Choosing a bath and bath accessories
The aim of this factsheet is to provide first stop information on the type of equipment available to help with specific difficulties, and details about the useful features of some of the more popular items of bathing equipment.
For up-to-date product and supplier information, please contact our equipment helpline, open Monday to Friday from
10am to 4pm, tel. no: 0845 130 9177 (calls charged at local rate) or if you use a textphone 020 7432 8009 (calls charged at standard rate.)
Alternatively you can write to our letter enquiry service or contact us via email at advice@dlf.org.uk. To help us give you a concise and informative reply, please provide us with as much detail as possible including information on the difficulties you are having and any solutions you have considered, including equipment ideas.
WHERE TO GET HELP AND ADVICE
Before making any decisions about buying equipment, or making alterations, it is advisable to contact a community Occupational Therapist (OT), based at the local social services/social work department, who may come and assess your daily living needs. He or she will advise on possible solutions and may be able to provide some items of equipment on loan and give advice on grants that may be available to help with the cost of any adaptations.
Information and advice on design issues is available from the Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) which keeps a database of architects, surveyors and similar professionals with experience of designing for disabled people, and has a number of useful publications and design sheets (see useful organisations).
DISABLED FACILITIES GRANTS (DFGs)
A disabled facilities grant may be available for some home adaptations including major adaptations such as extensions and structural work to accommodate fixed hoists, stairlifts, shower units etc. If this type of adaptation is needed, a local occupational therapist (OT) will come to assess your needs and then contact the relevant council departments. Applications for grants should be made via the OT to the local council's
Environmental Health Department or local Housing Department (for council houses). DFGs are available as part of the general renovation grant system. A means test (similar to that used for housing benefit) is used to decide how much financial assistance can be given to the applicant. Depending on the outcome of the test, the amount of assistance offered can vary from 0-100% of the cost. A ceiling of £25,000 (England) will normally be put on each DFG, irrespective of the applicant's assessed contribution.
Local authorities have, since July 2002, the power to assist with housing repairs and adaptations by offering loans as well as or instead of a grant. Local housing authorities are required to publish their policy on housing assistance.
PROVISION OF BATHING EQUIPMENT
Bathing equipment is generally regarded as daily living equipment and is therefore provided by the Community Equipment Service (C.E.S) that can be accessed through services run by local authorities (commonly the social services department), or the NHS. Provision may include:
? bath boards and seats;
? slip-resistant mats;
? grab rails;
? removable or floor-fixed bath lifts.
If you decide to buy equipment and gadgets privately, it is best to try them out first. If you can, arrange a visit to one of the Disabled Living Centres around the country. They have a range of bathing equipment on display and will give you advice and information on what is most suitable for you.
For details of your nearest centre contact the Disabled Living Centres Council (see useful organisations).
FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE UNABLE TO GET DOWN INTO OR UP FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE BATH
There is a wide range of equipment, ranging from simple to sophisticated items that will help overcome this difficulty. The combination of a bath board, seat, grab rails and a slip-resistant mat may satisfy many peoples' needs, others will need to consider a hoisting/lifting mechanism or an alternative type of bath. If the task is still difficult or unsafe, then it may be wise to think about showering.
PROVIDING A HIGHER SEATING POSITION
Bath boards
These wedge between the rims, providing a platform seated area over the bath for a person who is unable to step in and sit down in the usual way. The user can sit on the board to transfer his/her legs into the bath and can either sit on the board and wash using a hand-held shower spray, or can move from it down onto a bath seat so that he/she can be nearer the bath water. It is recommended that a
For maximum safety, the board must fit securely across the top of the bath. A standard board should not extend beyond the rims as it may tip when it takes the person's weight. All have an adjustable fixing system, usually brackets on the underside, which braces the board against the sides of the bath. The board may be perforated or slatted, so that water drains away easily, and can be made of different materials, such as solid or padded plastic, wood, metal or cork.
Extended bath boards straddle the bath rims and are similar to a standard bath board. However, they are extra long, forming a section outside the bath for the person to sit on and this end has height adjustable legs which rest on the floor. When getting out users can slide across the board, lift their legs over the side of the bath, and sit there whilst drying themselves.
