I'd be looking for grab bars as well. Jaclo makes a very nice shower slider bar that is also rated as a grab bar. It is pricey, but you can buy the shower head, etc elsewhere.

There are also toilet paper holders with built in grab bars.

If you mix and match brands, polished chrome is the easiet finish to match.

Starcraft builder's has faucet reviews that I found helpful in making my choices.

http://starcraftcustombuilders.com/sources.faucets2.htm

I'm a fan of Delta for faucets, shower heads, etc. The plumbers I've spoken to have all said it's a reliable brand, easy to get parts, if needed, and they stand by their products forever. They also have some grab bars that match their towel bars.

I'm a big fan of grab bars for everyone, not just oldsters. If you're gutting, you can reinforce the areas where the grab bars will go (help me someone - the word for it escapes me) by adding wood between the studs where the grab bars will go.

Our current bathroom has a shower head and a regular tap at the bottom that you can use to wash feet or fill a bucket. But the water temperature and the water flow is controlled by one controller. Meaning I can't increase the water flow without the water temperature going up. What should I get to avoid this? Also would just a hand held shower be sufficient since it can be used as a shower head and a hand held?

I suggest you start with the grab bars. Why? Because fewer of them exist; or, fewer versions that don't look commercial exist.

Then, once you've chosen that most elusive item /have picked either chrome or brushed nickel, or whatever ... then pick your sink faucet. It's the most "visible" faucet in a bathroom. This'll also set your tone as traditional, contemporary, or whatever. Since you're thinking of your aging parents, choose big handles instead of something small. I'd go with Delta or Moen, and you'll be fine.

Finally, pick your shower hardware to match. Since the shower hardware isn't as visible, leave it 'til last.

"(help me someone - the word for it escapes me) by adding wood between the studs where the grab bars will go."

It's called blocking.

Dream, you want a thermostatic valve.

Good advice mrspete

Delta and Moen feel "cheap". JMO

I like Kohler or Grohe as they feel more substantial.....not so tinny. as in tin foil....

What does the thermostatic valve do? My contractor said there's an up charge to install if we decide to go with a thermostatic shower head.

Dream,

In your original question, you were looking for a separate volume control. This allows you to control the volume of water coming out of the shower head. A theromostatic valve manages the temperature of the water. It allows you to set a temperature and just turn on the shower and the water will always be at that temperature. If you have a pressure change, in a thermostatic shower, rather than changing the temperature, you get less water but the temperature is constant. I am not sure why it would be more to install than a pressure balanced valve though. The functionality is in the valve and the installation is the same as a pressure balanced valve. The cost of a Thermostatic valve is more than a pressure balanced valve.

I will post a video once I find it from a hansgrohe explaining the valve set up in the bathroom. I found it useful to understand the functionality.

I am going to post a link to an old thread that might be more than
you are asking for. But it is a must read, before you venture into
plumbing, as far as I'm concerned. MongoCT has lengthy entries posted.

FAQ/Answers Bathroom Plumbing for dummies

ETA: I just bumped this thread again. It's an oldie but goodie.

I haven't read the above post yet but wanted to post an update. I was at the Ferguson yesterday. And we picked out this shower head for the guest bathroom. I was told that we need a thermostatic valve only if we need 2 separate water outlets to work at the same time. What are your thoughts?

Delta Faucet D58471SSPK "In2Ition " Hand Held Shower

And this trim kit that'll control the temp and the flow separately.

Delta Faucet DT17061SS "Compel" Non-Thermostatic Valve Trim

Delta Faucet DR10000UNWS Tub & Shower Rough In Valve

Denali2007 Your grab bar is very attractive. What brand is it?

Start with a zero entry shower, this will making taking a shower so much easier on them. Also adding a rail or two in the design would be ideal to help support them.