Bathroom Safety Equipment: A Complete Guide to Safer Bathing and Toileting at Home

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms to consider when trying to make a home safer and easier to navigate.

Wet surfaces, getting in and out of a bathtub, lowering onto a toilet and standing from a seated position can all become more difficult when someone is recovering from surgery, experiencing reduced strength or balance, or simply finding everyday mobility more challenging.

Fortunately, relatively simple changes can make a significant difference.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends measures such as non-slip bathing surfaces, properly anchored grab bars, raised toilet seats and bath seats when appropriate as part of fall-prevention efforts at home.

At Function At Home, we carry a variety of bathroom safety equipment for clients throughout London, Ontario and surrounding communities, including shower chairs, bath benches, transfer benches, commodes, raised toilet seats, toilet safety rails, grab bars and bath lifts.

But which one do you actually need?

Let's break down the most common options.

1. Shower Chairs and Bath Seats

A shower chair allows someone to remain seated while showering rather than standing for the entire process.

This may be useful for someone who:

• Tires easily while standing.

• Has reduced balance.

• Is recovering from surgery or illness.

• Feels unsteady on wet surfaces.

• Requires assistance while bathing.

Some shower chairs are simple stools, while others provide a backrest and armrests for additional support.

The right style depends on the user's mobility as well as the dimensions and layout of the shower.

What to consider

Before choosing one, look at:

• Seat width

• User weight capacity

• Adjustable height

• Armrests

• Back support

• Available shower space

• Ability to safely sit and stand

A chair that is technically suitable for one bathroom may simply be too large for another.

2. Transfer Benches

A tub transfer bench is different from a standard shower chair.

Rather than sitting completely inside the bathtub, a transfer bench typically extends over the side of the tub. This allows the user to sit down outside the bathtub and then move across the bench rather than stepping directly over the tub wall.

That distinction can be especially important for someone who finds lifting a leg over the bathtub difficult.

Transfer benches come in several configurations, including models with:

• Backrests

• Arm supports

• Adjustable legs

• Padded surfaces

• Sliding or swivel seating systems

Bathroom layout matters considerably here, so measure the bathtub and surrounding space before purchasing.

3. Grab Bars

Grab bars can provide a stable handhold around areas where someone frequently changes position.

Common locations include:

• Beside the toilet

• At the bathtub entrance

• Inside a shower

• Along a bathtub wall

Health Canada's home-safety guidance specifically recommends grab bars around the bathtub, shower and toilet when additional stability is needed. Permanent grab bars should be properly secured; Health Canada also cautions against using towel racks or soap dishes as substitutes for real support bars.

Grab-bar placement matters

Simply buying a grab bar isn't enough.

Its location should correspond to where the person actually needs support during their transfer or bathing routine.

For more complicated situations, an occupational therapist can assess the bathroom and recommend appropriate positioning.

4. Raised Toilet Seats

For some individuals, the problem isn't walking to the bathroom—it's getting back up from the toilet.

A raised toilet seat increases the seating height, reducing how far someone needs to lower themselves.

Health Canada's seniors' home-safety guidance notes that raised toilet seats can make getting on and off a toilet easier for some users.

Different styles include:

• Basic raised seats

• Raised seats with lids

• Models with built-in arms

• Adjustable-height options

One important consideration is stability. The seat needs to fit the toilet correctly and be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Toilet Safety Rails

Some people don't necessarily need a higher toilet—they need something sturdy to push from.

Toilet safety rails provide handles beside the toilet that can assist during sitting and standing.

Depending on the model, the rail system may attach to the toilet or use a freestanding frame.

For someone who already has an appropriate toilet height but needs additional upper-body support, this can sometimes be a better solution than simply increasing the seat height.

6. Commodes

A bedside or portable commode may be useful when reaching the bathroom itself is difficult.

This can be particularly relevant during:

• Post-surgical recovery

• Periods of significant weakness

• Overnight toileting

• Situations where the bathroom is located far from the bedroom

Many commodes can also be positioned over an existing toilet to provide additional height and arm support.

Function At Home currently carries several commode options and also lists select bathroom equipment—including bath seats, commodes and transfer benches—within its rental program.

7. Bath Lifts

A bath lift can be useful for individuals who still enjoy bathing in a tub but have difficulty lowering themselves to the bottom of the bathtub or getting back up.

These devices generally lower and raise the user while seated.

A bath lift is more specialized than a basic shower chair, so bathtub dimensions, user measurements and the person's transfer ability should all be considered before choosing one.

