Bathing and showering

For more information, visit the Parkinson’s UK website (last updated July 2026).

Grab rails are helpful in bathrooms and toilets because they can help give you stability and confidence.

Bath seats can help people who find it difficult to keep their balance while sitting in the bath or who find it hard to get into the bath. They are portable stools placed in the bath that you can sit on as you bathe.

Shower seats are waterproof chairs that allow you to sit down while showering. If you have a shower cubicle, you can use a free-standing stool or attach a “flip-down” seat to the wall.

Some people convert their baths to shower units or wet rooms. In some cases, it may be easier to convert a small bedroom or large storage area into a shower room or wet room instead of replacing a bath. If you find it hard to climb stairs, it may be an option to add a bathroom to the ground floor of your home.

Major building work in your home can be expensive. It may be possible to get help with funding to help pay for your conversion, but it’s important to talk to an occupational therapist first about whether changing your bathroom is right for you. They can also advise you about financial support. You can also speak to your local council, social services or Parkinson’s local adviser about grants.