3 Paths to Success for Accessible Bathroom Projects

By Dan Walkowiak

The home should be a place of comfort, not risk. Yet for millions of older adults and people with mobility issues, the bathroom presents a serious safety concern. Research shows that bathroom falls account for 38% of all falls among older adults, and more than a third of people with disabilities, such as those with mobility issues, say they have been challenged when attempting to use accessible toilets. Tight layouts, slippery surfaces, poor lighting and the physical strain of standing, sitting or stepping into a tub also contribute to bathroom dangers for these groups.

Everyone should be able to use a safe and accessible bathroom. The good news is making a bathroom safer doesn’t require a complete renovation; it doesn’t have to look like a hospital either.

The following are three tips when approaching accessible bathroom projects, resulting in increasing bathroom safety and independence, without sacrificing comfort or style.

Prioritize the right upgrades first
Regarding accessibility, not every change has to be a major project. That means identifying a few high-impact, low-effort upgrades that directly reduce risks in the bathroom. To do this, start by inspecting bathrooms for danger spots — areas that can pose threats to users. For instance, the shower can be dangerous given its wet conditions and high potential for accidents when stepping in and out of a tub.

Once danger zones are identified, then upgrades can be made. One upgrade to consider is installing a tub transfer bench in a shower. These allow safer entry and exit from a tub, eliminating the need to balance while stepping over the edge. Grab bars, which provide critical support, can also make a shower safer, whether stepping into or out of one.

Several simple improvements can prevent incidents outside of a shower, too. Instead of a thick bath mat, which can bunch up or catch on feet, opt for a low-profile, non-slip rug for optimal comfort when stepping out of a shower. Adding nightlights helps reduce the chance of missteps or tripping during nighttime bathroom visits. Adding a bidet can eliminate the need for twisting or reaching during personal care, letting users maintain independence and hygiene with minimal physical effort.

Make toilets safer and more comfortable
Toilets can present a hidden danger to aging populations and people with mobility issues for two reasons: height and visibility. As we age, sitting and standing from a low position can become increasingly difficult. With some older toilets as low as 12 inches, getting on and off the toilet can be taxing and risky.

One way to make toilets safer is to install a raised toilet seat, which can make sitting and standing far safer and more comfortable. When choosing a raised toilet seat, make sure it’s easy to clean, and avoid models with textured surfaces or ones that must be removed for cleaning. Also, ensure the seat is secured to the bowl; an unsecured seat is an unsafe seat.

Additionally, people with impaired vision may struggle to see the toilet due to its limited contrast. A white toilet in a white bathroom may blend in and become a hazard, especially at night. Avoid this by adding contrast — a seat in a contrasting color can help those with low vision navigate bathrooms safely.

Get expert guidance from project partners
Finally, with any bathroom upgrades to improve accessibility and ensure safety, it’s best to partner with the right professional. For instance, occupational therapists are trained to evaluate mobility challenges and can recommend the right combination of equipment and modifications for a person’s space and needs, such as which raised toilet seat height will work best.

A person’s need for durable medical equipment in bathrooms, such as handheld showerheads and toilet safety rails, often arises suddenly. It can be overwhelming to need the several pieces of equipment suggested by medical professionals. Professionals from DME stores can help navigate this change. Most DME store professionals will take the time to understand the situation and educate about available options, and many will either set up and install equipment or offer a resource to complete those tasks.

Creating a safer, more accessible bathroom doesn’t require a full renovation or a clinical look; just thoughtful upgrades that support independence, comfort and dignity. By identifying high-risk areas, prioritizing practical solutions and seeking expert guidance when needed, clients’ bathrooms can be transformed into spaces that protect health and promote confidence for years to come.

Dan Walkowiak is product and marketing development manager at Bemis.