Bathroom for seniors: Renovating your bathroom in old age without major construction work
A bathroom suitable for seniors requires safe access to the bath or shower, non-slip surfaces, support, and enough space. Usually, the bathroom does not need to be completely gutted: A bathtub door is often installed in a single day, a shower instead of a bath in 2 to 3 days.
Here you will find the most important measures with dimensions, their costs, and which grants are available in Germany and Austria.
Professionally reviewed by Denis Hadzic, bazuba ViennaAs of: 24 September 2026 · Dimensions according to the minimum requirements of KfW
In short
For a senior-friendly bathroom, often a simple modification to the bathtub is sufficient: a door for low entry or a level-access shower in its place. Both can be done without demolition in 1 to 3 days.
Keep the bathtubfrom €2,900Bathtub door for low entry, usually installed in one dayThe three options compared
Shower instead of bathtubfrom €8,000Level-access shower instead of a bathtub, usually up to €11,200, in 2 to 3 daysWhat the renovation costs
Fundingup to €4,180In Germany, from care level 1 via the care fund; in Austria, depending on the federal stateFunding by country
Important: For the care fund in Germany and most grants in Austria, the rule is: apply first, then place the order. Exceptions are Vienna and Styria. Funding at a glance
Prices are guide values and may vary slightly depending on the bathroom and provider. The fixed price is given after the free inspection. As of: 24 September 2026. Professionally reviewed by Denis Hadzic (bazuba Vienna).
What a bathroom for seniors needs
Most accidents in the bathroom happen when getting in and out and on wet floors. Therefore, safe entry, non-slip surfaces, and support are especially important. As a guideline, the minimum requirements set by KfW in Germany for a subsidised age-appropriate renovation apply:
Area
What matters
Reference value
Bathtub entry
low rim, alternatively a door in the tub or a bath lift
maximum 50 cm
Shower
Level-access; if not structurally possible, a small recess is permitted
maximum 2 cm
Floor, bathtub, shower tray
non-slip or slip-resistant, even when wet
Mandatory
Movement area
In front of each sanitary fixture; areas may overlap
min. 0.90 × 1.20 m
Door
clear width, opening outwards or sliding, can be unlocked from outside
at least 80 cm
Washbasin
With knee clearance, usable while seated
at least 48 cm deep
Distances
between sanitary fittings or to the side wall
at least 25 cm
Minimum requirements of KfW for age-appropriate renovation. Stricter dimensions according to DIN 18040-2 apply for a fully accessible or wheelchair-accessible bathroom.
What else helps
Grab rails on the bathtub, shower and toilet, firmly anchored to the wall. Handles that may be needed later can already be planned for now.
A shower seat or folding seat, so you can shower while sitting.
A raised toilet, making it easier to stand up.
Bright, glare-free lighting, plus a night light for the way to the bathroom.
Multi-generational bathroom: a bathroom for every age
A multi-generational bathroom is planned with age in mind from the start, without looking like a care bathroom: a level-access shower, non-slip surfaces, and grab rails that look like towel holders benefit children just as much as grandparents. If you are renovating anyway, it is best to lay the foundation straight away.
Keep the bath or install a shower? The three options
Which option is suitable depends on how steady you are on your feet and whether you enjoy bathing. A classic renovation with demolition often takes one to three weeks. Without demolition, it is significantly quicker:
if the toilet, washbasin, floor, and walls are also to be renewed
usually €12,000 to €18,000depending on size and features, usually a few days
Each option is suitable for Slip resistance for bathtub or shower tray: from €450, together with coating or bathtub door from €150. Learn more about bathtubs with entry in the guide Bathtub with door.
How much does a bathroom renovation for seniors cost?
The costs depend less on the age of the bathroom and more on how much needs to be changed. If you only want to make the entry safer, you can usually expect to pay €2,900 to €4,500 for a bathtub door. Installing a level-access shower instead of a bathtub costs from 8,000 euros, most bathrooms cost up to €11,200. If the entire bathroom is converted to be accessible, a medium-sized bathroom usually costs €12,000 to €18,000.
These are guideline values; depending on the bathroom, companies may charge slightly less or more. We will provide a fixed price after the free inspection. All prices in detail can be found in the guide Bathroom renovation costs.
Make access safer without major construction work?Bathtub door in 1 day, shower instead of bathtub in 2 to 3 days. Free inspection in Germany and Austria.
