Bathroom Updates for Aging in Place: A Practical Guide

HomePro Help guide · Updated October 16, 2026

Many people want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, and the bathroom is usually the first room that needs attention. Small changes can make daily routines easier, and a bigger project, like replacing a tub, can make a real difference. Here are the updates homeowners most often consider.

Make getting in and out easier

Stepping over a high tub wall is one of the most common difficulties. Options include:

• Tub-to-shower conversion with a low or curbless entry
• Walk-in tub with a door and built-in seat, if you still like to soak
• Walk-in shower replacing an older, cramped shower

Add places to sit and hold on

• A built-in bench or fold-down shower seat
• Grab bars near the shower entry, inside the shower and beside the toilet. They need to be anchored properly, not just screwed into drywall.
• A comfort-height toilet, which is a little taller than standard

Reduce slipping

• Slip-resistant flooring or textured shower bases
• Smaller floor tiles in showers, which give more grip because of extra grout lines
• Bath mats with non-slip backing outside the shower

Make everything easier to reach and use

• A handheld shower head on a slide bar
• Lever-style faucet handles instead of knobs
• Recessed shelves at a comfortable height
• An anti-scald or thermostatic shower valve

Improve lighting

Bright, even lighting and a night light on the path to the bathroom help a lot, especially at night.

Plan ahead

If you're replacing a tub or shower anyway, it's the ideal time to add blocking in the walls for future grab bars and to choose a low-entry design. Planning now can avoid a second project later.

Every home and every person is different. If you have specific mobility or health needs, an occupational therapist can recommend changes that fit you. For the remodeling itself, a local provider can tell you what's possible in your bathroom.

See bath & shower options · More homeowner guides