The Best Bathroom Safety Equipment
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According to the CDC, nearly 81% of bathroom injuries among older adults are caused by falls, making this space one of the most dangerous in your home. Unfortunately, you can’t just place a warning sign and go about your day. You can mitigate fall risks by selecting the right bathroom safety equipment for your elderly parent and make daily routines safer, easier, and self-sufficient.
This guide includes CFG Field-Tested models I installed for my parents, so you’re not going in fully blind like I was. Just a little blind.
In this bathroom safety equipment guide:
Toilet safety rails
Toilet safety rails and bars for the elderly make sitting and standing easier for older adults, easing strain on the knees and hips while providing stable handholds for balance. They’re an affordable upgrade that can prevent falls and bring independence to your parent when privacy is preferred.
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Mobile Pick
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Foldable Pick
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Adjustable Pick
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Height adjustable with angled rails for better ergonomics. Folds flat and portable for family visits. |
Single rail tucks away for more space and reduces the clinical vibe when parents need less support. |
Permanent setup with height adjustment, reading material rack, and angled handles that provide better leverage and clearance from walls. |
Height adjustable with angled rails for better ergonomics. Folds flat and portable for family visits.
Single rail tucks away for more space and reduces the clinical vibe when parents need less support.
Permanent setup with height adjustment, reading material rack, and angled handles that provide better leverage and clearance from walls.
Shower chairs
A big booster of independence, a shower chair for elderly family members allows them (and you) to bathe while seated, reducing fatigue and significantly lowering the risk of slips. Look for adjustable designs that will help you assist with bathing without awkward bending or lifting.
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Field Tested
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Budget Pick
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Non-Budget Pick
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We moved this from shower to bathtub for a better fit. Very sturdy with padding that reduces cold shock. Assembly is tricky, so put your Ikea hat on. |
Medline is everywhere in hospitals for good reason. Well-made and portable, this compact pick allows more shower maneuverability than bulkier models. |
The sliding chair straddles the bathtub side for assisted entry and exit. You pay for versatility, but it makes bath time less exhausting. |
We moved this from shower to bathtub for a better fit. Very sturdy with padding that reduces cold shock. Assembly is tricky, so put your Ikea hat on.
Medline is everywhere in hospitals for good reason. Well-made and portable, this compact pick allows more shower maneuverability than bulkier models.
The sliding chair straddles the bathtub side for assisted entry and exit. You pay for versatility, but it makes bath time less exhausting.
Handheld shower head
A handheld shower head with a hose allows parents (and caregivers) to minimize awkward movements when trying to hit every spot for either independent or assisted bathing. And their long hoses easily reach those seated in a recommended shower chair.
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Budget Pick
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Field Tested
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Field Tested
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This high-pressure model is easy on the Venmo and, with its 6 settings, lets your parent dial in the perfect shower. |
Features a pause button that shuts off water without turning off the faucet. A game changer when Mom needs time to position herself safely. |
The magnetic attachment lets your aging parent easily detach and reattach the shower head, perfect for reaching from a seated position. |
This high-pressure model is easy on the Venmo and, with its 6 settings, lets your parent dial in the perfect shower.
Features a pause button that shuts off water without turning off the faucet. A game changer when Mom needs time to position herself safely.
The magnetic attachment lets your aging parent easily detach and reattach the shower head, perfect for reaching from a seated position.
Floor to ceiling grab bars
Floor to ceiling poles, while more obtrusive than grab bars, are often the best choice for those that need support navigating about the bathroom. In some cases, a single pole might replace 2-3 grab bars. Most models are drill-free, so you can make quick work of installation (and ideal for renters). Their adjustable height and optional rotating handles make it a flexible, safe solution for bathrooms, bedrooms, and any space where extra stability is needed.