Don't Forget the Bathroom Floor

Equipment isn't the only part of bathroom safety.

The Government of Canada recommends:

• Non-slip surfaces in tubs and showers

• Promptly wiping up moisture and spills

• Removing or securing rugs that can become tripping hazards

• Providing good lighting

• Keeping pathways clear

Small changes around the equipment can be just as important as the equipment itself.

Shower Chair vs Transfer Bench: Which Is Better?

Neither is universally better.

A shower chair generally works well when someone can safely enter the shower or tub but benefits from sitting while bathing.

A transfer bench may be more appropriate when stepping over the bathtub wall itself is the major difficulty.

Think about the entire transfer:

Approach → sit → enter bathing area → bathe → exit → stand

The safest solution is the one that addresses the point in that sequence where the person is actually having difficulty.

Raised Toilet Seat vs Toilet Safety Rails

The same principle applies around the toilet.

A raised toilet seat primarily changes the height.

Toilet safety rails primarily provide something to hold or push from.

Some individuals benefit from both.

Rather than automatically buying one because it is marketed as "senior bathroom equipment," identify what is making the transfer difficult.

Is the toilet too low?

Is balance the issue?

Is there insufficient upper-body support?

Is the individual unable to reach the bathroom comfortably?

Those questions lead to a much better equipment choice.

When Should You Consider an Occupational Therapy Assessment?

Bathroom equipment can often be straightforward, but not always.

Consider speaking with an occupational therapist or another appropriate healthcare professional when:

• The individual has experienced repeated falls.

• Transfers require significant assistance.

• Mobility is changing rapidly.

• The person has complex physical limitations.

• Major home modifications are being considered.

• You're uncertain where grab bars should be installed.

• A caregiver is struggling to assist safely.

The Public Health Agency of Canada notes the importance of appropriate assessment when assistive equipment is being selected for individuals with mobility and balance limitations.

A Simple Bathroom Safety Checklist

Walk into the bathroom and look at it from the user's perspective.

Ask:

• Can they safely get on and off the toilet?

• Can they get into the bathing area?

• Can they remain standing while showering?

• Is there something appropriate to hold during transfers?

• Are floors slippery when wet?

• Is the room adequately lit?

• Are frequently used items within reach?

• Are rugs or obstacles creating trip hazards?

• Is there enough space for the equipment being considered?

You don't necessarily need to redesign the entire bathroom.

Sometimes one properly selected piece of equipment solves the biggest problem.

Bathroom Safety Equipment in London, Ontario

Function At Home carries a wide selection of bathroom safety products including shower chairs, bath benches, transfer benches, commodes, raised toilet seats, toilet safety rails, grab bars, bath lifts and other bathroom aids.

Our team can help you compare equipment based on the user's needs and the layout of the home.

Need Help Choosing Bathroom Safety Equipment?

Click here to see our bathroom safety equipment options.

Visit Function At Home or contact our team.

Function At Home

617 Consortium Court

London, ON N6E 2S8

226-663-1395

For individualized clinical recommendations or complex transfer concerns, speak with your occupational therapist, physiotherapist or healthcare provider.

FAQ

What bathroom safety equipment is most useful for seniors?

There isn't one product that is best for everyone. Common options include grab bars, shower chairs, transfer benches, raised toilet seats and toilet safety rails. The best choice depends on the person's mobility and bathroom layout. Canadian public-health guidance specifically identifies properly installed grab bars, bath seats, raised toilet seats and non-slip surfaces as potential home-safety measures.

What is the difference between a shower chair and a transfer bench?

A shower chair provides a seated surface within the bathing area. A transfer bench extends across the edge of a bathtub so someone can sit before moving their legs into the tub.

Are grab bars better than towel bars for support?

Yes. A towel bar is not designed to function as a safety grab bar. Health Canada specifically advises against relying on towel racks or soap dishes for support and recommends properly anchored grab bars.

When should someone use a raised toilet seat?

It may help when lowering onto or standing from a low toilet is difficult. Proper fit and installation are important.

Can bathroom safety equipment be rented?

Function At Home's current rental page lists select bathroom equipment, including bath seats, commodes and transfer benches. Availability should be confirmed with the store. Check our rental program page here.

Do I need an occupational therapist to choose bathroom equipment?

Not necessarily for every basic purchase. However, an OT assessment can be particularly useful for complex transfers, recurrent falls, home modifications or uncertainty about equipment placement.