Help Getting In And Out The Bath | Top Safety Tips

Published: 7 June 2018 · Last Updated: 13 May 2026

f you or a loved one are struggling to get in and out of the bath, you are not alone. As we age, bathroom safety for elderly family members can become a growing concern, especially when mobility, balance, or strength begin to decline.

At More Ability, we regularly speak to people who have lost confidence in using their bathroom safely. Something as routine as stepping into the bath can suddenly feel risky, uncomfortable, or even frightening. Concerns around slipping, falling, or becoming stuck are incredibly common.

One customer contacted us after becoming trapped in the bath for several hours following a loss of strength while trying to stand. Thankfully, she was eventually able to call for help, but the experience understandably left her anxious about bathing independently in the future.

Situations like this highlight the importance of safe bathing for seniors and why proactive bathroom adaptations can make such a significant difference. The good news is that there are practical, effective mobility bathroom solutions available to help restore confidence, safety, and independence at home.

Whether you are researching elderly bathing aids, looking for advice on how to get out of the bathtub safely after 60, or considering a permanent accessible bathroom adaptation, this guide will help you understand the safest options available.

How to Get Out of the Bathtub Safely After 60

If you have reduced mobility, painful joints, or muscle weakness, getting out of the bath safely should always be done slowly and methodically.

Many slips and falls happen when people try to stand too quickly on wet, slippery surfaces. Following a safer technique can help reduce the risk of injury while preventing slips in the bathroom.

Here is a safer step-by-step method for getting out of the bath:

1. Carefully move yourself towards the side of the bath.
2. Roll gently onto your side.
3. Push yourself up onto your hands and knees.
4. Crawl slowly towards the edge of the bath.
5. Place your hands securely on professionally installed grab rails or stable bath edges.
6. Bring one knee forward into a kneeling position.
7. Push upwards carefully until standing.

Take your time throughout the process and avoid twisting suddenly or relying on unstable fixtures for support.

You should never use towel rails, soap dishes, shower screens, or temporary fittings to pull yourself up, as these are not designed to bear body weight safely.

If you consistently need help to get out of bath safely, it may be time to consider a more permanent accessible bathing solution.

Are Bath Seats for the Elderly Safe?

Many families searching for help getting in and out of bath spaces initially look into bath seats for elderly relatives as a quick and affordable solution.

While removable bath seats and bath boards can sometimes provide short-term support, they are not always the safest long-term option.

Most portable bath seats still require users to lower themselves into the bath and push themselves back up afterwards, which demands significant upper-body strength, balance, and coordination. For someone already struggling with mobility, this can still be physically challenging and potentially dangerous.

Some temporary elderly bathing aids can also become unstable if incorrectly fitted or used on wet surfaces. This may increase the risk of slips or falls during bathing.

A far safer alternative is a professionally designed walk-in bath with built-in seating. Unlike removable plastic seats, integrated seating is fully secure, slip-resistant, and specifically designed to support users safely throughout bathing.

Modern walk-in baths also feature low-entry doors that remove the need to climb over a high bath edge altogether, creating a much safer and more dignified bathing experience.

For many homeowners, this provides invaluable reassurance while making bathing independently possible again.

Permanent Solutions for Help Getting In and Out of the Bath

While temporary aids may provide some initial support, many people eventually benefit from a permanent bathroom adaptation that improves long-term safety and comfort.

The right accessible bathroom design can dramatically reduce the risk of falls while helping individuals remain independent within their own home for longer.

Below are some of the most effective mobility bathroom solutions available today.

Walk-In Baths

If you enjoy a long, relaxing soak but are struggling to get in and out of a traditional bath safely, a walk-in bath can provide the perfect solution.

Designed specifically for individuals with reduced mobility, walk-in baths allow users to enter through a low-level watertight door rather than stepping over a high bath edge. This dramatically reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls while making bathing independently far easier and safer.

At More Ability, our range of walk-in baths are designed to combine comfort, accessibility, and style without compromising on safety.

Many models also include additional safety features such as slip-resistant bases, thermostatically controlled taps to prevent scalding, and optional grab rails for extra support.

Built-in seating is especially beneficial for anyone with limited strength, arthritis, or balance concerns, as it provides additional posture support while making sitting down and standing up much easier.

If you are unfamiliar with how these baths operate, you can also read our dedicated guide explaining how walk-in baths work, including information on watertight doors, built-in seating, quick-drain systems, and optional accessibility features designed to improve safety and independence.

For homeowners researching bathroom safety for elderly relatives, walk-in baths offer an ideal middle ground between maintaining the enjoyment of bathing and significantly improving safety and accessibility.

Because most walk-in baths are designed to fit within a standard bath footprint, they can often be installed without requiring a full bathroom renovation, making them a highly practical long-term mobility bathroom solution.

If you are considering a walk-in bath, booking a free home survey can help you better understand the most suitable options for your bathroom layout, mobility needs, and future requirements.

Professionally Installed Grab Rails

Grab rails are one of the simplest yet most effective ways of improving bathroom safety — but only when they are installed correctly.

Poorly fitted rails or temporary suction-mounted products can become loose or detach unexpectedly, creating serious risks.

Professionally installed grab rails are securely fixed into structurally appropriate walls and tested to safely support full body weight.