Bath seats
Bath seats are usually used in conjunction with a bath board, and provide a sitting platform halfway down for those people who wish to shower or sit near to, or in, the water. Bathing from the seat will still deny people the pleasure of lying in deep water or stretching out in the bath, although it may be possible to move down onto the bottom of the bath and move the seat out of the way until it is needed again for getting out. This is not recommended. Users need fairly strong arms to move themselves up and down between the board and seat. It is recommended that they are used in conjunction with a slip-resistant mat. Some seats have a cut-out section at the front to make personal cleaning easier. There are three types of bath seat: suspended, wedge and freestanding (see later section on choosing and using equipment for the bath). If you have an acrylic bath you should consult the suppliers before buying a wedge type bath seat.
Swivel seats
These seats rest across the rims of the bath and may be used in preference to a bath board as they provide a more supportive chair-type seat. They swivel to the left or right and many have a locking mechanism, which will secure the seat in a fixed position when the user is getting on and off. He/she sits to wash using a hand-held shower spray.
Combination boards and seats
These consist of a bath board attached to a bath seat and have the advantage of being more stable than two separate units. However, they can be rather bulky and heavy to remove from the bath.
PROVIDING A SUPPORT TO PULL ON
Rails provide hand holds to help people get in and out of the bath independently or with minimal assistance. Some baths have small rails built in and provide a low level hand hold, but these may be too low to assist with getting in and out of the bath. They can also make positioning and securing equipment such as a bath board difficult. Conveniently sited grab rails positioned next to the bath will ensure that the person does not lean on a basin rim or towel rail for support.
Grab rails
These can be attached to the wall, ceiling or floor next to the bath. Straight and angled rails are fixed to the wall to provide support when getting up and down in the bath. A floor to ceiling rail is fixed to the floor and the ceiling and can be helpful if a step is used to get in and out of the bath, however it may get in the way if a bath board is used.
Bath-fixed rails
These clamp onto the side of the bath providing a vertical loop, which sticks up above the bath rim. Rails that attach solely to the bath itself, especially acrylic baths, are not recommended, as great care must be taken to ensure that the adjustable fixing mechanism, usually a screw system, is tight enough for the rail to remain secure, but not so tight that it damages the bath. Fixings should be checked on a regular basis and tightened when necessary.
Floor/bath fixed rails
These rails have fixing points on the bath itself and on the floor next to the bath. This makes them more stable than those fixed only to the bath. Most are height adjustable. These rails can provide a handhold to assist you up from the bottom of the bath or from a bath seat; and help you to step into the bath. However, they will make it difficult to transfer your legs into the bath if you are going to do this whilst seated on a bath board.
Tap-fixed rails
These clamp around the bath taps, fold down to rest on the bath rim and can be folded up against the wall when not required. When sitting in the bath, the rail will be directly in front of the person at about chest height. In this position it will provide stability whilst in the bath, but may not be at an ideal level to help with sitting down or standing up from the base of the bath.
These rails are not always recommended as they clamp around the bath taps and are therefore only as strong as the tap fixtures. Taps are not designed to withstand a person's body weight pulling against them.
Wall-fixed rails
Rails can be attached to the wall alongside the bath to assist with stepping in and out of the bath, and to provide support when standing up from the bottom of the bath and lowering down. Wall-fixed rails used in the bathroom should have an anti-slip, coated finish; and all the fixation screws should be concealed. The wall itself must be strong enough to bear the load (it may be difficult to fix rails to some partition walls).
As general guidance, rails are available in three standard lengths: 30, 45 and 60cm. Positioned on the wall horizontally, they will help with movement forwards and back, and from side to side. Positioned vertically they will assist with up and down movements when the user needs to get up from the bottom of the bath and has to shift his/her weight forwards before beginning to rise, a combination of a horizontal rail and a vertical rail (or a single rail positioned at an angle rising away from the user) may be needed.
Further guidance is available in the DLF factsheet ’Choosing and Fitting Grab Rails’.
Rails systems
These are made up of a number of component parts, enabling them to be built to individual requirements and fitted around corners and obstructions. They may be attached to the walls or the floor.
Wall fixed/ ceiling mounted lifting poles
An option to help with getting out of the bath independently is to pull on an overhead handle attached to a wall or ceiling-fixed lifting pole. Care should be taken to ensure that it is securely fixed. A moulded handgrip is more comfortable to hold. The strap from which the handhold is suspended can usually be adjusted.
