You want to age in place, but you also understand the risk. According to the National Council on Aging, one in four seniors (aged 65+) will suffer a fall each year, and home hazards are a leading cause. For the sake of your safety and your family’s peace of mind, you need to make some accessible upgrades to your home, but where should you start?
At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we’ve helped seniors create safer bathrooms for over two decades. We understand the specific risks seniors face in the bathroom and how to address them to minimize slip and fall accidents. Read on to discover our most-recommended shower and bath remodel ideas for senior safety.
Table of Contents
- Accessible Shower and Tub Options for Seniors
- Additional Bathroom Safety Upgrades for Seniors
- Is DIY Bathroom Accessibility a Good Idea?
- Discover the Cost of Bathroom Remodeling
Accessible Shower and Tub Options for Seniors
If you only have the budget for one bathroom safety upgrade, consider prioritizing your tub or shower area. Tubs and showers present the highest risk because they require you to stand on a wet surface and, depending on the type of shower or tub you have, step over a threshold to get in and out. Here are two alternatives that can significantly reduce your bathing slip and fall risk.
Walk-In Tubs
Walk in tubs are a popular choice for seniors because they offer:
- Low Threshold Entry: No need to step over a high tub wall—simply open the door and step right in.
- Grab Bars: Strategically placed for extra stability when getting in or out of the tub.
- Non-Slip Flooring: Helps reduce the chances of slipping once inside.
- Hydrotherapy Jets: Some models include jets that provide soothing hydrotherapy, ideal for those with arthritis or joint pain.
It’s important to note that the walk in tub cost is on the higher end. With a quality tub and professional installation, you can expect to pay around $20,000 to $35,000.
Curbless Entry Showers
If you prefer the showering experience, a walk in shower is a great alternative to walk in tubs. Make sure to work with a shower installer that can offer:
- Zero-Threshold Entry (aka curbless entry): No steps or ledges to trip over—perfect for seniors or those in wheelchairs.
- Slip-Resistant Flooring: Textured or anti-slip materials help ensure stable footing.
- Built-In Seating: A fold-down or built-in seat provides a comfortable place to sit during the shower.
Walk in shower costs are less prohibitive for many seniors. You can install a high-quality acrylic walk in tub with accessibility features for between $14,000 and $24,000.
Accessories and Features That Increase Bathroom Safety
No matter what shower or bath solution you choose, make sure to prioritize safety-oriented accessories and features such as:
- Grab bars and handrails to provide support while entering and exiting the shower
- Shower seats or benches that allow you to sit while bathing as needed
- Thermostatic valves to monitor the water temperature and prevent scalding
The cost of these features and accessories is represented in the tub and shower price ranges listed above.
Additional Bathroom Safety Upgrades for Seniors
With a larger budget, there are a few additional safety and accessibility upgrades that can make your bathroom much more senior-friendly, such as installing anti-slip flooring or an ADA-grade toilet.
Anti-Slip Flooring
A slippery floor can be just as hazardous as your tub or shower, especially if your feet are wet. Consider replacing your current flooring with anti-slip materials such as:
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring: The most budget-friendly anti-slip flooring option
- Cork or bamboo: The most eco-friendly anti-slip flooring option
- Engineered wood: The most scratch-resistant anti-slip flooring option
Bonus tip: Keep your bathmat close to your tub or shower entry and get rid of any other rugs, mats, or floor runners you may have previously used in your bathroom. The goal is to eliminate as many tripping hazards as possible in your bathroom.
Lighting Solutions for Improved Visibility
A few simple lighting upgrades can make your bathroom easier and safer to navigate by reducing visibility problems. Consider options like:
- Motion-sensor lights that automatically turn on when you enter the room
- LED task lighting around mirrors or countertops
- Warm white LED bulbs, which may be better for eye health than cool white LED bulbs
Accessible Storage Options
Reaching for items on high shelves or bending down for supplies can be tricky. Work with your bathroom remodeler to create custom storage solutions that meet your specific mobility needs. Examples include:
Lowered vanities for wheelchair users- Waist-height pull-out drawers and open shelving
- Lowered vanities for wheelchair users
- Adjustable-height shelves that you can change as your needs change
Bonus tip: If your bathroom has a linen closet, consider removing the door and opting for an open shelf look. Having to open and shut a door, especially in a confined space like a bathroom, can be difficult for seniors with mobility aids or balance challenges.
Accessible Toilets
Toilets can present a unique challenge for some seniors, particularly if sitting down and standing back up are difficult. To make your toilet safer to use, consider:
- The higher-budget option: installing an ADA-compliant toilet (aka a comfort toilet) that is 17-19” tall, rather than the standard 15-16”
- The lower-budget option: installing a handrail next to your toilet
An ADA-compliant toilet typically costs between $200-$700, with additional installation costs of between $500-$1,100. Grab bar installation typically costs $100-$350.
Is DIY Bathroom Accessibility a Good Idea?
When you’re remodeling a bathroom, labor typically accounts for about 25-40% of total costs. As a result, it can be tempting to just buy the parts and materials and install them yourself or have a family member install them for you. When is DIY bathroom accessibility a good idea, and when should you leave it to the professionals?
Small or aesthetic changes are typically DIY-friendly. For example, a family member can easily replace your cool white LED lightbulbs with warm white LED lightbulbs. They can also plug in motion sensor nightlights in strategic places to improve nighttime visibility.
Anything that requires demolition, plumbing, or electrical work is better left to the professionals. We even recommend hiring a professional to install grab bars and handrails, whether or not you’re replacing your entire tub or shower. If your safety accessories are improperly installed, they can become loose or even fall off, making them unsafe and unreliable.
Discover the Cost of Bathroom Remodeling
The vast majority of seniors would rather age in place than relocate to an assisted living community. To do so safely, however, it’s crucial that you commit to making your home more accessible. With this guide, you can prioritize the senior safety bathroom upgrades that will make the biggest impact for you.
At ZINTEX Remodeling, we’re proud to offer the solutions that best serve our senior customers, including walk in tubs and walk in showers. How much would it cost to get your whole bathroom remodeled? Find out in our guide to the full bathroom remodel costs with ZINTEX.
FAQs About Bathroom Remodeling for Seniors
Q: How much does a walk in tub or accessible walk in shower cost?
With labor and accessibility features, walk in tubs typically cost between $20,000 and $35,000 to install. Senior-friendly walk in showers typically cost between $14,000 and $24,000. These price ranges include everything from demolition and plumbing upgrades to materials and accessories.
Q: Can I finance my senior-friendly bathroom remodel?
By partnering with professional contractors, you can almost always finance your accessible bathroom upgrades. Monthly payments will reflect factors like the total cost of your remodel and your credit score. Additionally, veterans may qualify for programs like the VA’s SAH or HISA grants.
Q: What are the best low-cost accessibility upgrades I can make right away?
Whether or not you plan to renovate all or parts of your bathroom, consider removing excess rugs, mats, and other tripping hazards from your bathroom. Install at least one plug-in motion sensor nightlight, preferably near the light switch. Ask a family member to help you move all daily or weekly-use toiletries and supplies to cabinets or shelves that you can reach without bending or stretching overhead.
