Creating a bathroom that is safe and practical shouldn't mean compromising on style. Whether you're renovating for changing needs or designing a space specifically for those with reduced mobility or disabilities, a well designed mobility bathroom can transform daily life.
Modern mobility bathrooms are no longer clinical or purely functional, from modern wet rooms to beautifully designed grab rails and smart toilets that combine comfort, independence and aesthetics. With thoughtful layouts, anti-slip shower trays and easy access features, you can create a space that supports safety while still feeling like a luxury retreat.
In this blog, we'll explore must have mobility bathroom fixtures and features to help you create a bathroom that works beautifully for disabled people, elderly users and anyone wanting to future-proof their home.
Assisted Living Bathroom Accessories
One of the easiest and cheapest ways you can transform your bathroom and provide extra support for those who need it would be the simple addition of some small bathroom accessories you can strategically add in to your space without the need of a renovation.
Grab Rails & Bars
Grab rails and support bars are one of the most important assisted living bathroom accessories for improving safety and confidence. They help to provide stability when stepping into a shower, lowering onto a toilet or moving around the bathroom to significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls. Modern grab rails are available in a range of finishes including chrome, matt black and brushed brass, allowing them to blend seamlessly into contemporary bathroom designs. Options include straight rails for steady support, angled rails for easier sit to stand movement and fold down support bars that can be tucked away when not in use. Grab rails should be securely fixed into reinforced walls and positioned based on the users specific needs - typically beside a toilet, inside the shower and near entry points. Some advanced features also include grab bars with a toilet roll holder and shelf with anti slip mat for personal items such as your phone so you can keep things you need in comfortable reach.
Shower Seats
Shower seats provide a safe and comfortable place to sit while showering. They are particularly helpful for elderly users, people with limited mobility or anyone who finds standing for long periods challenging. Shower seats come in a variety of styles including wall mounted fold-down seats such as the hib. Shower seat in white allowing you to fold the seat up when not in use for a clean look and for easier cleaning. Installing a shower seat in the right location allows users to bathe safely and independently, while also making it easier for carers to assist if needed. Combined with grab rails, a well placed shower seat transforms the bathroom into a secure user-friendly space.
Walk in Showers and Wet Rooms
Walk in showers and wet rooms transform modern bathrooms by combining style, convenience and accessibility. Whether you're renovating for mobility needs or future proofing your home, both of these options offer spa like designs and offer a safe and practical way to bathe. Each of these solutions offer different benefits, read below to help you decide which one is the right option for you.
Walk in Shower Enclosures
A walk in shower is a step free shower area, usually with a low profile tray and a glass panel or screen designed for easy access and to fit into most standard bathrooms. Pair with an anti-slip shower tray for maximum support. Some benefits include:
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Step free entry - Makes it safer for elderly users or people with mobility issues.
- Space efficient - Works well in smaller bathrooms without requiring a full room redesign.
- Stylish designs - Modern glass screens and fixtures available in a variety of finishes to design your bathroom exactly how you like it.
- Lower cost - Overall more affordable to install vs a full wet room.
Best for: Easy access, stylish bathroom designs, small or large bathrooms, users with limited mobility.
Wet Rooms
A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower area is open plan and the floor gently slopes toward a drain. There's no shower tray and water is allowed to flow across the entire room. Here are the key benefits:
- Maximum accessibility - Step-free, open-plan design makes entry and movement easy. Can accommodate shower chairs, hoists or carers assisting safely.
- Safety - Non-slip tiled floors and well planned drainage reduces the risk of slips and falls.
- Spacious and open feel - Without shower trays or enclosures, wet rooms can make even smaller bathrooms feel bigger, making it great for creating a light and uncluttered look for your space.
- Easy to clean and maintain - No awkward tray edges or shower doors to scrub with tiled and waterproof surfaces that can be simply wiped down.
- Future-proof design - Perfect for long term planning, allowing users to maintain independence as mobility needs change.
Best for: Wheelchair users, elderly users, assisted living or care homes, small bathrooms and luxury bathroom designs.
Disability Friendly Toilets
Disability friendly toilets are an essential to create an accessible or assisted living bathroom. Designed to enhance comfort, safety and independence, they are ideal for disabled people, elderly users or anyone with limited mobility. With a range of styles and designs to choose from, here we will cover the main benefits of both comfort height toilets and smart toilets.
Comfort Height Toilets
A comfort height toilet, also called raised toilets, are designed to make everyday bathroom use easier and more comfortable for anyone with mobility challenges. These toilets can help with a range of people including:
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Elderly Users - Reduced bending makes sitting down and standing up easier on stiff knees, hips and lower backs
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Mobility Challenges - Those with arthritis, joint pain or limited strength can benefit from the extra height these toilets provide.
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Disabled People - Supports wheelchair users or people with limited flexibility as height is often compatible with transfer boards or help carers assisting safely.
- Pregnant or Postpartum Users - Less strain on the lower body, which can be helpful during pregnancy or recovery.
Offering enhanced safety with less bending and greater independence allowing users to use the toilet without needing assistance, comfort height toilets are an excellent addition to assisted living bathrooms with a range of designs available to suit modern and traditional bathrooms meaning you don't have to compromise on style. Pair with grab rails and support bars for additional stability.
Smart Toilets
Take bathroom convenience and accessibility to the next level with advanced hygiene features, increased comfort and ultimate independence. These toilets are definitely an investment with a higher price point compared to regular toilets, however with the smart features they have to offer, they are becoming increasingly popular in modern accessible bathrooms. They allow users a hands free experience making them perfect for anyone with limited mobility. Key features and benefits include:
- Bidet Function - Cleans users gently with adjustable water sprays, reducing the need for manual wiping.
- Heated Seats - Provides comfort in colder months, improving the overall experience.
- Touchless or Motion Activated Flushing- Minimises effort and reduces contact, improving hygiene.
- Integrated Safety Features - Some models include night lights and easy to reach controls with adjustable settings such as water pressure, temperature and seat height to suit individual needs and enhance users confidence.
A smart toilet combines style with practicality to ensure bathrooms remain modern and functional for long term care adaptations or anyone looking to maintain independence and comfort.
Wall Mounted Vanity Units
A wall hung vanity is a bathroom cabinet and sink that is mounted on the wall rather than standing on the floor. This design leaves open floor space underneath which can allow a wheelchair user to roll up close to the sink when it has been thoughtfully installed at a suitable height. It is essential to ensure any plumbing and pipes are carefully covered underneath if exposed to prevent any burns or injury. The storage underneath ensures anything important can be kept at a comfortable reach. Combine these vanities with lever taps or infrared taps for easier operation.
Infrared Taps
An infrared tap, also known as a sensor tap or touchless tap, uses motion sensors to automatically turn the water on and off when hands or objects are detected. They combine hygiene, convenience and safety, making them ideal for users with limited hand strength, arthritis or mobility challenges. Many models allow for pre-set temperatures to prevent accidental scalding, as well as enhanced water efficiency due to the tap automatically turning off when not in use. These taps come in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes to fit seamlessly into any bathroom design whether it's an addition to a basin you already have or a new purchase.
Get In Touch
If you're still unsure on what bathroom fixtures and accessories would be suitable to create a perfectly accessible bathroom for you, feel free to contact us with our team for expert advice on all of the products available at UK Bathroom Store.