Top 10 Bathroom Modifications for Aging in Place

According to the CDC, over 230,000 people visit the emergency room each year due to bathroom injuries. For seniors, the bathroom presents the highest fall risk in the home. The good news? Strategic modifications can dramatically reduce these risks.

The Top 10 Bathroom Modifications

1. Grab Bars

The most cost-effective safety upgrade. Install next to the toilet, inside the shower, and near the tub. Professional installation ensures they're anchored to studs and can support 250+ pounds. Cost: $100–$300 per bar installed.

2. Walk-In Shower Conversion

Replacing a tub/shower combo with a zero-threshold (curbless) walk-in shower eliminates the dangerous step-over. Cost: $3,000–$8,000.

3. Shower Bench or Seat

A built-in or fold-down shower seat provides a safe place to sit while bathing. Wall-mounted versions are more stable than portable alternatives. Cost: $200–$800 installed.

4. Handheld Shower Head

A sliding-bar mounted handheld shower head makes bathing easier from a seated position. This is one of the simplest and most affordable upgrades. Cost: $50–$200.

5. Non-Slip Flooring

Replace smooth tile with textured, non-slip flooring materials. Options include textured porcelain, vinyl with grip surfaces, or applied non-slip coatings. Cost: $500–$3,000.

6. Comfort-Height Toilet

Standard toilets are 15 inches high, which requires deep knee bending. Comfort-height (17–19 inches) toilets are much easier to use. Cost: $300–$600 installed.

7. Wider Doorway

Standard bathroom doors are 24–28 inches wide — too narrow for walkers or wheelchairs. Widening to 32–36 inches (or installing offset hinges for extra clearance) makes a major difference. Cost: $500–$2,000.

8. Lever-Style Faucets

Round knobs require grip strength and twisting motion. Lever handles are much easier for arthritic or weakened hands. Cost: $100–$400.

9. Motion-Sensor Lighting

Nighttime bathroom trips are a common fall risk. Motion-sensor lights in hallways and the bathroom eliminate fumbling for switches. Cost: $50–$200.

10. Anti-Scald Valves

Thermostatic mixing valves prevent dangerously hot water, protecting seniors with reduced sensation. Cost: $150–$400 installed.

Where to Start

A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) can assess your specific situation and prioritize modifications based on need and budget. Most homeowners start with grab bars and non-slip surfaces, then tackle larger projects as needed.

Find a CAPS-certified contractor near you — search the AccessPath directory.