The grants differ fundamentally between Germany and Austria. Pay particular attention to the order: Most authorities only pay if the application is submitted before the contract is awarded.
In Germany
Funding
Height
Important
Care fundmeasure to improve the living environment
without care level and without age limit; grant 455-B is currently suspended. KfW funding in detail
Tax bonusTradesmen's services
20% of labour costs, up to €1,200 per year
also in addition to the care fund grant for the non-subsidised part. What can be deducted
In Austria
Federal state
Funding for bathroom renovation
Vienna
From the age of 60: 50% up to €7,500 (with income limit); with care allowance from level 3 or proof of disability: 75% up to €11,250, no income limit. Application also possible after the renovation. Vienna funding in detail
Styria
State subsidy of 30% of eligible costs, application after the renovation within two years from the oldest invoice
Salzburg
Renovation funding for age- and disability-appropriate conversions, only with registration before construction begins
Lower Austria, Carinthia and others
Subsidies from the federal states and, in case of disability, from the Social Ministry Service; for most programmes, application before work begins
As of September 2026, the relevant authorities apply. Care allowance in Austria is a flat-rate contribution towards additional care-related costs; receipts are not required. Safe access to the bathroom makes care easier and may be included. During the inspection, we will inform you which documents your funding authority requires.
How the renovation works with bazuba
Enquiry: Briefly describe what is difficult in your bathroom, preferably with a photo.
Free inspection: We will inspect your bathroom on site, take measurements, and provide a fixed price after the visit.
Funding application: You submit the application with our offer. Where required by the funding body, we will wait to proceed until approval is granted.
Renovation: Bathtub door usually in one day, shower instead of bathtub in 2 to 3 days, without removing tiles and with minimal dust.
A bathroom that can be used safely even with reduced strength and mobility: low or level-access entry to the bath or shower, non-slip surfaces, grab rails, enough space to move, and good lighting. ‚Suitable for seniors‘ and ‚age-appropriate‘ mean the same thing and are not standardised terms.
Accessibility is regulated in DIN 18040-2 with fixed dimensions, wheelchair accessibility is even stricter. Age-appropriate or suitable for seniors describes a bathroom that removes the main obstacles without meeting all standard values. KfW grants have their own minimum requirements.
A bathtub door starts from €2,900, a level-access shower instead of a bathtub from €8,000, usually up to €11,200. A fully accessible bathroom typically ranges from €12,000 to €18,000, depending on size and features. We will provide a fixed price after the free on-site assessment.
A bathtub door is usually installed in a single day, a shower instead of a bath takes 2 to 3 days. A complete renovation without demolition is usually finished in a few days. A classic renovation with demolition often takes one to three weeks.
In Germany, the care insurance fund pays up to €4,180 per measure from care level 1 if the renovation makes home care easier. The application must be submitted before the contract is awarded. In Austria, this grant does not exist; instead, the federal states provide funding, for example Vienna with up to €7,500 or with care allowance from level 3 up to €11,250.
In Germany, yes: the KfW loan 159 without care level and without age limit, plus the tax bonus of 20% of labour costs, up to a maximum of €1,200 per year. In Austria, Vienna provides funding from the age of 60 even without care allowance with 50% up to €7,500 (with income limit), Styria with 30% of eligible costs.
If you enjoy bathing and can still stand safely, a bathtub door is a good choice: the bathtub remains, but the entry is lowered. If stepping over becomes difficult in general or if you need to bring a walker into the bathroom, a level-access shower is the safer option.
Yes, with the landlord’s consent. In Germany, tenants are entitled under § 554 BGB to have the landlord permit accessibility-reducing modifications if it is reasonable for them. In Austria, the landlord’s consent is also required.
A bathroom suitable for all generations, from children to grandparents. It features a level-access shower, non-slip surfaces, and discreet grab bars, so it remains suitable for seniors later on without major renovations.
Continue to solutions and funding
Barrier-free bathroom
Bath door, level-access shower and slip resistance, without major construction work.
