Bathroom Accessibility Ideas for Aging at Home

Start with how the room is used

Before changing anything, ask your relative to walk you through a normal morning and evening in the bathroom. Where do they reach first? What do they set down, and where? Is there anything they now skip, such as using the bottom drawer, because it takes too much effort? Their answers will tell you more than any list.

The ideas below are general organization suggestions, not a safety assessment. If you have questions about how a particular change relates to your relative's health or mobility, ask their health care provider.

Accessible storage

Bathrooms tend to collect products on every surface and in deep cabinets that are hard to see into. A few changes may make everyday items easier to find:

• Keep daily items between waist and shoulder height. Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and the one or two products used every day can live on a single shelf or in a small caddy on the counter.
• Move backups elsewhere. Extra soap, spare toilet paper, and bulk bottles can go in a hall closet, freeing space in the bathroom for what is used today.
• Use clear bins or open baskets under the sink. Pull-out bins mean less kneeling and searching. Label the front in large, plain words such as "Hair" or "First aid."
• Clear the floor. Hampers, scales, and trash cans can be tucked against walls so the main path stays open.

Easy-reach shelving

Freestanding shelving units and over-the-toilet shelves need no tools to place, though taller units may need anchoring, which is a job to ask about. Consider a shelf at counter height near the shower for towels, so they can be reached without stretching. Hooks and towel bars are for towels only; they are not designed to support a person's weight.

Lever-style fixtures

Many people find lever-style faucet handles easier to operate than round knobs, especially with wet or soapy hands. Lever-style or single-handle shower controls are another option families discuss. Replacing a faucet or shower valve involves plumbing and should be done by a licensed plumber. Ask them about anti-scald features and how water temperature can be set.

Lighting and night lights

• Plug-in night lights in the bathroom and along the hallway can help light the way at night. Some turn on automatically when the room gets dark; others respond to motion.
• Brighter bulbs in existing fixtures can help with grooming and reading labels. Check the fixture's maximum wattage before changing bulbs.
• Switch location matters. If the light switch is hard to reach on the way in, an electrician can discuss options. Do not attempt wiring changes yourself.

Seating options to discuss

Some families look into shower chairs, transfer benches, or a simple stool for sitting while dressing or drying off. These come in many sizes and styles, and what works depends on the person and the space. Because these items relate to mobility, it is worth discussing them with your relative's health care provider before buying. Measure the shower or tub floor and note any lip or threshold, then bring those measurements to the conversation.

Grab bars and accessories

Grab bars are one of the most discussed bathroom changes. Two points matter most:

Towel bars, soap dishes, and toilet paper holders are not grab bars, even if they look sturdy. If your relative tends to hold onto them, mention that to the installer when you discuss placement.

Non-slip mats

Bath mats and non-slip mats are available in many materials. In general, look for mats with a backing designed to stay in place, wash them according to the label, and replace them when the backing wears or curls at the edges. Rugs that slide or bunch can be removed from walking paths entirely.

Questions to discuss with a qualified installer

When you meet with a licensed installer, plumber, or contractor, these questions can help you understand your options:

1. What is behind this wall, and how will the grab bar be anchored into proper support?
2. What weight is the bar and its mounting rated for?
3. Where would you suggest placing bars, given how my relative uses the shower and toilet? Can they try the positions before you install?
4. What finishes and diameters are available, and which are easier to grip with wet hands?
5. Does this work require a permit? Are you licensed and insured for it?
6. For faucets and shower controls, what anti-scald options are available?
7. Can you provide a written estimate and warranty?

If you are planning several projects, the planning guide includes more questions for choosing professionals.

Bathroom ideas to review

• Ask your relative which bathroom tasks feel harder than they used to.
• Move daily items to a shelf between waist and shoulder height.
• Relocate backup supplies to a nearby closet.
• Add labeled pull-out bins under the sink.
• Place plug-in night lights in the bathroom and along the hallway.
• Check that mats lie flat and replace any with worn backing.
• Remove any suction-cup bars being used for support and discuss installed grab bars with a qualified installer.
• Bring seating questions to your relative's health care provider.
• Note plumbing or electrical ideas for a licensed professional.

The free Home Comfort Planner lets you save these notes with your other rooms. The CDC Check for Safety (opens in a new tab) checklist also includes a bathroom section you can review together.