Walk-In Shower Safety Features Every Senior Should Have

Walk-in showers combine stylish design and important safety features to help seniors bathe confidently. Discover the leading walk-in shower safety features to make your bathroom safer and more accessible.

Why Walk-In Shower Safety Features Matter

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for seniors. Each year, at least three million seniors visit the emergency room after a fall, and 80% of falls at home are in the bathroom, according to UCLA Health.

Most bathroom falls happen due to cramped layouts, slippery floors or the high step of traditional tub-shower combos. Walk-in showers equipped with safety features—like grab bars and non-slip floors—help prevent injuries, enabling seniors to stay safe during their daily routine.

“One of the best parts about my new Safe Step shower is how much easier it is to get in and out,” said Thelma M., a Safe Step customer from Edgewood, New Mexico. “The added feature of handles to hold onto gives me peace of mind, as I can now sit securely in the shower. It’s particularly beneficial given my osteoporosis, allowing me to maintain more independence.”

Top Safety Features for Walk-In Showers

If you’re considering upgrading to a walk-in shower, here are some of the top safety features you need to age in place comfortably.

Low-Threshold Shower Base

When renovating your bathroom to add a walk-in shower, choose a shower base that meets your mobility needs. A low-threshold base eliminates potential tripping hazards and allows users to effortlessly access the shower, even if they use a walker or wheelchair.

Safe Step has two slip-resistant, walk-in shower bases. The EZ Step entry base has a step-in of 4 inches or less, providing easy access. Our roll-in base is wheelchair accessible and measures close to ¾ inches. Both bases come in neutral white or bone to complement your bathroom’s aesthetic.

Temperature Control Valves

In older homes, water temperature can change dramatically if someone runs the water or flushes a toilet. Temperature control valves regulate water temperature automatically to keep it steady and safe.

These valves mix hot and cold water to a pre-set level, preventing sudden temperature spikes or drops that can cause burns or discomfort. The valves prevent scalding, increase comfort and reduce anxiety for people concerned about unpredictable water temperature.

Safe Step’s walk-in showers feature an easy-to-use temperature control valve, and you can customize the shower with a foot spout to test the water before turning on the shower.

Grab Bars and Handrails

Your walk-in shower should also have safety grab bars that you can use for support when entering, exiting and using the shower. Grab bars provide stability to prevent falls. The grab bars and handrails should support your weight and be installed at the proper height for use. This is typically 33 – 36 inches above the floor.

A Safe Step walk-in shower can be customized with three types of grab bars:

• Straight grab bar: Available in two sizes, this grab bar can be fitted with a soft rubber grip for added comfort.
• L-shaped grab bar: This safety feature is anchored to support your full body weight and conveniently placed close to the shower nook, shelves and showerhead.
• Circular grab bar: Placed near the main shower valve, this grab bar has an easy-grip surface.

Grab bars can be added to your walk-in shower as your mobility needs change. You can purchase straight grab bars from Safe Step’s online store. Just make sure that they’re installed securely—a handle that falls off when you try to grab it won’t be much help!

Handheld Shower Heads

Handheld shower heads make bathing less risky. Standing under running water and tipping your head back can throw off balance and increase the chance of a fall. With a handheld shower head, users can wash comfortably while sitting or standing. Handheld shower heads come standard with all Safe Step walk-in showers.

Shower Bench or Built-In Seat

If you have a hard time standing for extended periods or struggle with balance, a shower bench or seat is a safety must. You can have one built into a custom walk-in shower or you can buy a separate shower seat.

Safe Step offers a standalone teak shower bench and a built-in folding seat. Our seats give you the option to sit as you wash yourself, eliminating the need to balance, twist and bend.

Quick Drainage

Walk-in showers need a quick-drain design to prevent pooling water and boost safety. It keeps the shower area drier, slip-free and accessible. By draining water quickly, the shower also stays cleaner and reduces the need for frequent scrubbing, another common cause of slips and strain during maintenance.

Additional Accessibility Upgrades to Consider

If you’re making upgrades to improve your bathroom’s safety, there are additional changes to consider.

• Add non-slip flooring: In addition to a slip-resistant shower base, consider adding non-slip flooring throughout your bathroom. Textured tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring are great options to explore. Both come in a variety of styles and designs to enhance your bathroom.
• Widen entrances: Most walk-in showers are ADA accessible and have wide entrances. Depending on your needs, it may be advantageous to widen the doorway to your bathroom to accommodate mobility aids easily.
• Improve bathroom lighting: Proper lighting helps users see where they’re stepping, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Layered lighting brightens the entire space, while motion-sensor night lights add extra safety after dark.

Upgrade Your Bathroom for Comfort and Safety

Walk-in showers can increase your home’s value and provide an upscale safety solution. Home remodel experts estimate that upgrading to a walk-in shower can offer a return on investment of at least 55%. If you want to age in place, a walk-in shower makes it possible.

For more than 15 years, Safe Step has been helping homeowners reclaim their independence and safely enjoy the homes they love. Our American-made walk-in showers come with an industry-leading warranty, backed by craftsmanship you can trust.

Start planning your dream bathroom by connecting with a Safe Step design specialist today.