The bathroom is one of the most common places older people start to find daily tasks harder. Wet floors, stepping over a bath edge, getting up from a low toilet and reaching taps or towels can all add effort and risk. Bathroom modifications can help, but the right change depends on the person, the task and the room, not on a standard list.
This guide explains how an occupational therapist approaches bathroom modifications for older people, what options are often discussed, and how funding through Support at Home or the NDIS may fit.
Start with the task, not the product
An OT begins by asking what is difficult and when. Showering, toileting, grooming and getting dressed after a shower involve different movements. Someone who manages the shower but struggles to stand from the toilet needs a different solution from someone who feels unsteady stepping into the bath.
Useful questions include:
- Which part of the routine feels hardest or least safe?
- Is it worse at certain times, such as at night or when tired?
- Does someone help, and what do they do?
- What equipment is already in use, and does it work?
- Has there been a fall or near fall in the bathroom?
A home assessment can look at the bathroom alongside the rest of the routine, including the path from the bedroom at night.
Modifications an OT may discuss
Recommendations are individual, but common bathroom changes include:
- Grab rails beside the toilet, in the shower or near the bath, positioned to suit how the person moves.
- Non-slip flooring or mats in wet areas.
- Lever taps that are easier to turn with reduced grip.
- A hand-held shower on an adjustable rail.
- A toilet height change or a toilet frame.
- A step-free or low-step shower, sometimes replacing a bath.
- Better lighting and contrast so edges and fixtures are easier to see.
Healthdirect's falls guidance also suggests non-slip mats in wet areas and considering non-slip flooring for larger rooms. Placement matters: a rail in the wrong spot may not be used or may encourage an awkward movement. Wall structure, plumbing and whether the property is rented or in a strata building also affect what is possible.
Some needs are met with equipment instead of building work, such as a shower chair, bath board or over-toilet frame. Trying equipment first can be sensible when the need may change.
Funding through Support at Home
For older Australians assessed for Support at Home, the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme provides upfront funding separate from ongoing services. According to My Aged Care, home modifications can include grab rails in the shower or bathroom, lever taps and non-slip materials. Funding tiers are currently up to $500, up to $2,000 and up to $15,000, generally over a 12-month access period, with possible extensions for complex modifications.
An aged care assessment determines whether a person is approved for AT-HM. For home modifications, the Support at Home provider arranges an assessment by a suitably qualified health professional, such as an occupational therapist, where required. Check the current details on My Aged Care before relying on a figure, as program settings change.
NDIS participants may have home modifications funded where they are reasonable and necessary for their disability. Our home modifications page explains how assessment works for both pathways.
Making the change work day to day
A modification only helps if it fits the routine. After installation, check that the person can use it comfortably and that carers understand how it is meant to be used. Small adjustments, such as moving toiletries within reach or changing when a shower happens, can make as much difference as building work.
Our ongoing OT services can support practice with a new set-up where that is part of the agreed plan.
Common questions
Do I need an OT before installing grab rails?
Not always for simple items, but funded modifications often require a professional assessment. An OT can also help with rail placement so it suits how the person moves.
Can a bath be converted to a shower?
Sometimes. It depends on the room, plumbing, budget, property consent and the person's needs. An assessment can consider whether it is the right option.
Will Support at Home pay for a bathroom renovation?
AT-HM funds assessed modifications within its tiers and rules, not general renovations. Confirm with your provider and My Aged Care.
What if I rent?
Talk to your landlord early. Written consent is usually needed before modifications are installed.
Make a referral describing the bathroom task that is difficult, the funding you have and the visit address.