As we age, our bodies change, and we may experience limited mobility, vision problems, or other health issues that make everyday tasks more challenging. For older adults, the bathroom can be a particularly hazardous place. Slippery surfaces, the risk of falls, and difficulty standing can all lead to serious injuries. However, with the right bathroom accessories, seniors can maintain their independence and reduce their risk of accidents.
One of the best places to start is the bathtub or shower. Shower chairs, grab bars, handheld showerheads, and shower seats are just a few of the bathroom safety products that can make showering easier and safer for elderly people with mobility issues. Suction cups, bath chairs, bath seats, bath lifts, and bath safety rails are also effective products for those who prefer to bathe in a seated position. A raised toilet seat, toilet safety frames, and seat belts can make using the toilet easier and less risky.
The National Institute on Aging recommends installing grab bars in the shower stall and near the toilet to reduce the risk of falls. Bath boards, bath steps, and tub rails can also provide secure support for seniors getting in and out of the tub. Non-slip mats, rubber grips, and teak shower chairs are other bath safety products that can help prevent bathroom injuries. Night lights and automatic soap dispensers can also improve safety and personal care in small spaces.
For those who prefer a walk-in shower or walk-in bathtub, there is a selection of products available to ensure optimum safety, easier access, and a little bit of luxury. A long-handled sponge and shower mat can also be a good idea for those with vision problems or difficulty reaching hard surfaces. Personal hygiene and disease control are also important considerations, which is why medical alert necklaces and information on VAT relief are available.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the best bathtub accessories for seniors, highlighting the features and benefits of each product. Whether you are a senior looking for products to make bathing safer or a caregiver looking for tools to assist your loved one, we’ve got you covered.
8 Best Bathtub Accessories for Seniors
We understand that taking a bath can be challenging for seniors due to mobility issues. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best bathtub accessories that can make bathing safer and more comfortable for them. From non-slip mats to bath benches, these products can help seniors maintain their independence and dignity while ensuring their safety. Check out our top picks below.
3 Suction Cup Grab Bars for Bathtubs and Showers
If you are looking for a portable, easy-to-install, and safe grab bar for your bathroom, the 3 Suction Cup Grab Bars for Bathtubs and Showers from Halford is a great option.
Pros
- High safety with upgraded 3 suction cups
- Comfortable and non-slip grip
- Multipurpose sturdy design
Cons
- Only suitable for flat and non-porous surfaces
- Suction cups may lose suction over time
- Not suitable for full body weight support
This grab bar is perfect for seniors, pregnant women, kids, injured, and handicapped people to use in the kitchen, bathroom, bathtub, shower, and toilet. The upgraded 3 suction cups provide high safety and stability, while the comfortable and non-slip grip ensures a secure hold.
The grab bar is also very portable and easy to install without any tools. It can be removed or installed anywhere in a few seconds and will not damage the wall. This makes it a great option for travel or for use in guest bathrooms.
However, it is important to note that the grab bar is only suitable for flat and non-porous surfaces, and the suction cups may lose suction over time. Additionally, it is not suitable for full body weight support.
Overall, the 3 Suction Cup Grab Bars for Bathtubs and Showers from Halford is a great option for those looking for a portable and easy-to-install grab bar for their bathroom.
Platinum Health Carousel Sliding Shower Chair Tub Transfer Bench
If you’re looking for a high-quality shower chair for seniors, the Platinum Health Carousel Sliding Shower Chair Tub Transfer Bench is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Effortless sliding and pivoting for safe, easy transfers in and out of the tub
- Padded shower seat, back, and armrests for extra comfort and safety
- Swivel-seat space-saving design that protrudes into the room much less than a traditional transfer bench
Cons
- Some users may find the chair a bit heavy at 20 pounds
- The optional leg extension kit may be necessary for tubs with high ledges
- The price point may be a bit higher than some other shower chairs on the market
The Platinum Health Carousel Sliding Shower Chair Tub Transfer Bench is a professional-grade sliding transfer shower bench that provides effortless sliding and pivoting for safe, easy transfers in and out of the tub. The padded shower seat, back, and armrests provide extra comfort and safety, and the swivel-seat space-saving design means that the chair protrudes into the room much less than a traditional transfer bench.
One of the standout features of this shower chair is its robust, weight-bearing armrests that provide extra safety and convenience. Unlike standard chairs with no armrests, the armrests on the Carousel can be used as leverage points to help the user into and out of the chair, and they also provide important additional physical and psychological support against slips and falls and fear of slips and falls.
