10 Essential Bathroom Aids for the Elderly and Disabled

Updated February 2024

Bathroom aids can allow individuals with disabilities, mobility limitations or balance issues to live with increased autonomy and independence. Whether you work as a carer or manage the care of a loved one, or you require a little extra support when using the bathroom, there are many types of bath aids for disabled and elderly people.

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 key bathroom aids for the elderly and disabled that can help to make using the toilet and bathing or showering easier and more comfortable.

1. Safety Rails and Grab Bars

Bathroom safety rails and grab bars can be especially helpful for individuals with limited mobility or balance problems. Available in various finishes such as chrome, bronze or white plastic, safety rails and grab bars can be strategically placed to blend in with other bathroom fixtures and features. 

Available in static or folding options — or with suction cups for temporary bath aids for disabled or elderly individuals when travelling — they can be fixed at varying angles and heights. Wall-to-floor grab rails are an option that can be especially useful for providing support when using the toilet. 

2. Shower Chairs and Stools

Shower chairs and stools allow individuals to sit in the shower and can be fitted in conventional and walk-in showers. Sitting while showering improves safety and comfort for those with limited mobility or balance problems — or the elderly who can find it difficult to stand and are concerned about slipping in the shower. 

A variety of styles are available, including: 

• Portable shower stools and chairs
• Corner shower stools
• Foldable shower stools and chairs
• Shower stool with a rotating seat
• Shower chairs with backs and armrests

3. Wheeled Shower Chairs and Commodes 

Using a wheeled shower chair can be safer than trying to transfer from a wheelchair to a chair or seat inside a shower — and are extremely convenient for use in mobility wet rooms. Various shower chairs and commodes are available with a choice of arm, back and footrests. Two of the most popular types are:

• Self-propelled shower chairs. Self-propelled shower chairs allow individuals to get into and out of the shower without assistance, helping to increase autonomy. They can also come fitted with a commode if required. 
• Shower commode chairs. As they can be used in place of the toilet and as a seat in the shower, these chairs can limit the amount of bathroom aids needed for different tasks.

4. Transfer Benches

Transfer benches are among the most popular bath aids for disabled or older people. These benches are designed to help individuals transfer in and out of the bathtub. They have a seat that extends over the side of the tub, allowing individuals to sit down and slide their legs into the tub. They are designed to support individuals who have difficulty standing up or sitting down or have balance issues. Transfer benches can be especially helpful when there isn’t a walk-in bath, as they work with a conventional bath. 

5. Rising Bath Lifts

Do you find it more and more difficult to enter and exit the bath? A bath lift can assist by slowly easing you into the water and then bringing you back up. Before looking for a bath lift, it’s crucial to measure the bath to ensure it will fit and function correctly. Bath lifts can come with reclining seats and are ideal for wheelchair users or older people who lack trunk control.

Bathing cushions inflate and deflate to comfortably raise or lower you into the bath. They are a portable, low-cost solution that can make bathing safer and easier if you struggle with mobility issues but maintain reasonable trunk control. 

6. Bath Seats and Chairs

Portable bath seats can be handy by providing extra support when bathing. Unlike rising bath lifts, they do not go up and down and are best for use with a walk-in bath for individuals who want to feel more secure and comfortable while in the bath but can get up and down without assistance.

7. Washing and Personal Care Aids

Washing and personal hygiene can be particularly challenging for people with mobility issues. There are numerous bathroom aids that can provide a more enjoyable bathing or showering experience.

A few of the key tools available with extra long and bendable handles are:

• Sponges
• Back washers
• Toe washers
• Foot scrubbers
• Hair washers
• Lotion applicators.

These personal care aids reduce strain and increase grip, making it easier to clean your body, wash your hair and apply skin care products.

8. Hair Washing Tray

Although someone with a disability, limited mobility or dexterity problems may be able to wash independently, washing hair can still be difficult. A hair washing tray makes it easier to shampoo an individual’s hair while they are sitting upright. The user’s shoulders support the hair-washing tray, which has a surround to keep it securely in place.

9. Raised Toilet Seats 

Raised toilet seats enable you to sit down with less of a drop and reduce the effort needed to stand up again after using the toilet. To provide you with more assistance while getting up from the toilet, some raised toilet seats also have support arms or the option to add them if required.

Raised toilet seats can be especially helpful for individuals with difficulty sitting down or standing up from the toilet. They are available in various heights and can have wheels for ease of movement. They reduce the risk of falling onto the toilet bowl, reducing the risk of fractures on the hard porcelain.

10. Toilet Frames

Toilet frames are frames that go around your toilet to assist when sitting on and getting up from the toilet. Certain models also come with raised toilet seats.  Toilet frames can be fixed to the floor or portable, depending on your preference.

Choosing the Right Bathroom Aids 

At Age Care Bathrooms, our team of bathroom experts and installers have been designing and constructing mobility bathrooms for over 30 years. We understand the importance of choosing the right bathroom aids for the elderly, disabled and individuals who need extra support in the bathroom. From bathroom safety rails and shower chairs to toilet risers and grab bars, it’s important to carefully consider your needs and work with a healthcare professional or occupational therapist to determine the best option for you.

If you want to adapt your bathroom to help with mobility issues, please get in touch or call. Our caring UK team of bathroom experts can help you find the right solution for your needs.