How to Choose Bathroom and Mobility Aids for Safer Daily Living

How to Choose Bathroom and Mobility Aids for Safer Daily Living

For many NDIS participants, safety and confidence at home begin with the right supports. The bathroom, in particular, can be a high-risk environment, and mobility challenges can affect everything from showering to moving between rooms.

Fortunately, there are a wide range of aids designed to make these daily tasks safer and more manageable. This guide explains what to consider when choosing bathroom and mobility supports, which products to explore and how they can be accessed through the NDIS.

Why Safety Supports Are So Important

Falls and accidents are one of the most common risks for people living with reduced mobility, disability or age-related conditions. For example, research shows that one in three Australians over 65 experiences a fall each year. Many of these occur in the bathroom.

Simple supports like grab bars, shower chairs or walking aids can reduce that risk, support independent living and improve confidence with everyday activities.

Key Things to Consider When Choosing Aids

Participant Needs and Goals

Are you supporting someone with balance issues, fatigue, joint pain or reduced strength? Understanding the participant’s goals helps match the right type of support.

Environment and Space Available

A small bathroom may need a compact shower stool or a folding grab bar. A larger space might allow for wall-mounted seating or extra rails. Consider how the support fits the home environment.

Ease of Installation and Use

Some products, like suction grab bars or freestanding frames, require no installation. Others, such as wall-mounted items, may need professional fitting. Think about what the participant or carer is comfortable with.

Durability and Hygiene

Bathroom aids should be easy to clean and made from materials that resist moisture. Choose rust-resistant finishes and non-slip surfaces wherever possible.

Funding Eligibility

Many of these supports are NDIS-funded, but higher-cost or more specialised items may require an OT assessment. Always align purchases with the participant’s plan and goals.*

Essential Bathroom Aids to Consider

Some of the most common bathroom aids include:

• Shower chairs and stools – for safe, seated washing
• Grab bars and rails – to support standing, sitting and balance
• Non-slip mats – to prevent slips in wet areas
• Raised toilet seats and toilet frames – for ease and safety during transfers
• Transfer benches – for those moving in and out of a bath or shower with support

These aids are designed to support both participants and carers during personal care routines.

Must-Have Mobility Aids for Safer Movement

In addition to the bathroom, mobility aids can improve safety throughout the home and when out in the community. Common options include:

• Walking frames and rollators – provide balance and support
• Canes and walking sticks – assist with short-distance mobility
• Foldable mobility aids – ideal for travel or storage
• Fall detection systems – may be suitable for participants at high risk of falling

The right mobility aid depends on the user’s condition, environment and independence level.

How to Access Bathroom and Mobility Aids Through the NDIS

Supports like these are usually funded under:

• Core Supports, when used regularly and directly support daily living
• Capital Supports (Assistive Technology), for higher-cost or more complex items

Some products can be purchased directly without an assessment, especially if they are considered low-cost and low-risk. Others may require a recommendation from an occupational therapist or allied health provider.*

For agency-managed participants, the supplier must be an NDIS-registered provider. Plan Access offers a full agency-managed checkout process for eligible customers.

Shop Bathroom and Mobility Aids with Plan Access

Plan Access makes it simple to find safety-focused supports for home use. Our range includes:

• Practical aids for mobility, bathing and toileting
• Products chosen with safety and dignity in mind
• Fast delivery across Australia
• Support for all NDIS management types, including agency-managed participants

Explore Bathroom Aids and Mobility Products to find options suited to your needs.

FAQs About Buying Bathroom and Mobility Aids

Are bathroom aids covered by NDIS funding? Yes, in many cases. Low-cost items may be purchased directly if they align with a participant’s plan goals. More complex supports may require an assessment or quote.*

What is the best mobility aid for osteoporosis? This depends on the individual. Lightweight rollators or walking frames are commonly used. A support coordinator or allied health professional can help guide the choice.

Do I need an OT assessment to get mobility aids funded? For simple, low-risk products, usually not. Higher-cost or customised items often do require an assessment and written justification.*

Conclusion

With the right equipment, everyday activities like bathing or moving around the house can feel safer and less stressful. Whether you’re supporting someone with mobility challenges or looking for ways to reduce fall risks, bathroom and mobility aids offer practical, NDIS-funded support.

Visit the Bathroom Aids and Mobility categories on Plan Access to explore options selected with the NDIS community in mind.

* The listing of an item as NDIS eligible does not ensure its funding under your individual plan. Should uncertainty arise regarding the appropriateness of purchasing an item with your plan funds, consultation with your plan coordinator or the NDIS is advised. As the e-commerce site owner, Care Access (Plan Access), or the vendor listing the item as a provider, we offer no assurance that the product aligns with a specific NDIS item code or is appropriate for purchase through your NDIS plan.