An older parent's bathroom

Often outside the bathroom, with the route from bed to bathroom: how far it is, and whether it is lit and clear. Inside, a rail beside the toilet may be the main change. What does not copy across from any picture is the rail's position, because it depends on the person's body and the room, so ask an occupational therapist. In England, councils cannot charge for minor adaptations costing £1,000 or less, such as a grab rail².

Wheeled shower chairs and commodes are on Age UK's list of equipment, alongside raised toilet seats, toilet frames, bath boards and lever tap extensions². This hospital photograph shows the pieces side by side. At home the questions are practical: can the chair get through the door, is there room to turn, is there anywhere to park it? Equipment can be hired to try before buying¹, and an occupational therapist can say what suits.

Look at what your parent actually uses, and where it ends up once they reach the bathroom. A stick has to lean somewhere; a frame has to fit through the door and beside the toilet. Ask who last reviewed it. If balance or mobility has changed, the NHS says to see a GP, who may refer to a falls service for a home assessment, strength and balance training, and a medicines review³. Don't swap one aid for another without advice.

Watch what your parent grabs when they stand up from the toilet or step out of the shower. If it is a towel rail, a shower screen or the basin, none of those is designed to be leaned on. A proper grab rail depends on the wall and fixings behind it, and where a person's weight depends on it, fitting is for a professional. Light matters too. This room is bright; check that your parent's route at night is as well lit, using the night lighting page.