Bathroom Modifications To Consider

The bathroom is often the smallest room in the home, yet it’s one of the most hazardous, especially for older adults, individuals with limited mobility, or those recovering from injury or surgery. Thoughtful bathroom modifications can transform this high-risk space into a safer, more comfortable environment that supports independence, confidence, and daily living.

Key Takeaways

• Start with a professional assessment: An Occupational Therapist can spot hidden risks and recommend modifications that match your home and lifestyle.
  
• Small changes make a big impact: Conservative updates like grab bars, non-slip flooring, and improved lighting often provide immediate safety and independence.
  
• Glass shower doors pose hidden risks: Safer alternatives such as barrier-free or textured designs reduce the chance of accidents.
  
• Professional installation matters: DIY fixes can create hazards, while licensed experts ensure bathroom modifications are safe, durable, and compliant.

Start with a Home Safety Assessment by an Occupational Therapist

One key differentiator of Oakley Home Access is our Free Home Safety Assessments conducted by skilled Occupational Therapists. Our OTs focus on function and safety, collaborating with individuals, families, and healthcare providers to design effective solutions that maximize mobility and enhance safety.

Our experienced contractors deliver quality craftsmanship with personalized solutions and are certified installers of trusted accessibility products, including:

• Acorn & Bruno Stairlifts
• CleanCut Tub Cuts
• EZ Access Modular Ramps & Vertical Platform Lifts
• Handicare Ceiling Lifts

We are committed to ensuring every job is completed to the highest standards, combining medical insight with skilled installation. Whether you need conservative updates or a barrier free shower, we provide aging-in-place bathroom solutions that make the space safer, more accessible, and more comfortable, helping seniors remain independent at home longer.

Conservative Bathroom Modifications

Not every home needs a major renovation. Often, conservative modifications provide excellent results:

Grab Bars & Safety Rails 

Grab bars are one of the simplest yet most effective safety features you can add to a bathroom. Installed near toilets, tubs, and showers, they provide much-needed stability in slippery or awkward spaces. When anchored properly into wall studs, they can support a person’s full weight, offering confidence and preventing falls during daily routines.

Related Blog: Bathroom Safety Equipments

Non-Slip Flooring & Mats 

Bathrooms with smooth tile or laminate can quickly become dangerous when wet. Adding non-slip flooring, textured shower coatings, or slip‑resistant bathroom flooring greatly reduces the risk of slipping. This modification is especially important in homes with older flooring, where surfaces often lack modern safety finishes.

Handheld Shower Heads & Seating 

For individuals with balance concerns or limited stamina, showering while standing can be exhausting and unsafe. Installing a handheld shower head paired with a sturdy shower chair allows for greater comfort and independence. Many customers have found that this small adjustment makes bathing more enjoyable while reducing the risk of slips and fatigue.

Related blog: Senior Friendly Bathroom Designs 

Raised Toilets or Toilet Risers

Traditional toilets can be too low, making it difficult for seniors or those with mobility challenges to sit down and stand up safely. A raised toilet or toilet riser increases the seat height, easing pressure on the knees and hips. This simple change can reduce strain and prevent falls, especially for those recovering from surgery.

Improved Lighting

Poor lighting is a hidden danger in many bathrooms, especially in older homes where fixtures are outdated or dim. Adding brighter lights, motion-activated nightlights, or layered lighting improves visibility and reduces nighttime fall risks. An improved bathroom and home lighting not only makes the space safer but also more welcoming and easier to use for daily routines.

Glass Shower Doors Can Be a Danger

While glass shower doors may look modern, they can be hazardous, especially for older adults or anyone with low vision. Clear glass provides little contrast, making it hard to see. When wet or fogged, it’s easy to bump into or slip against, and in the event of a fall, the glass itself can cause serious injury.

For these reasons, we often recommend curbless showers with textured doors or barrier-free designs. In one local project, replacing a frameless glass shower door with a safer, open-entry shower gave a client more confidence and reduced the chance of accidents.

Related blog: Dangers and Drawbacks to Glass Shower Doors

Professional Installation vs. DIY

While some families try to handle bathroom modifications themselves, professional installation is always the safer choice. Grab bars that aren’t anchored into studs or lifts installed incorrectly can do more harm than good. At Oakley Home Access, our work is backed by years of construction and rehabilitation experience, plus certification in accessibility solutions. 

Creating a Safer Bathroom Starts Here

Every bathroom tells a story, and in many homes across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, that story includes hidden risks. The good news is that with the right bathroom modifications, whether simple additions like grab bars or full shower renovations you can greatly improve safety, accessibility, and peace of mind for your family.

At Oakley Home Access, we bring together licensed Occupational Therapists and experienced installers to deliver personalized solutions you can trust. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter fixes, we believe in modifications that fit your home, your needs, and your lifestyle.

Contact us today to schedule your free home safety assessment and explore the best bathroom modifications for your home!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Are glass shower doors safe for seniors in their homes?

Glass shower doors can be a hazard because they lack contrast and can be hard to see when wet or fogged. For seniors, safer options include textured glass, framed doors, or barrier-free shower entries.

How do I know which bathroom modifications are right for my home?

A professional home safety assessment helps identify risks and recommends tailored modifications like grab bars, walk-in showers, or raised toilets based on your needs.

Are bathroom modifications covered by insurance or Medicare in Connecticut?

Some bathroom modifications may be covered under certain insurance policies or veterans’ programs in Connecticut. While Medicare typically does not cover home modifications, our team at Oakley Home Access helps families explore financing and local grant options.