Written by Megan Smith, PT
Compared to standard renovations, bathroom renovations for adults aging in place are much more complex. What they do have in common is typically a high cost–all renovations are pricey, and these are no exception. This guide gives you suggestions for cheaper alternatives to expensive bathroom renovations for adults aging in place. Included are tips for how to adapt the current structure of your home to suit your needs, so you don’t spend resources and time unnecessarily re-designing or re-building the space.
Safety should always be the top priority when it comes to renovations for adults aging in place. Adding grab bars as a safety precaution should therefore be the first step in your remodeling project. Grab bars and rails are quite cost-effective compared to other remodeling items and they are crucial for ensuring safety and peace of mind.
There are many types of grab bars and rails available; the right one for your bathroom will depend on the space and your unique needs. Rails with a wider diameter made of metal (usually stainless steel) are generally the most robust option because they have the capacity to support more weight. Grab bars come in many lengths and can be installed anywhere in the bathroom where they may be needed, including beside the toilet, in the shower or tub, and beside the sink. We do recommend bars that are properly mounted to the wall’s studs to ensure they provide adequate support. Installing a grab bar is usually a DIY project, but it may require hiring a professional to install the bar -- it just depends on which bar you purchase.
 | Pole Assist - HealthCraft SuperPole with SuperBar View Product |
A shower pole is essentially a vertical grab bar. These bars provide extra support and can be helpful at higher heights compared to grab bars. Poles are also extremely versatile–they come in many materials, size, and can be installed anywhere they are needed. In some cases, a pole may provide more stability than a grab bar because it can be installed anywhere floor-to-ceiling. Note that some poles are pressure fitted and others are mounted to the wall, so be sure to consider the location of the pole as well as what kind of support you need when deciding what type to purchase.
 | Decorative Shower Accent Grab Bar Invisia View Product |
A shower rail is a grab bar specifically designed for inside shower spaces. They are usually vertical, but do not extend floor-to-ceiling like poles. They come in many materials, shapes and sizes, although a straight design in stainless steel is the most popular choice due to its durability and discreet appearance. Shower rails can be installed via suction or mounted to the wall, but the mounted rails usually provide more reliable support. Shower rails are great options for shower-only bathrooms.
Aging in place might mean investing in a safer toilet. There are many kinds of toilet adaptations that can help aging adults, but the most popular is called an ADA Toilet. ADA toilets are in accordance with standards set by the American Disabilities Act and are sometimes called diabled toilets, handicapped toilets, or comfort height toilets. One distinguishing feature is that these toilets are 2.5 inches taller than standard toilets. Since replacing an entire toilet can be costly (think about the cost of a new toilet and parts, back and forth trips to the store, labor, etc!) we suggest a few cost-effective alternatives below.
 | Drive Medical Premium Toilet Seat Riser with Removable Arms View Product |
Another cheaper option for an alternative to a comfort height toilet is a simple elevated seat, which raises the height of the toilet to assist older adults in sitting and standing. There are many types of elevated toilet seats, as explained in the article Elevated Toilet Seats are Essential Elderly Care Products. The list includes toilet seat risers with supportive arms, raised toilet seats, and commode chairs that fit over a standard toilet. Adults aging in place who suffer from limited mobility and strength will benefit from elevated toilet seats.
 | Dignity Lifts - BL1 Toilet Lift View Product |
A toilet lift is a motor-powered device that sits on top of a standard toilet that assists users in the transition from sitting to standing. This is especially helpful for frail older adults who may not have the leg strength to sit and stand without help. Most lifts can support users up to 300 pounds. While relatively expensive compared to some of the other toilet add-on’s, they encourage independence in aging or disabled adults in the bathroom setting and they are less expensive than buying a new ADA toilet. If you’re interested in exploring these options, shop Toilet Lifts to see what might suit your new bathroom.