„On the recommendation of a friend, we got in touch with bazuba Rostock for our bathroom renovation. Since it’s a rental apartment, there were quite a few things to consider with the landlord/owner’s approval, but we were able to implement many individual wishes at our own expense. The initial contact was very pleasant, and first, an assessment was made, and of course, the initial ideas and wishes for the project were recorded. The basic task was to transform the over 20-year-old tiled bathroom with an old bathtub into a modern seamless bathroom with a walk-in rain shower. The company’s showroom had quite a few displays, where we could get our first personal impressions. Then we put together the rest from the catalogs, and we also relied on the advice and recommendations of the boss there, who contributed some great ideas. Then we received an offer with a 3D visualization of the finished bathroom. This allowed us to work very well together with the owner and bazuba on the details and arrive at a final result. The correspondence between bazuba and the owner also went very smoothly, and we were very well informed about delivery times, construction times, and the entire process up to the finished bathroom. We helped set up the construction site by covering the floor and cabinets, and the company’s employees were very friendly and informative about the work steps. We hardly had to ask anything because every morning we were informed about what would happen that day until quitting time. The announced construction time was even undercut by 2 days because everything really fit together, and the trades worked hand in hand. The handover and the finished result, including explanations of all the components, care instructions, and warranties, worked wonderfully and were presented to us very transparently. All in all, we are very satisfied with the result, and for the small space available, it almost feels like being in a good hotel when you step into the shower in the morning 😉 I can definitely recommend bazuba Rostock and am happy to show some before-and-after pictures. It’s not decorated or furnished yet, but it’s about the raw result."
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Marco S.
Rostock ·
Google
“
„Complete renovation of bathroom and WC — After weeks of searching online for a company that could take on our project (complete renovation of bathroom and WC), we came across bazuba. Although all customer reviews pointed to an outstanding company, we still felt the need to visit the company location in Guntramsdorf in person first. But from that moment on, it was clear to us that only this company was suitable for our project. The exceptionally warm, competent, polite, friendly, and patient team immediately convinced us. From then on, everything went very quickly. We arranged an inspection appointment with Mr. Weninger. The inspection, consultation, measuring, and addressing special requests all took place in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The gentleman was very patient and really took a lot of time for us, only leaving once even the smallest detail was clarified. After the very detailed offer and placing the order, the renovation work began punctually on the agreed date. From here on, I have to keep it short, otherwise I would need two more pages. ALL involved, whether subcontractors or the truly outstanding bazuba specialists, carried out their tasks so competently, punctually, cleanly, almost dust-free, quickly, friendly, politely, courteously, professionally, precisely, and expertly that words almost fail me. The continuous support and (after)care of my project are also worth highlighting. After completing the very extensive work, I now have two real gems (bathroom and WC), and I find myself spending much more time there than really necessary. The conclusion of a highly satisfied and enthusiastic customer: the best 10-star company I have ever dealt with. I have recommended and will always recommend bazuba."
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werner.lissa
Guntramsdorf ·
Herold
“
„Everything just fits perfectly! :o) We had bazuba renovate our roughly 50-year-old bathroom and the equally old toilet, and also modernize the shower in the second bathroom. From the very first (phone) contact, we had a good feeling. Bathroom planner Raffael came to our home and went through the various steps with us, giving us good advice and showing a lot of patience. We were also able to talk openly about the price, and in the end he gave us an offer we were very happy with. We had also gotten quotes from competitors, which were noticeably more expensive—we’re talking +50% or more. The implementation then went perfectly. First came the demolition team, then the electricians, the plasterers/floor layers, and finally the installation team. Overall, the work took almost three weeks, but that was agreed on beforehand and so was fine. All the workers always arrived as scheduled, were very friendly, explained a lot to us, and did a great job. We were also very grateful that they pointed out some possible/necessary improvements. Our spontaneous change requests were welcomed and carried out. At the same time, planner Raffael and project manager Anel were always reachable and responded quickly to our questions. The result speaks for itself: from old-fashioned, dark rooms with very worn installations, we now have bright, modern wet rooms that you enjoy entering again. The planning concept was implemented 100% in reality and at what we think is a really fair price. No trouble with the craftsmen at all—in fact, it was a pleasure, and we can warmly recommend the entire bazuba team."
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Hans G.
