Accessible bathrooms: what to consider for elderly or disabled family members

Making a bathroom more accessible is one of the most practical and meaningful home improvements a family can make. Whether it’s for an elderly parent, a family member with a disability or simply thinking ahead, the right bathroom design can make a significant difference to daily independence and safety.

As an Age UK Birmingham approved business, accessible bathrooms are something our team is particularly experienced in. Here’s what we recommend thinking about.

Step-free showering

The most common change we make is removing a bath or standard shower tray and creating a level-access shower. This eliminates the need to step over a threshold, which is a significant fall risk. A well-designed wet room or walk-in shower with a fold-down seat can be both practical and attractive.

Grab rails

Grab rails positioned in the right places, next to the toilet, at the entrance to the shower and near the bath if one is being retained, make a significant difference to safety and confidence. They need to be properly fixed into the wall structure, not just into plasterboard.

Toilet height

Standard toilets can be difficult to use for people with limited mobility or joint problems. Comfort height toilets sit higher, making it easier to sit down and stand up. A toilet frame or support rail can add further assistance.

Non-slip flooring

Wet bathroom floors are a significant hazard. Non-slip tiles or vinyl flooring designed for wet areas reduces this risk considerably. This is something we factor into every accessible bathroom we design.

Space for manoeuvring

If a wheelchair or walking frame is involved, the layout of the bathroom needs to allow adequate turning and transfer space. This sometimes means reconfiguring the room more significantly, but it’s always worth doing properly.

Getting it right from the start

The most important thing is to involve the person who will use the bathroom in the planning. What matters to them is more important than what looks good in a catalogue. Our team will spend time understanding the specific needs before making any recommendations.

If you’re thinking about an accessible bathroom for a family member in Birmingham or Solihull, give us a call or send us a few photos on WhatsApp. We’ll give you honest advice on what will make the biggest difference.