Medical & Bathroom Step-Up Step Stools

Improve safety, comfort, and accessibility at home or in care settings with durable, foldable and medical-grade step stools.

Summary

Step-up stools play a critical role in both healthcare and home environments, offering essential height assistance while prioritising user safety. From the bathroom to the kitchen, these stools help patients, carers, elderly individuals, and children perform daily activities more safely and independently. With options like fold away step stools, small step stools, and wooden step stools, users can select products tailored for different needs whether medical use, bathroom safety, or mobility support.

What Are Medical and Bathroom Step-Up Step Stools?

Medical and bathroom step-up stools are height-boosting platforms designed for safe foot elevation. Often used by:

Patients with limited mobility
Carers assisting others during bathing or transfers
Children accessing basins or toilets
Elderly individuals needing a safe boost in the kitchen or bathroom

These stools often feature:

Non-slip surfaces
Handrails (for some models)
Foldable or lightweight construction
Anti-tip designs
Medical-grade weight ratings

Step stools are a standard inclusion in many NDIS-funded home modifications, particularly in aged care, rehabilitation or disability-accessible homes.

Key Types of Step Stools Available

With dozens of designs on the market, understanding which step stool suits your environment is crucial. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Fold Away Step Stools
Fold away step stools are compact, portable options ideal for:
- Bathrooms with limited space
- Travelling patients or carers
- Short-term or emergency height needs
These stools fold flat, are easy to carry, and suit both home and medical use. Commonly made from durable plastic or aluminium.
2. Wooden Step Stools
Aesthetically pleasing and sturdy, wooden step stools are:
- Perfect for home bathrooms or kitchens
- More durable under heavier loads
- Ideal for use as children’s step stools
Make sure wooden stools include anti-slip pads or textured treads to prevent slips.
3. Small Step Stools
Designed for minor elevation, small step stools are great for:
- Transferring into bed
- Boosting access to low toilets
- Children using sinks independently
These stools are lightweight, often just 15–20cm in height, and offer high stability.
4. Children's Step Stools
Built with safety, fun, and size in mind:
- Feature anti-slip rubber and side grips
- Bright colours and rounded edges
- Perfect for handwashing, brushing teeth, or toilet training
They’re essential in both residential and childcare settings.
5. Kitchen Step Stools
For elderly or short-statured individuals in domestic kitchens:
- Provides access to high cupboards or microwaves
- Many come with one or two handrails
- Stability is key—especially when cooking or holding items
Look for wide treads and non-slip surfaces in kitchen step stools to avoid falls.

Safety Benefits of Step Stools in Medical and Aged Care Settings

Step stools are more than just convenience items—they actively reduce injury risks, particularly for the elderly and those with limited mobility.

1. Preventing Falls

Falls are the leading cause of hospitalisations among Australians aged 65 and older. Using a stable bathroom step-up stool helps prevent overreaching or unsafe climbing, especially in wet areas.

2. Enhancing Accessibility

Stools create access where no alternative exists—such as stepping into high showers or reaching medical supplies. They are invaluable tools in:

Disability-inclusive bathrooms
Physiotherapy settings
Aged care homes

3. Reducing Carer Strain

Carers can reduce the need for awkward lifting or bending by using a foldable step up stool to assist clients during washing, dressing or toileting.

Step Stool Use in Bathrooms: What to Know

Bathrooms present unique challenges when it comes to safety and functionality. Slippery surfaces, hard edges, and tight spaces all require thoughtful equipment choices.

Best Practices for Bathroom Step Stools:

Always place the stool on a dry, flat surface
Choose stools with rubber feet and drainage holes
Avoid wooden step stools unless designed for wet areas
Keep within arm’s reach of grab rails or a support bar

NDIS-funded home modifications often include bathroom step stools alongside wall-mounted grab rails and walk-in shower adjustments.

Step-Up Stools for Children: Home and Clinic Use

Childrens step stools play a key role in helping kids:

Reach basins to wash hands and brush teeth
Use toilets independently
Learn responsibility through safe access

These stools should:

Be light enough for kids to move themselves
Include anti-slip grip underneath and on top
Have rounded corners to reduce injury risk

They are often used in paediatric therapy and occupational therapy settings to encourage participation in daily self-care tasks.

Conclusion

Medical and bathroom step-up stools are essential mobility and safety tools, not just convenience items. Whether for home use, aged care, disability support, or child safety, these stools bridge the gap—literally—between users and their daily needs.

From fold away step stools to wooden step stools for children, a wide range of designs ensures there’s a suitable solution for every space and circumstance. By selecting a stool that’s stable, slip-resistant and properly rated, you can greatly reduce fall risk, enhance independence, and promote dignity.