Guntramsdorf ·
Google
“
„Due to water damage in 2023 and subsequent repair work by a specialist company, we were then looking for a company to get our bathroom back in shape. This turned out to be not so easy; local companies either declined due to lack of time or didn’t show up despite appointments. Through internet research, we came across bazuba in Karlsruhe. We quickly had a first appointment with Mr. Glutsch. He arrived on time at our place, listened to our ideas about remodeling the bathroom, and shared his professional knowledge and comments. He took measurements, made notes, and promised to prepare an offer, which arrived in the shortest time. Due to several work appointments with bazuba, he already told us in advance that the work would be delayed and we should expect a date in March/April. But that didn’t matter to us in the end, since thanks to the preliminary work of the renovation company, we could still use our 30-year-old bathroom. When choosing the ceramics and the walk-in shower, we were with Mr. Glutsch at C.Ufer in KA (top advice!). In April, the work started on our partially renovated bathroom. After about 2 weeks, we could fully use our new bathroom; for the shower enclosure, we had to make do with a temporary solution, which was replaced after 5 weeks by a glass partition from Kermi. All in all, we were very impressed by the support and advice from bazuba (special thanks to Mr. Glutsch). A big compliment to the two skilled workers responsible for the work!! Without a doubt, 5 stars for bazuba."
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Peter G.
Karlsruhe ·
Google
“
„Good decision! — We chose BAZUBA because of a report on an online portal... and we have no regrets! Our wishes were discussed and planned in the showroom with an incredible amount of patience. Even changes and special requests before the renovation started were implemented quickly and easily. The entire construction team also deserves mention – everyone was without exception polite and friendly. I especially want to mention Mr. Robert, who brightened every one of our site visits with his good mood. In hindsight, we can now list the following reasons why we recommend BAZUBA to everyone: 1.) The price – All other quotes were about 25% higher than BAZUBA’s. 2.) The team – As already mentioned, patience and friendliness are top priorities here. 3.) The planning – None of our wishes were considered impossible. Even special requests were gladly fulfilled. 4.) The working time – A conventional renovation would have taken at least 4 weeks and the whole house would have been dusty. BAZUBA finished on schedule in 2 weeks. 5.) The quality – Nothing wobbles, nothing is scratched. The bathtub looks like new. The walls are flawless. Every joint fits perfectly. 6.) The look – We chose a seamless bathroom. Compared to tiles, our bathroom now feels much friendlier and warmer. 7.) The warranty! All in all, we are satisfied customers and would have our bathroom renovated by BAZUBA again anytime."
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Christopher
Guntramsdorf ·
Herold
“
„Perfect! Absolutely recommend. — Tub out and shower in! From start to finish, we can only give the highest praise. The consultant, Mr. Raffael Weninger, gave us excellent advice at home. He took our needs into account and came up with a perfect plan for us with his great ideas. The craftsmen also deserve the highest praise. They were extremely careful to avoid dust and dirt, which is not easy with this kind of work. The first two days, two careful installers took on their responsible tasks. After all, all newly laid water pipes and drains have to be completely sealed. The third and fourth days belonged to the quick gentlemen Jànos and Gàbor, who were able to complete this partial renovation on time — without taking a break! It must be said that all "our" four craftsmen are extremely friendly and hardworking. Otherwise, our project would not have been completed perfectly in this relatively short time. On the third day, the company owner visited us, checked on the progress, and asked about our satisfaction so far. That builds trust. Now we enjoy our new shower pleasure every day! We gladly recommend this company with its great employees. Warm regards! Christian & Sylvia Karner"
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Christian K.
Guntramsdorf ·
Herold
“
„NEW BATHROOM For about 3 weeks now, we have been proud owners of a seamless bathroom and toilet. The first team from bazuba arrived on time and very punctual, professionally covering everything from the front door up to the bathroom, including the stairs, and began dismantling the old sanitary fixtures, disposing of everything no longer needed. From then on, things moved quickly every day. Congratulations to your employees. Everyone was extremely friendly, polite, and really hardworking. No matter what was being done, we were always asked if everything was okay or if we had other wishes. The new walk-in shower is truly a dream, the walls seamless and so beautifully bright, and the floor really very nice and easy to maintain. The toilet was done in the same style. Simply beautiful. I wanted to wait with the review until I got used to the new bathroom. Every morning, when I enter our beautiful bathroom, I am very happy. No matter which team was on site, all employees did professional work. We will always remember bazuba from Guntramsdorf fondly and will gladly recommend them. Thank you very much for everything. Best regards, Renate P."
We will inspect your bathroom free of charge, advise you on what will help, and provide a fixed price after the visit. Prefer to call? Free from Germany on 0800 90 44 2000, from Austria on 0800 66 55 36.
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