On this page you’ll learn everything you need to know for creating a safe and useful bathroom for the elderly. You’ll find our well-researched and helpful information organized into easily accessible sections. We cover bathroom safety, design options, assistive equipment, and grants /financial assistance for renovations. You’ll also find tips on elderly toileting, bathing, and showering.
Safety must always be the number one consideration in all aspects of a bathroom for older people. According to the U.S. National Institute on Aging, more than one in three people aged 65 or older falls each year. The bathroom’s solid surfaces can make falls there especially hazardous. Safety equipment such as grab bars, non-slip mats, and shower chairs can help prevent seniors from falling in the bathroom.
Bathroom Safety for Seniors
Senior Citizens Bathroom Falls Statistics
80%
As Belvedere Home Care notes, Up to 80% of 65+ falls occur in the bathroom. The damages range from minor scrapes or bruises to severe head or spinal cord injuries.
The two most common types of bathroom falls for U.S. seniors happen after standing up from the toilet and getting in or out of the tub or shower. Elderly people with mobility issues have a higher risk of falling at the sink or after grabbing onto a towel bar or other non-safety item.
The National Council on Aging recommends grab bars, a shower seat, and a handheld showerhead to help prevent bathroom falls.
We provide an overview of bathroom safety for older people that includes the necessary equipment to help prevent falls. (See the Bathroom Equipment section below for a handy list.)
For those creating or remodeling a bathroom for a senior, we have safety suggestions for even the smallest washroom.
You’ll learn about the best bathroom configuration, safety features, and organization tips in our complete guide.
Some Government home modification programs offer grants for bathroom safety remodels for seniors. Medicaid and Medicare may cover some bathroom safety additions if it’s considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and medically necessary for daily living.
We look at the coverage for bathroom safety remodels by the following programs:
Bathroom equipment that meets the safety needs of seniors can allow them to stay in their homes.
Toilet seat risers, grab bars, bath seats, tub lifts, commodes, and hand-help showerheads are just some of the bathroom safety equipment we’ll cover in-depth to help you find the right items for you.
Bathtub Safety for Elderly: Safety Equipment, Aids & Tips
There are a lot of different kinds of bathtub accessories and equipment to make the tub both safe and comfortable for elderly bathers. We’ll give you the scoop on these to help you find the right equipment for your situation.
Shower chairs, shower handles, and grab bars in and around the shower are must-have equipment for seniors to be able to shower or be showered safely.
Shower Safety for Elderly: Safety Equipment, Aids & Tips
We discuss all the equipment needed for safe senior showering and discuss whether any of it could be covered by medical insurance. You’ll also learn about the best tips for giving a senior person a shower. Why some elderly people resist showering and how many showers a week older people need for health and hygiene are also included.
Safety solutions for senior toileting include starting with a clear, well-lit route to the bathroom. A raised seat and grab bars can help elderly people stay safe by being more stable when getting on and off the toilet.
Toilet Safety for Elderly: Safety Equipment, Aids & Tips
Some older people are able to toilet themselves but require assistive equipment. Others can’t use the toilet without help and require different options. The right seat height will also vary between seniors. We cover the different situations and include product tips and safety measures, plus the safest ways to transfer the elderly to and from the toilet.
