Bathroom Safety Checklist for Aging Parents (Room Walkthrough)

Why start with the bathroom

It's the room where wet floors, tight spaces, stepping over a tub wall, and sitting down and standing up all happen at once. In CDC's study of U.S. emergency departments, an estimated 234,094 people age 15 and older were treated for nonfatal bathroom injuries in 2008, and 81.1% of those injuries were caused by falls. ^[1]

The toilet matters more with age. The share of bathroom injuries that happened while sitting down on, standing up from, or using the toilet:

Ages 65–74

19.3%

Ages 75–84

26.9%

Ages 85+

36.9%

Source: CDC MMWR, 2008 data. ^[1] It's older data, but it's still CDC's most specific study of bathroom injuries.

The good news: a lot of what helps is simple. Non-slip surfaces, grab bars in the right places, a seat that fits, better light, and things kept within reach. Work through the list below one room at a time.

Checking the whole house, not just the bathroom? Use the room-by-room home safety checklist, which also comes as a free printable PDF.

The path in

Clear the walkway from the bedroom to the bathroomNo laundry baskets, scales, cords, or trash cans in the way. ^[3]
Remove throw rugs, or swap them for flat non-slip matsCurled edges and loose rugs are easy to catch a foot on. ^[3]
Add night lights in the bedroom, hallway, and bathroomMotion-sensor lights help with nighttime trips. ^[3]
Check which way the door swingsA door that swings in can be blocked if someone falls inside. Ask a contractor or OT whether an outward-swinging or pocket door makes sense. ^[3]

Tub and shower

Non-slip strips or a non-slip mat that stays flatSkip mats that float or bunch, and clean them so soap doesn't build up. Bath mats vs. tub strips. ^[3]
Grab bars anchored into studs or reinforced blockingAdd one near the entry and one along the wall. Towel bars are not built to hold body weight. ^[3]
Don't rely on suction-cup bars for supportA 2025 peer-reviewed lab study found suction-cup handholds had low efficacy. Use them as a light reminder at most. Are no-drill grab bars safe? ^[5]
A shower chair or tub transfer bench that fits the spaceMeasure the tub or shower first. Not every seat fits a small space. ^[4]
A handheld shower headYour parent can sit, then turn the water on once they're settled. ^[4]
Soap, shampoo, and towel reachable from the seatNo leaning or twisting to reach a shelf. ^[3]

Not sure which seat? Read Shower chair vs. tub transfer bench.

Where the ADA puts horizontal grab bars: 33 to 36 inches above the floor, measured to the top of the gripping surface (2010 ADA Standards, 609.4). ^[2] It's a starting point for a home, not a prescription. A PT or OT can adjust it to your parent's height and the way they move. ^[3] Diagram not to scale.

The toilet

A grab bar on the side wall next to the toiletA rear-wall bar can help with turning and clothing. ^[3]
A raised seat with arms or a toilet safety frame, if bars aren't possibleUseful in rentals or walls without blocking. Raised seat vs. safety frame. ^[3]
Seat height that keeps both feet flat on the floorIf feet dangle, it's too high. If standing is a struggle, it may be too low. ^[3]
Encourage standing up slowlyCDC notes dizziness on standing is a known fall risk, and bars by the toilet add support. ^[1]

Sink and storage

Daily items between hip and shoulder heightToothbrush, medications, soap, and hair tools, with no deep bending or overhead reaching. ^[3]
Don't lean on towel bars or pedestal sinks for balanceThey may not hold body weight. ^[3]
A stool with non-slip feet only if there's roomHelpful if standing at the sink is tiring. ^[3]

Floors and lighting

Bright, even lighting in the bathroomWater and thresholds are hard to see in dim light. ^[3]
Rubber-backed mats outside the tub or showerAnd wipe up water right away. ^[3]
Keep towels off the floorHang one within reach of the tub instead. ^[3]
Non-skid house shoes instead of socks or loose slippersAsk their clinician about shower footwear. ^[3]

Help within reach

A way to call for help from the bathroomIf your parent uses a medical alert, check whether it can be worn in the shower. How medical alert systems work.
Talk about locking the bathroom doorAgree on a way family can get in if needed.

Beyond the bathroom

Ask their doctor about dizziness, medications, vision, and feetAlso mention any recent falls. ^[3]
Ask about an occupational therapy home safety assessmentEspecially after a fall, a stroke, or surgery, or if they use a cane or walker or need help bathing. ^[3]

Bathroom Safety Checklist for Aging Parents