Correct positioning is equally important. Rails should be tailored to the individual user’s movement patterns, height, and physical capabilities to provide the safest possible support while entering or exiting the bath.

If you are unsure which type of support rail may be most suitable, our bathroom grab rails buying guide explains the different styles available, where they should be positioned, and the key safety considerations to keep in mind when choosing bathroom support aids.

When combined with other accessible bathroom finishing touches, professionally installed grab rails can greatly improve confidence and stability.

Anti-Slip Flooring

Wet bathroom floors are one of the leading causes of slips and falls within the home.

Installing specialist anti-slip bathroom flooring can significantly improve traction underfoot and help with preventing slips in the bathroom immediately after bathing or showering.

Modern safety vinyl flooring is practical, hygienic, easy to maintain, and available in a wide range of attractive styles.

This means homeowners can improve bathroom safety without compromising on appearance or comfort.

Anti-slip flooring is especially beneficial for elderly individuals who may feel unsteady when transitioning from wet surfaces to standing positions.

Accessible Shower Options

For many people, replacing the bath entirely becomes the safest and most practical long-term solution. Modern accessible shower options are designed to improve safety, comfort, and independence while creating a bathroom that is easier to use every day.

Accessible showers remove the difficulty of stepping over a bath edge and can be tailored to suit a wide range of mobility needs, from mild balance concerns through to wheelchair accessibility.

At More Ability, we offer a range of accessible showering solutions designed to support safe bathing for seniors while helping homeowners maintain independence for longer.

If you are considering replacing a bath altogether, you can also read our dedicated guide on replacing a bath with a walk-in shower, which explains the benefits, installation considerations, and the different accessible shower options available for improving bathroom safety and independence.

Accessible Shower Rooms

An accessible shower room provides a safer and more practical alternative to a traditional bathroom layout.

These spaces incorporate features such as anti-slip flooring, integrated seating, grab rails, and wider access areas to improve movement around the room while reducing slip risks.

Accessible shower rooms are ideal for individuals who are beginning to struggle with mobility but still want a modern bathroom that feels stylish, comfortable, and easy to use.

For homeowners looking for even greater accessibility, accessible wet floor showers create a completely level showering area without trays or steps, helping improve movement throughout the bathroom while reducing trip hazards even further.

By reducing physical strain and improving ease of movement, both walk-in accessible showers and accessible wet floor showers help support independent daily living while significantly reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Mobility Shower Solutions

For those requiring additional support, specialist mobility shower solutions provide even greater accessibility and long-term safety.

Options such as level access showers and wet room showers remove steps, trays, and barriers entirely, creating a seamless and easy-to-navigate showering space.

These solutions are particularly beneficial for wheelchair users, individuals with more advanced mobility concerns, or homeowners planning ahead for future accessibility needs.

Combined with features such as fold-down seating, grab rails, and anti-slip flooring, mobility showers provide one of the safest and most future-proofed bathing solutions available.

Restoring Independence with a Professional Bathroom Adaptation

Temporary aids and makeshift solutions can only do so much. If you are worried about slips, falls, or struggling to use your bathroom safely, a professionally designed adaptation is often the most effective way to restore confidence, comfort, and independence.

At More Ability, we specialise in complete mobility bathroom adaptations, offering a full design and fit service tailored entirely around your needs. From walk-in baths and accessible wet floor showers to mobility wet rooms and anti-slip flooring, we manage every aspect of the project from initial consultation through to installation and aftercare.

Our experienced surveyors take the time to understand your mobility requirements, lifestyle, and long-term needs before recommending practical solutions designed to help you bathe safely and independently for years to come.

If you are beginning to struggle with bathroom safety, arranging a professional assessment early can help prevent accidents while allowing you to continue living comfortably and independently at home.

To help you explore your options with confidence, you can visit one of our showrooms to see accessible bathroom solutions in person, or book a free design appointment with one of our expert surveyors to discuss the best options for your home.

You can also browse our customer reviews, completed projects, and real-life case studies to see how we have helped homeowners across the Yorkshire region regain confidence, comfort, and independence through thoughtfully designed bathroom adaptations.

Whether you need a few practical safety improvements or a complete accessible bathroom redesign, our team is here to help you create a safer, more comfortable bathroom designed entirely around your needs.

Ready to improve bathroom safety? Book your free design appointment today or visit a More Ability showroom to explore accessible bathroom solutions and speak with our experienced team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest way to get out of a bath?

The safest method is to roll onto your side, push yourself onto your hands and knees, and use professionally installed wall grab rails to slowly support yourself into a standing position. Never rely on towel rails or unstable bathroom fixtures for support.

Are walk-in baths better than bath seats?

Yes. While temporary bath seats for elderly users can provide some assistance, walk-in baths offer a much safer and more secure bathing experience. Their low-entry doors and built-in seating remove the need to climb over a high bath edge, greatly reducing the risk of falls.

Will I need to change my whole bathroom to make it safe?

Not necessarily. Some homeowners only require smaller adaptations such as grab rails, anti-slip flooring, or a walk-in bath. Others may benefit from a complete accessible bathroom redesign depending on their mobility needs.

A professional assessment can help determine the safest and most practical solution for your home.

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