Creating a safe, welcoming, and functional space for individuals with limited mobility is crucial for many homeowners.

Since bathrooms have a higher probability of accidents due to falling or slipping in spaces with hard surfaces and sharp edges, the bathroom is often considered the most dangerous room in the home. Thus, thoughtful attention to safety via enhanced accessibility is vital for bathrooms used by individuals with limited or diminishing physical capabilities, including seniors.

Whether you are accommodating a family member or planning for future needs, such as Aging in Place, an accessible bathroom designed with universal design can make a significant difference in day-to-day life. By definition, universal design means that living spaces are usable and well-suited for people of all ages, sizes and abilities. Universal design with aging in place specifically in mind will ensure that older individuals can continue to live safely and comfortably in the familiar layout of their homes as physical, mental, and health changes affect their mobility over time.

Below, we explore the top features every accessible bathroom should have to promote safe independence, comfort and health for individuals with varying physical limitations.

7 Top Features to Have in an Accessible Bathroom

  1. Wide Doorways
  2. Walk-In Showers and Tubs
  3. Shower Benches
  4. Combo-Comfort Bidet Toilets
  5. Grab Bars
  6. Accessible Sinks and Vanities
  7. Non-Slip Flooring

Also see:

 

1. Wide Doorways

Wide doorways allow wheelchair-bound residents and those needing mobility aids, such as walkers or crutches, to enter easily. According to the ADA, doorways should have a minimum width of 32 inches when the door is open at 90 degrees. This allows sufficient space for most wheelchairs to pass through comfortably, reducing the risk of damage to the doorframe or mobility devices. Automatic doors or lever-style handles can further enhance accessibility by reducing the physical effort needed to open a door.

Wide entrance to master suite bathroom

 

2. Walk-In Showers and Tubs

Standard bathtubs and showers can pose challenges for some individuals, as stepping over the edge of a tub or into a shower with a steep ledge can be difficult or unsafe. Walk-in tubs and showers offer a safer, more accessible solution, reducing the risk of falls and ensuring easier entry.

Zero-threshold design eliminates the need to step over edges, reducing the risk of slipping. Pairing this feature with anti-slip shower flooring can further enhance safety and provide peace of mind.

Zero-threshold Walk-in Bathroom shower with bench

 

3. Shower Benches

Shower benches enhance safety and comfort in an accessible bathroom. They provide a secure place to sit while showering, making personal hygiene tasks significantly easier for individuals with limited mobility. Fixed, fold-down, or portable models allow homeowners to choose the best fit for their space and needs.

A well-placed shower bench also helps caregivers who may need to assist someone during bathing. They eliminate several bathroom safety hazards by reducing some of the physical demands of bathing.

Zero-threshold walk-in shower with built-in bench

 

4. Combo-Comfort Bidet Toilets

A combo-comfort bidet toilet is vital for individuals with limited mobility, as well as for those aging in place, offering significant comfort, safety and health benefits. We define this class of toilet as an ADA-compliant, elongated toilet seat at comfort height with full bidet capabilities— all critical features for safe ease of use, enhanced hygiene, and increased confidence.

Toto Neorest LS ADA compliant Bidet Toilet

Side view of the Toto Neorest LS ADA compliant Bidet Toilet with elongated seat and comfort height features

Standard toilets are often too low for individuals with mobility issues, creating unnecessary discomfort and risk of injury. Comfort-height toilets, also referred to as chair-height toilets, are typically taller, standing at 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the seat. This elevation reduces strain on knees and hips, and simplifies the process of sitting down and standing up, especially helpful for wheelchair users and those with limited leg strength. These combined benefits minimize fall risks, a critical concern especially for seniors.

An elongated bowl (typically 18.5–19.5 inches long vs. 16.5 inches for round toilets) further increases comfort, as they offer more seating space and better support. Elongated toilets are also more compatible with bidet seats or attachments, which require a longer bowl for proper fit and functionality

Toto Neorest LS ADA compliant Bidet Toilet with lid open

Top view of the Toto Neorest LS ADA compliant Bidet Toilet with elongated seat and comfort height features

The bidet feature enhances hygiene by providing gentle, hands-free cleaning, reducing the need for twisting or reaching, which can be challenging for those with limited dexterity. This promotes independence, prevents skin irritation, and lowers infection risks, particularly for those with incontinence or sensitive skin.

Advanced bidet functionality can further provide adjustable water spray, temperature, and pressure settings, plus features such as a heated seat, air drying, and remote or side-panel controls.

 

5. Grab Bars

Grab bars are non-negotiable in creating a safe and functional accessible bathroom. These bars provide stability and support for individuals who may have difficulty maintaining their balance.

Strategically installed around the toilet, shower, and bathtub, grab bars provide sturdy support and enhance overall safety. Opt for slip-resistant grab bars for additional support, and ensure proper installation into wall studs.

AquaChase ADA compliant grab bar

A stylish ADA-compliant grab bar by AquaChase

 

6. Accessible Sinks and Vanities

Accessible sinks and vanities significantly enhance safety, comfort, and independence for persons with limited mobility and those aging in place. Designed with a maximum height of 34 inches and 27–29 inches of knee clearance, they allow wheelchair users to approach comfortably, while single-lever faucets accommodate arthritic hands or limited dexterity.

Accessible floating vanity and sink in bathroom

Lowered mirrors ensure usability at seated heights, and open-underneath designs reduce strain from bending or reaching. These features promote safe grooming, minimize fall risks, and support hygiene, enabling users to maintain daily routines with confidence and dignity in a stylish, functional bathroom environment.

 

7. Non-Slip Flooring

Non-slip flooring offers enhanced safety and confidence. Featuring textured, matte-finish materials such as slip-resistant tiles or vinyl with a high coefficient of friction (>0.6), non-slip bathroom flooring provides secure footing, even when wet, reducing the risk of slips and falls — a leading cause of injury for seniors.

Additional benefits of non-slip flooring includes: supporting mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs; promoting independence; and maintaining hygiene with easy-to-clean surfaces.

There are also non-slip bathroom flooring options that mimic the look of marble. Porcelain tiles are a popular choice, offering a similar aesthetic to marble while being more durable and providing better slip resistance, especially with textured or honed finishes. Alternatively, limestone or tumbled marble tiles, which have a naturally rough surface, are also non-slip options.

 

Closing Comments

Though accessible bathrooms prioritize functional, safe, and convenient features, recent design advancements are combining accessible functionality with stylish aesthetics.

Innovations include sleek, comfort-height bidet toilets with touchless controls and customizable spray settings. Roll-in showers feature zero-threshold entries, built-in benches, and elegant non-slip tiles that mimic natural stone.

Wall-mounted sinks with open knee space integrate minimalist designs, while smart faucets with motion sensors or voice activation simplify operation for persons with limited dexterity. Grab bars now come in chic finishes like brushed nickel and expanded color options, blending safety with modern decor.

These advancements prioritize universal design, ensuring safety, comfort, and independence while elevating bathroom aesthetics for all users — the best of both worlds for years of safe, comfortable and enjoyable usage!

 

Additional Home Safety & Home Wellness Articles

 

Purgula is reader-supported. When you click on links to other sites from our website, we may earn affiliate commissions, at no cost to you. If you find our content to be helpful, this is an easy way for you to support our mission. Thanks! Learn more.