How to design Dementia Friendly Bathrooms
- kirstiekalonji
- 38m
- 4 min read
As Dementia Action Week shines a spotlight on the realities of living with dementia, it is a good time to think about the role our homes play in supporting safety, dignity and independence.
Bathrooms are one of the most important spaces in any home, but they can also become one of the most difficult to navigate for someone living with dementia. Creating a dementia friendly bathroom is about much more than adding grab rails or a shower seat. It means understanding memory, routine and familiarity.
At PROCare, we support housing professionals, occupational therapists and local authorities to create dementia friendly bathrooms that help people stay safer and live more independently at home.
Dementia Action Week reminds us there is no one size fits all approach
One of the biggest lessons from occupational therapists and families is simple. No two people experience dementia in the same way.
Some people find comfort in familiar surroundings and routines they have known for decades. Others may struggle with visual clutter, unfamiliar layouts or changes to everyday tasks. Many rely heavily on long term memory, meaning products and layouts they have always used can become more important than ever.
That means there is no dementia checklist that works for everyone.
A personalised approach starts with understanding:
What products and fixtures the person is already used to
Their daily routines and habits
Any mobility or visual challenges
How their needs may change over time
For housing providers and OTs, this is where assessment becomes critical.
What makes a bathroom dementia friendly
Research and real world OT experience show there are several features that can help make bathrooms easier and safer to use.
Clear visual contrast
Grab rails, toilet seats and shower fittings should stand out clearly against walls and floors. Contrasting colours can help people identify important features more easily.
Familiar fixtures
Traditional taps and flush controls often feel more familiar than sensor products or hidden buttons. Introducing unfamiliar layouts can create confusion and frustration.
Thermostatic showers
Showers with safe temperature control help reduce scalding risks and support confidence while bathing.
Level access wet rooms
Removing steps and trip hazards can improve movement and reduce fall risks.
Flexibility for changing needs
Products should adapt with the person rather than forcing expensive changes later.
Familiarity matters more than trends
People living with dementia often struggle with new learning.
Something as simple as moving a flush button or changing the position of a control can suddenly make a familiar task difficult. What feels like a small design change can create confusion. The aim is not simply to create a safer bathroom, it’s to create a bathroom that still feels familiar.
Products that can support dementia friendly bathroom design
When creating dementia friendly bathrooms, the goal is not to fill a room with specialist products. It is about choosing practical products that support independence and can adapt as needs change.
PROStyle Bath
The PROStyle Bath has been designed with future needs in mind.
Features include:
Flat slip resistant base across the full length of the bath
Suitable for bathing equipment if required later
Flat bath edges suitable for shower boards
Designed to accommodate bath lifts and future equipment needs
This creates flexibility without major changes later.
PROStyle Taps
PROStyle Taps combine contemporary design with easy lever operation.
Benefits include:
Easy lever operation
Reduced strain on hands and joints
Familiar movement and control
Modern appearance without looking clinical
Mira Electric Shower
Temperature safety and ease of use are essential.
The Mira Electric Shower range provides:
Thermostatic temperature control
Easy lever operation
Simple tactile controls
Reduced risk of accidental scalding
Simple operation becomes increasingly important when new learning becomes difficult.
Schwan Wall Mounted Wash Hand Basin
Comfortable seated access
Space beneath for wheelchair users or perch seating
Different width options
Flexibility if mobility changes later
Raised Push Button Toilet Flush
Raised push button controls can:
Be easier to identify visually
Reduce stress on hand joints
Spread pressure across the whole hand
Improve ease of use
PC555 Shower Stool
The PC555 Shower Stool offers flexibility and practical value.
Benefits include:
Adjustable height
Supports easier sit to stand movement
Can be used in the shower
Can also be used at the wash hand basin
One product doing more than one job can often make a big difference.
Etac Hi Loo Toilet Seat
The Etac Hi Loo Toilet Seat offers support without creating extra trip hazards.
Benefits include:
Fits directly onto the toilet pan
No floor frame around the toilet
Lift up arm supports
One or both arms can be used depending on available space
Available in different heights
No restriction around the hips
This creates a more flexible solution and can help maximise turning space in smaller bathrooms.
Working with OTs to get it right
When you work with PROCare, our occupational therapist and trusted assessors look beyond measurements and specifications.
We ask practical questions:
What is familiar to this person?
What equipment do they already use?
How might their needs change?
How can the bathroom continue to work long term?
This OT led approach helps avoid unnecessary changes later and creates spaces that support dignity rather than creating new challenges.
Dementia Action Week is about awareness and action
Dementia Action Week reminds us that supporting someone living with dementia starts with understanding the individual.
Bathrooms should not feel clinical, confusing or restrictive.
Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference. A familiar tap. A contrasting rail. A safer shower. A product designed with future needs in mind.
At PROCare, we help housing providers create dementia friendly bathrooms that support dignity, familiarity and independence for the long term.
If you are reviewing adaptations, planning future housing schemes or supporting residents living with dementia, get in touch with our team.
01942 206004