its concealed mounting provides a clean look while maintaining safety.
Daren Medical Heavy Duty Suction Grab Bar ($63.99-$69.99): For those who can’t install permanent grab bars, this suction cup option provides temporary support. The indicator shows when the suction is secure, and the bar can be easily relocated as needed.
HealthSmart 30″ Foldaway Wall Mount Grab Bar ($46.99): This innovative grab bar pivots for customized positioning and folds flat against the wall when not in use, making it ideal for smaller bathrooms where space is at a premium.
Optimal grab bar and safety rail placements include:
- Vertically at the entry point of the shower or tub to assist with the critical step in or out.
- Horizontally along the back wall of the shower or tub (ideally installed 33 to 36 inches from the floor).
- At a 45-degree angle near the toilet for assistance with sitting down and standing up.
- Near any area where someone might change positions or need extra support.
- Alongside towel racks, which are not designed to support weight.
Consider having a professional install a permanent grab bar so you know they’re secured to wall studs or with appropriate anchors. For many seniors, having something secure to hold on to can make the difference between independence and requiring assistance with daily hygiene tasks.
Bathing aids and products
The right bathing aids can make showering and bathing safer and more comfortable, allowing seniors to maintain independence with personal hygiene:
Medical King Adjustable Shower Chair ($37.99): This height-adjustable shower chair features nonslip rubber feet and drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. The lightweight aluminum frame resists rust and supports up to 300 pounds. This particular product also comes with an extra loofah and back scrubber.
Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bath Chair with Back ($49.99): This shower chair provides back support for seniors with weakness or fatigue as well as arms to help them sit down and stand up. The textured seat and stability-focused design help prevent slipping during use.
Luxe Bidet Neo 120 Attachment ($41.99): This bidet attachment reduces the need for extensive wiping, which can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues. It installs easily without tools and features simple controls.
Moen Magnetix Handheld Showerhead ($38): This handheld showerhead features a magnetic dock for easy one-handed return, six spray settings, and a long hose for flexibility while seated.
Cabo Deseado Wall-Mounted Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash Dispenser for Shower ($17.99-$32.99): This wall-mounted dispenser eliminates the need to handle slippery shampoo bottles, reducing fall risk and making bathing more convenient. If you need only two compartments, you can opt for the $17.99 model, or you can select various color options of the three-compartment product for up to $32.99.
When selecting bathing aids, consider:
- Weight capacity ratings that exceed the user’s needs.
- Height adjustability for various users.
- Drainage features to prevent slipping.
- Ease of cleaning to maintain hygiene.
- Compatibility with existing bathroom fixtures.
- Materials that resist water damage and mold growth.
Toilet height solutions
Standard toilets are often too low for seniors with mobility issues or joint pain. It can become difficult to sit down and stand up without something to grab onto. Raising the toilet seat can make toileting simple and safe.
Carex Round Hinged Raised Toilet Seat ($34.99): This product adds 3.5 inches to your existing toilet seat, making sitting and standing easier. The secure attachment prevents shifting, and it fits most standard toilets. Be sure to confirm whether your toilet is elongated or round so you purchase the right model.
Essential Medical Supply Raised Elevated Toilet Seat Riser With Arms ($42.95): This portable solution adds 5 inches of height and includes supportive arms. The tool-free installation makes it ideal for travel or temporary use. Select the elongated or round option based on the type of toilet you have.
Importance of good lighting
Proper lighting reduces trip hazards and improves confidence when navigating the bathroom. Here are some solutions to ensure proper lighting, even when light fixtures are in place and difficult to change.
AUVON Rechargeable Motion Sensor Night Light ($26.99): These battery-operated lights attach anywhere and activate only when motion is detected, providing illumination without the need to locate switches in the dark. With this set of four lights, you can illuminate the bathroom and hallway outside the door.
Philips Hue Smart Lighting System ($105.99): This system allows for voice or smartphone control of bathroom lighting, with options for automatic activation at certain times or when motion is detected.
Lighting improvements should include:
- Eliminating shadows in the shower and toilet areas.
- Ensuring consistent lighting throughout the bathroom.
- Adding illuminated light switches or motion-activated options.
- Installing nightlights to create safe paths for nighttime bathroom visits.
Consider lights with yellow or warm white tones that reduce glare, which can be particularly challenging for aging eyes.
Medical alert systems
In case of falls or medical emergencies, quick access to help is essential:
Medical Guardian Medical Alert System (from $27/month): This water-resistant pendant or wristband allows seniors to call for help at the push of a button, even in the shower.
MobileHelp Medical Alert System (from $19.95/month): MobileHelp has a range of products that can help a senior if they’re in the bathroom when an emergency happens. With necklace pendant options, a senior can make an emergency call wherever they are. Fall detection is an added feature that can automatically alert emergency services.
For effective emergency systems:
- Place call buttons within reach of the toilet, shower, and bathtub.
- Choose waterproof options specifically designed for bathroom use.
- Test systems regularly to ensure they’re functioning properly.
- Consider systems with automatic fall detection for added protection.
Shower and tub modifications
Increasing senior bathroom safety by installing a walk-in tub can significantly reduce fall risk. Though this is a bigger-ticket item, seniors who can make this type of bathroom improvement are investing in their comfort and safety. With a door that swings out, the user can walk into the tub and sit on the chair inside. The water fills up inside the sealed tub, providing a carefree way to bathe.
Mobility Bathworks Elite 3338 walk-in tub ($2,884): This is a walk-in tub that’s suitable for small bathroom spaces, measuring 33″ × 38″ × 38″. It has chromotherapy, aromatherapy, and pipeless jetted whirlpool system options available. You can also choose your door placement, faucets, and more. This tub also has a built-in grab bar and anti-slip flooring to maximize safety.
Universal Tubs wheelchair-accessible tub with shower surround ($6,109): Universal Tubs is a widely known brand that offers professional installation of this tub. It includes 26 air bubble jets, aromatherapy, and chromotherapy, and the water drains in under 60 seconds. You can also choose a right- or left-swinging door, but both options have extra-wide doors.
If a walk-in shower or tub is not in your budget, consider an affordable product that doesn’t require you to change the tub you have:
DMI Tub Transfer Bench and Shower Chair ($87.99): This sliding shower transfer bench allows the user to sit safely out of the shower, then slide over while seated, putting one leg in the tub at a time. It has an armrest for stability, a backrest for comfort, and adjustable legs to fit your tub and floor.
Storage solutions for accessibility
Proper storage prevents dangerous reaching and bending:
SimpleHouseware Bathroom Organizer Caddy ($22.87-$24.87): This shower caddy keeps toiletries within easy reach, reducing the need to bend or stretch during bathing.
SONGMICS 4-Tier Rolling Cart ($39.99): This mobile storage solution keeps frequently used items accessible at appropriate heights and can be moved as needed.
Bathroom safety for seniors
Many of these affordable solutions can be installed without major renovations, making them accessible options for enhancing senior bathroom safety. Creating a safer bathroom environment preserves quality of life and promotes peace of mind for everyone.