Another great feature of the Platinum Health Carousel Sliding Shower Chair Tub Transfer Bench is its high-contrast color for safety. The unique HI-VIEW BLUE color makes the key parts of this handicap shower chair with arms much easier to see by vision-impaired users, ideal for handicapped accessories. Rather than blending in with the background like old-style white benches, the blue contrast color helps users distinguish the chair from its surroundings and significantly reduces slips, trips, and falls- the leading cause of death by injury in people over 65.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a high-quality shower chair for seniors, the Platinum Health Carousel Sliding Shower Chair Tub Transfer Bench is definitely worth considering. It’s sturdy, comfortable, and safe, and its space-saving design and high-contrast color make it a great choice for anyone looking for a top-quality shower chair.
Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar
If you are looking for a versatile and durable bathtub accessory for seniors, the Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Prevent Falls: The Security Pole provides safety and stability when standing and sitting, stepping over bathtub or shower ledges, or getting into bed; the curved grab bar rotates and locks into position every 45 degrees; supports up to 300 pounds.
- Height Adjustable and Tension Mounted: Adjust the floor to ceiling transfer pole to fit flat ceilings measuring from 7 to 10 feet tall; the included rubber pads protect both your ceiling and floor from damage.
- Versatile: Use as a bathroom grab bar, chair standing rail, wheelchair transfer pole, or as a bedside support handle; the unique grab bar has a ladder-like design with 4 different hand grips, allowing the user to stand with a natural hand-over-hand motion.
Cons
- Assembly Required: Although the product is easy to assemble, it still requires some assembly.
- Ceiling Height Limitation: The product can only be used for flat ceilings measuring from 7 to 10 feet tall.
- Limited Color Options: The product is only available in metallic black.
The Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar is a durable and modern bathtub accessory that can be installed in any room without permanently altering your home. The slim, multipurpose pole can replace bulky toilet rails and protruding handrails.
The grab bar has a ladder-like design with 4 different hand grips, allowing the user to stand with a natural hand-over-hand motion. The curved grab bar rotates and locks into position every 45 degrees, providing safety and stability when standing and sitting, stepping over bathtub or shower ledges, or getting into bed. The product supports up to 300 pounds.
The floor to ceiling transfer pole is height adjustable and tension mounted, making it easy to adjust to fit flat ceilings measuring from 7 to 10 feet tall. The included rubber pads protect both your ceiling and floor from damage. The product can be used as a bathroom grab bar, chair standing rail, wheelchair transfer pole, or as a bedside support handle.
Overall, the Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar is a high-quality and easy-to-assemble bathtub accessory that provides safety and stability for seniors.
MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift
If you’re looking for a reliable and waterproof electric chair lift for your senior loved ones, the MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The chair is lightweight and sturdy with a weight capacity of 300lb.
- The high-strength steel rod support frame provides stability and safety.
- Foldable side wings make it easy to move from the ground to the lift chair.
Cons
- The chair is quite expensive compared to other bathtub accessories.
- The charging time for the battery is quite long.
- The chair may be difficult to use for seniors who are not tech-savvy.
The MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift is a great option for seniors who need assistance getting in and out of the bathtub. The chair is lightweight yet sturdy, with a weight capacity of 300lb, making it suitable for most seniors. The high-strength steel rod support frame provides stability and safety, while the foldable side wings make it easy to move from the ground to the lift chair.
One of the standout features of the MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift is its fully waterproof design. It meets IPX8 waterproof standard, which means it can work normally even in the bathtub. Additionally, the chair has 6 suction cups to improve stability.
The chair is equipped with rechargeable batteries, so there’s no need for a power supply. However, the charging time for the battery is quite long, which may be a downside for some users. Also, the chair may be difficult to use for seniors who are not tech-savvy.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and waterproof electric chair lift for your senior loved ones, the MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift is definitely worth considering.
Vaunn Adjustable Bathtub Safety Rail Shower Grab Bar Handle White
If you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable bathtub safety rail, Vaunn Adjustable Bathtub Safety Rail Shower Grab Bar Handle White is a great option for seniors with limited mobility.
Pros
- The padded rubber clamp with a strong locking mechanism allows the rail to securely clamp on to the side of the tub to support the transfer in and out of the tub from a walker/wheelchair.
- The width adjustable clamp allows the tub rail to fit securely on any tub wall (3”-7” thick). Easy installation, no tools required.
- The smooth-white, powder-coated stainless steel frame blends perfectly with any bathroom décor.
Cons
- Not intended for use on fiberglass surfaces.
- Might not fit securely if the tub slopes too much.
- Not meant to yank on with full body weight.
Vaunn Adjustable Bathtub Safety Rail Shower Grab Bar Handle White is a great solution for seniors who need support when transferring from a walker or wheelchair. The rail is easy to install and is very sturdy. It’s also light-weight and portable, so it can be easily moved and installed in another bathroom. The ambidextrous design works for both right and left-handed users.
The width adjustable clamp allows the tub rail to fit securely on any tub wall, and the padded rubber clamp with a strong locking mechanism ensures a firm, non-shaky grip. The heavy-duty, one-piece steel frame guarantees a maximum weight capacity of 300lbs.