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Versatile Pick
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Adjustable Pick
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Slim Pick
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This pole offers 360° rotation and locks every 45°, making it ideal for flexible placement. The wavy handle allows for multiple grab angles as parents move about the space. |
Great for bedroom and bathroom use, this pole's pivoting 16″ grab bar rotates and locks in place. The extended bar provides more reach options than standard poles. |
If your parent doesn't need multiple grab options, this slim design provides more space for those of us sharing the bathroom. |
This pole offers 360° rotation and locks every 45°, making it ideal for flexible placement. The wavy handle allows for multiple grab angles as parents move about the space.
Great for bedroom and bathroom use, this pole's pivoting 16″ grab bar rotates and locks in place. The extended bar provides more reach options than standard poles.
If your parent doesn't need multiple grab options, this slim design provides more space for those of us sharing the bathroom.
Bathroom grab bars
Bath grab bars provide a stable, slip-resistant handhold for getting in and out of the tub or shower, helping older adults (and caregivers like us) reduce the risk of falls. The right grab bar depends on your bathroom layout, wall type, and whether you want a permanent or removable solution.
Non slip bath mats
A high-quality, non slip bath mat adds instant grip underfoot, whether placed in the bathtub, the shower, or on wet bathroom tile. Look for mats that tout anti-curling and/or mildew-resistant. I recommend you “test drive” the new mat to ensure it’s secure before their first use.
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Best Everyday Value
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Best for Walk-In Showers
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Hang Dry Option
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More coverage than most mats with unmovable suction and machine washable convenience. Multiple colors available to match your tub and look less like a safety feature. |
This mildew resistant mat is cut for standard step-in shower dimensions, but it can be cut to match the footprint of your shower. The large holes provide better drainage than some competitors. Same as our Extra Coverage pick, there are additional colors available to match your decor. |
The only model I found with hooks for hanging after use, which means less frequent cleaning. When needed, it's machine washable. |
More coverage than most mats with unmovable suction and machine washable convenience. Multiple colors available to match your tub and look less like a safety feature.
This mildew resistant mat is cut for standard step-in shower dimensions, but it can be cut to match the footprint of your shower. The large holes provide better drainage than some competitors. Same as our Extra Coverage pick, there are additional colors available to match your decor.
The only model I found with hooks for hanging after use, which means less frequent cleaning. When needed, it's machine washable.
Toilet seat risers for seniors
Toilet seats can quickly become too low for aging parents. Risers are an affordable way to make a big difference in your parent’s safety, comfort, and independence. Some models have integrated raised seat and rails, something to consider if your parent needs more robust support. Most models are available in a round or elongated design, so don’t make my mistake and buy the wrong shape for your toilet.
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Lidded Pick
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Foldable Pick
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Budget Pick
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Our only pick that accommodates an existing lid. Includes handles for support, but not as much as dedicated rails. |
Flips up and out of the way for shared bathrooms and easier cleaning. We used this but eventually needed one with handles. |
This was our first purchase and works great for the price. Not as sturdy, but very easy to install. Could make a great pick for a smaller restroom. |
Our only pick that accommodates an existing lid. Includes handles for support, but not as much as dedicated rails.
Flips up and out of the way for shared bathrooms and easier cleaning. We used this but eventually needed one with handles.
This was our first purchase and works great for the price. Not as sturdy, but very easy to install. Could make a great pick for a smaller restroom.
Bonus upgrades for additional peace of mind
Anti-scald shower valve
These devices prevent burns, especially important for those with neuropathy or delayed reflexes
Emergency call buttons
Waterproof options for seniors that alert family or caregivers in case of a fall.
Motion sensor night lights
Reduce a nighttime fall risk for your parent (and you). We mounted rechargeable motion-activated night lights underneath the vanity’s kick board, and plug-in night lights for the counter.
The bottom line
A safe bathroom can mean the difference between a close call and calling an ambulance. Start by observing your (fully clothed) parent mimic their typical bathroom routine and start with the safety equipment that addresses their biggest challenge. The least expensive equipment just might address their biggest need. From there, keep checking in with them to see what additional equipment might help improve their safety and independence.
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