Bathroom Safety for Ageing at Home: 10 Practical Changes

Wet floors, hard surfaces and lots of standing, sitting and turning make the bathroom one of the riskiest rooms in the house. Many of the most effective changes are simple and inexpensive.

1. Install grab rails

Grab rails beside the toilet and in the shower give a secure handhold. They must be fixed into studs or solid walls by a qualified tradesperson. Towel rails aren't designed to take body weight.

2. Add a toilet safety frame

A toilet safety frame fits around the toilet and gives armrests to push up from and lower down onto. It's a good option where wall-mounted rails aren't practical.

3. Consider a raised toilet seat

A raised seat reduces how far someone has to lower and lift, which helps after hip or knee surgery or with weak legs.

4. Use a shower chair or stool

Sitting to shower reduces fatigue and the risk of falling. Choose one with adjustable legs and rubber feet, and arms or a back if extra support is needed.

5. Put down non-slip mats

Use a non-slip mat inside the shower or bath and a backed mat outside it. Replace mats that curl at the edges.

6. Fit a hand-held shower

A hand-held shower on a slide rail makes seated showering easier and lets a carer help without getting soaked.

7. Improve lighting

Use bright, even lighting and add a night light on the path from the bedroom to the toilet.

8. Check the water temperature

Older skin burns more easily. A licensed plumber can check that hot water is delivered at a safe temperature in bathrooms.

9. Keep things within reach

Store toiletries at a height that doesn't need bending or stretching, and keep the floor clear.

10. Plan for help

Keep a phone or personal alarm within reach and avoid locking the bathroom door so someone can get in if needed.

Getting advice and funding

An occupational therapist can do a home assessment and recommend equipment and modifications. Older Australians can ask about home modification support through My Aged Care, and NDIS participants may be able to fund equipment and modifications through their plan.

Printable bathroom safety checklist

• Grab rails beside the toilet and in the shower
• Toilet safety frame or raised toilet seat if needed
• Shower chair or stool with rubber feet
• Non-slip mat in the shower and a backed mat outside
• Hand-held shower on a slide rail
• Bright lighting and a night light on the way to the toilet
• Hot water at a safe temperature
• Toiletries within easy reach
• Phone or personal alarm nearby
• Door that can be opened from outside

Quick wins vs bigger changes

Frequently asked questions

What is a toilet safety frame?

A toilet safety frame is a free-standing or attached frame with armrests that fits around the toilet, giving support when sitting down and standing up without drilling into walls.

Who can install grab rails?

Grab rails should be installed by a qualified tradesperson and fixed into wall studs or solid masonry so they can safely take body weight.

Should older people use a shower chair?

A shower chair reduces fatigue and the risk of falling for anyone who finds standing in the shower tiring or unsteady. Choose one with adjustable legs and rubber feet.

Is funding available for home modifications?

Older Australians can ask about home modification support through My Aged Care, and NDIS participants may be able to fund equipment and modifications through their plan, usually after an occupational therapy assessment.

Related guides

• Walking Sticks, Frames or Rollators? Choosing the Right Walking Aid
• Pads, Pull-Ups or All-in-Ones? Choosing the Right Continence Product
• Buying Health Consumables With NDIS Funding: A Practical Guide

Sources and further reading

• My Aged Care
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
• healthdirect Australia

Last reviewed: October 2026 by the Innovation Project team.