However, it’s important to note that the rail is not intended for use on fiberglass surfaces. Additionally, if the tub slopes too much, the rail might not fit securely. It’s also not meant to yank on with full body weight.
Overall, Vaunn Adjustable Bathtub Safety Rail Shower Grab Bar Handle White is a great investment for seniors who need extra support and stability in the bathroom.
OasisSpace Heavy Duty Shower Chair
If you’re looking for a secure, easy-to-use shower chair for seniors, the OasisSpace Heavy Duty Shower Chair is a great option. It’s designed to be tool-free and easy to assemble in minutes, and it’s approved to the highest standard in medical shower stool.
Pros
- The aluminum frame is heavy-duty and supports up to 500 pounds, making it a great option for seniors who need extra support.
- The padded bath seat is detachable for easy cleaning, and the shower seat has anti-slip rubber feet with drainage holes to allow water to drain.
- The shower stool is durably constructed, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant, making it a great option for those with chronic fatigue or balance issues.
Cons
- Some users may find the chair to be too wide for their shower or bathtub.
- The legs may feel a bit wobbly if extended too far.
- The chair may not be stable enough for elderly people who require a “weight-bearing” product.
This adjustable shower chair makes a fantastic present for anyone who needs some support and wants a comfortable bath experience. It’s a great option for seniors, handicapped individuals, and those recovering from surgery or injury. Overall, we highly recommend the OasisSpace Heavy Duty Shower Chair for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable shower chair.
Fanwer Medical Inflatable Bathtub
If you’re looking for a portable and convenient solution for bathing bed-bound individuals, then the Fanwer Medical Inflatable Bathtub might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The inflatable design makes it easy to store and carry around.
- The Water Bag holds up to 8L of warm tap water, enough for a complete shampoo and rinse.
- The kit includes an inflatable bathtub, a water bag, a shower head, a pump, and an inflatable pillow.
Cons
- Some reviewers found the drainage hose and stopper to be in an awkward spot, making it difficult to drain the water.
- A few customers reported leaks and holes in the seams after a few months of use.
- The bathtub is not very deep, so it might not be suitable for individuals who want to fully submerge themselves.
This bathtub is made of PVC, which makes it lightweight and easy to inflate and deflate. It can be hung on an IV pole, bed post, or any other high mount hook, making it a versatile option for different settings. The water bag can be heated up and hung above the bathtub, allowing for a warm and comfortable bathing experience.
The Fanwer Medical Inflatable Bathtub is a great option for caregivers and individuals who are bed-bound or have limited mobility. It can make home bathing easier, safer, and more comfortable. However, some customers have reported issues with leaks and drainage, so it’s important to carefully read the instructions and use the product as directed.
LuxStep Bath Pillow Bathtub Pillow with 6 Non-Slip Suction Cups,14.6×12.6 Inch, Extra Thick and Soft Air Mesh Pillow for Bath – Fits All Bathtub, Grey Gray
If you’re looking for a comfortable and soft bath pillow, LuxStep Bath Pillow is a great option for you.
Pros
- The breathable mesh fabric allows water and air to pass through the holes easily, keeping the bathtub pillow fresh.
- The built-in hanging hook design makes it easy to hang the bath tub pillow on a towel rack or bathrobe hook in the bathroom after each use for fast and easy air drying to prevent the accumulation of water to keep the pillow fresh and clean.
- The 6 powerful stitched-in suction cups can be used to affix the bath pillow to the surface of the bathtub well for a safe and comfortable bathing experience.
Cons
- The suction cups may be too strong and difficult to remove.
- Some users may find the pillow to be smaller than expected.
- The color may fade after multiple washes.
LuxStep Bath Pillow is designed to fit any tub and spa. The enlarged and thick bath pillow measures 14.6 x 12.6 inches. The 2 panel design may be bent to create the comfortable angle to lay on, and to provide good support for your upper body. Our bath pillow fits any tub and spa.
The ergonomic design of the 2 panel bathtub pillows perfectly fits your body curve and provides soft and powerful support for your head, neck, shoulders and back, making you fully relax after work or sports. It’s a perfect gift for women & men to enjoy luxury comfort and relaxation at home.
Overall, LuxStep Bath Pillow is a great investment for anyone who wants to have a comfortable and relaxing bath experience.
The bathroom can be the most dangerous room in the house for senior citizens. However, with the right bath safety equipment and bathroom accessories, elderly parents and loved ones can maintain their independence and reduce their risk of falls. From shower chairs to bath rails, there are a variety of sizes and styles to choose from, and most products are easy to install. The good news is that there is a perfect solution for every bathroom safety concern, so seniors can enjoy a safe and secure place to take care of their personal needs.
