You do not have to give up your bath. Many older Australians continue to enjoy bathing safely well into their 70s, 80s, and beyond. The right setup makes the difference between a relaxing daily routine and a serious fall risk. Key takeaways Bathtubs are riskier than showers for older adults, but the risk is manageable with the right aids The four essentials: a grab rail at the rim, a non-slip mat inside the bath, a bath board or lift, and easy access to help if needed People who should speak with a professional before continuing bathtub use: those who have...

Walk-in showers are generally safer than bathtubs for older Australians, and there are specific reasons why. Safety is not the only factor here, though. The right answer depends on your situation. Here is a direct comparison to help you think it through. Key takeaways Walk-in showers remove the highest-risk moment in bathing: stepping over a high rim Showers offer better grab rail placement and work well with shower chairs Some people genuinely benefit from bathing rather than showering, particularly for arthritis and back pain Bathroom renovation for a walk-in shower or wet room typically costs $5,000 to $15,000 in Australia...