 | Guardian Toilet Safety Frame by Medline View Product |
A toilet frame is a structure that fits around a toilet that offers increased support. This is a great alternative to toilet rails that do not require any home modifications, and can therefore be used for short-term use, traveling, or for people renting a home who cannot damage the walls. Many toilet frames also include a higher commode or toilet riser to add increased support. Shop all Toilet Safety Frames to consider your safe and cost-effective options today.
 | HealthCraft P.T. Hinged Rail View Product |
Toilet rails are similar to grab bars except they serve the specific purpose of helping aging adults move from standing to seated position (and vice versa). Bathroom support rails are mounted on the wall beside the toilet. They are designed for long-term use for homeowners, since they are usually permanent fixtures and installation will involve wall damage. Shop all Bathroom Support Rails to choose a toilet rail for your new bathroom.
Choosing, purchasing and overseeing the installation of a new bathtub is one of the most important phases of a bathroom renovation for adults aging in place. We do offer walk-in bathtubs for sale, but these are all quite time-consuming to install in addition to being expensive. Many bathtub installations require the help of a professional contractor, which adds extra expense. There are situations where a walk-in bathtub makes the most sense, since they are so much safer than traditional bathtubs. However, there are much simpler and cost-effective alternatives that still provide minimal to moderate assistance.
Bathtub rails provide stand-alone support for aging adults who still use a bathtub. These devices help them get in and out of the tub. There are a few types that offer varying levels of assistance (for example, some have a step, while others simply clamp on to the tub siding); see Top 5 Bathtub Rails for our favorite choices and everything you need to know before purchasing. A bathtub rail provides minimal assistance compared to walk-in tubs and shower benches, but it could be a great first step for individuals without major mobility deficits who want to prevent falls in the bathroom.
 | Sliding Transfer Shower Bench with Swivel Chair by Platinum Health View Product |
A shower bench is a safe and cost-effective alternative to a full shower or bathtub replacement. These benches come in various styles, but they all have the same basic function: to provide a way for older adults to shift into a bathtub or shower without having to stand up. They provide less assistance than a walk-in bathtub, but more assistance than a simple bathtub rail (and require no installation!). To check out our favorites, read the 5 Best Bathtub Shower Benches! The bench sits over a bathtub or inside a shower and allows an individual to use a detachable shower head more easily from a sitting position. Shower benches are a customer favorite because they are so simple to purchase and use. Depending on the type of transfer bench, users might need to shift across the bench to reach the shower or bath area. Some designs also feature a swivel seat to simplify the transition into the bath or shower!
If your bathroom has a shower stall instead of a bathtub, a shower stall add-on may be appropriate to ensure safety. Showers can be even more dangerous than bathtubs because the individual standing up has further to fall if they slip, so it’s important to make sure that every precaution is taken to prevent falls in this population.
 | Teak Wall Mounted Fold Down Shower Bench with Slats View Product |
Wall-mounted shower benches are seats installed inside the shower that allow users to sit down while bathing. These are extremely helpful for fall prevention and allow adults aging in place to shower autonomously even when they cannot stand for the duration of a shower. Browse our catalog Wall Mounted Shower Benches for sale to see all of our options. Something to keep in mind: if your shower is white, we recommend purchasing a shower bench with high contrast. Most bathtubs are white, so consider a shower bench that is made from teak wood, as an extra safety precaution.
 | Drive Medical Deluxe Hand Held Shower Spray View Product |
Handheld shower heads are detachable and give the user much more flexibility to move the water around for the duration of the shower. These are especially useful for adults who use a shower bench or wall-mounted shower bench, since a seated position offers less mobility and it may take longer to bathe if a simple overhead shower head is used. There are many types of handheld shower heads, and some feature a no-slip grip for adults who may find it difficult to hold a slippery surface. Shop Handheld Shower Heads to view all of our options.
There are special considerations for adults aging in place who require wheelchair-specific renovations. Since these accommodations are so specific, there are fewer cost-effective alternatives here. Keep in mind that many of these renovations can dramatically improve the quality of life for individuals who require wheelchairs, so they are worth a more costly investment. We recommend checking out ADA guidelines for bathrooms; while these are not required for home renovations, they offer helpful resources!
 | Handicap Sink - Pressalit Custom Plus Height Adjustable Sink View Product |
Special sinks are necessary for adults who require wheelchairs, since these individuals cannot reach the height of a standard sink. Rather than installing specific low sinks or an ADA-accessible vanity (which would be too low for other adults in the home who do not use a wheelchair), we recommend adjustable sinks which can accommodate everyone. Some sinks can even be adjusted both vertically and horizontally to allow for maximum versatility.
 | Wheelchair Accessible 54 in. x 36-7/8 in. Freedom Shower View Product |
For wheelchair users, an ADA shower stall is a necessary part of a bathroom renovation. There are a few different layouts–see Wheelchair Accessible Shower Stalls for sale–although most fall within a standard range of dimensions designed to accommodate the width of a wheelchair. This is one area worth spending money, and you will likely need to hire a contractor to help with the installation. Rehabmart offers competitive prices for ADA shower stalls and has financing options through Affirm and Newlane Finance (for qualifying customers). Feel free to email our Quotes Department to see if any discounts are available via quotes@rehabmart.com.
 | Teak Shower Bench with Drop Down Legs - ADA Compliant - by TeakWorks4U View Product |
An ADA shower bench is simply a shower bench that falls within the standard ADA measurements to accommodate wheelchair users. As with any shower bench, we recommend a high-visibility design (e.g. teakwood) if the shower is otherwise white for increased safety. There are options for wall-mounted shower benches as well as stand-alone models. Shop ADA Compliant Shower Benches to check out the range of models.
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If there is a small step or incline in front of the bathroom door, you may need to consider installing a threshold ramp to accommodate a wheelchair user. These are designed to promote easier wheelchair access in and out of spaces, and this is especially important when it comes to bathroom access. Ramps come in many materials, including metal, wood, and rubber. The rubber models are advantageous because they can be cut for a custom fit (the ramp needs to be flush with the wall to avoid shifting). Check out the variety of models and shop all Threshold Ramps for Wheelchairs.
You might need to widen your doorways to create space for someone using a walker or wheelchair. ADA standards indicate that the minimum width of a door should be 32 inches. We don’t have a specific product to recommend, as this change usually requires some construction, but we do have some ideas for how to make this transition smoother:
Some renovations can be completed right away, like inserting grab bars. Other changes, like installing an ADA shower stall, might have to wait until you have the proper funds. Make a list of changes in the order of importance, and factor these considerations into your budget. Keep in mind that cutting corners to save money might not always be the right answer; a higher-cost renovation will be worth the investment if it allows an aging adult to be more independent and increases their quality of life!
Always keep visibility in mind when re-designing a bathroom space. Bathrooms usually have white toilets, bathtubs, and sinks -- and white appliances (e.g., toilet lift, bathtub bench, shower rail) will not provide enough color contrast. We recommend appliances to have high contrast against their surroundings, and the best colors for those appliances are blues and grays. Blues and grays give enough contrast while still being aesthetically pleasing.
If possible, we recommend painting your bathroom walls a light color, since it will reflect natural light. Ideally, the countertops and floors are also light-colored.
Try to prevent older adults from having to access items out of reach, as this can also increase the likelihood of falls. Consider adding shelves, cubbies, or bathroom racks, and place any items that are frequently used within arm’s reach.
This may seem like a small detail compared to some other bathroom renovations, but it can have dramatic impacts on the lives of older adults! Having enough lighting reduces the chance of falls. Natural lighting is always ideal, but any supplementary lighting around the sink, in the shower, or in bathroom closets is helpful too.
Keep in mind that some renovations simply don’t have cheaper options. These include a roll-in shower stall for wheelchair users or the convenience of having a bathroom on the first floor. These are critical adjustments, and they are worth the investment and time.
Thank you for reading our guide to bathroom renovations for adults aging in place. When it comes to these renovations for adults aging in place, it’s important to carefully consider comfort and safety measures. For more helpful tips about how to save money and optimize renovations, check out Caregiver University.
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
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