PROVIDING A LIFTING MECHANISM FROM THE BASE TO THE RIM OF THE BATH
People who find it difficult to use a bath board or seat to move themselves up and down from the bottom of the bath may wish to try out a bath lift or hoist. Many are powered and can be operated either by the user for independent bathing; or by a carer to make the task of assisting someone easier and safer, thus reducing the risk of back injury. If motor driven, the controls are air operated, usually on a handset, and are therefore safe if accidentally immersed. Although expensive, a hoist or lift may be more cost effective than installing a special bath or shower.
A bath lift raises the person from underneath, a hoist lifts the person from above.
Removable bath lifts
These fit inside the bath and can lift the person from near the bottom of the bath up to the height of the bath rim. Users must however, still be able to lift their legs over the bath rims if they wish to bathe independently. The majority of bath lifts have a seat and backrest unit made of either solid plastic or mesh fabric, and some have the option of a reclining mechanism to give a more relaxing bath. Lifts can be removed for relocation or to allow another member of the family to use the bath. However, their weight and the rubber suction pads can make them difficult to remove. Some models have detachable components making the bath lift easier and safer to handle.
Manual and powered versions are available. Manual lifts are operated hydraulically using the weight of the person to lower the lift and the buoyancy of the water to help to raise the lift. The motor driven versions are usually powered by a rechargeable battery located behind the backrest or in the handset. This must be removed and recharged regularly. Occasionally, bath lifts are powered by mains electricity via a step-down transformer, and connected to the mains via a plug located outside the bathroom.
A few bath lifts use air pressure. Users may find the seat unit, particularly if it has no backrest, less stable. Therefore, they may be inappropriate for someone with balance difficulties.
Wall/floor-fixed bath lifts
These lifts are also called band lifts. They consist of a fabric band on a roller connected to the wall. The band pulls out, runs across the bath rim and slots into a floor mounted bracket. A battery or mains powered motor gently rotates the roller
'letting out' the band, lowering the user into the bath. The roller is rotated in the reverse direction to lift the user up. Their advantage is that they lower the user right down to the bottom of the bath and give him/her the freedom to lie back and soak;, In addition, they are relatively discrete. These lifts are not suitable for everyone, as they provide no trunk or back support, and users must adjust their position on the band at intervals during ascent and descent to keep themselves central. The bather therefore needs to have good sitting balance in order to use these lifts safely.
Floor-fixed bath hoists
Floor-fixed bath hoists may be powered or mechanically operated and have a seat (or slings) attached to a vertical column which usually slots into a base plate at the side or the end of the bath. The height of the column can be adjusted and the seat swivels to enable the person to transfer onto it from outside the bath. The seat is then raised so that it clears the bath rim and is lowered down into the bath.
Manual hoists are operated by a winding handle designed to be operated by a carer, although it may be possible for the bather to use some models independently. Powered hoists either use mains electricity and will require a power point outside the bathroom or a rechargeable battery that will need charging regularly. The controls may be operated independently by the bather using a handset.
Hoists which provide a sling support
Although a few of the floor-fixed bath hoists have the option of using slings, most people who need the additional support gained from a sling will use a mobile or ceiling track hoist. It is better to use mesh slings in the bath as they allow the water to drain away easily.
A small mobile hoist can be used for many handling tasks in and around the home. However, if the person needs to be moved from one place to another, it is better to use an overhead track hoist or a sanichair because a mobile hoist can be heavy and difficult to manoeuvre, especially in confined spaces such as bathrooms, and the occupant can feel particularly vulnerable in transit. The hoist legs must fit under the bath to position the bather. This will require a minimum space of 11cm under the bath, and the side panel will need to be removed or have a hole cut into it. Storage space for the hoist also needs to be considered.
Battery powered hoists are easier to operate than manual hoists, as the motor takes the person's weight, but remember that the battery needs to be charged regularly.
Overhead track hoists are ideal in a domestic situation because, if the layout of the house permits, a straight, jointed or curved track can be fixed so that a person can transfer in the sling from the bed and into the bathroom where he/she can use the toilet and the bath or shower. It may be possible to do these manoeuvres independently or with minimal assistance. However, structural alterations may be necessary such as strengthening the ceiling, or adapting the top of the doorframe to take the track.
An electric traversing system may enable a person to transfer independently. The carer has to push the person along the track in the sling if a manual traversing system is used.
PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE TYPE OF BATH
When planning to replace a bath consider:
? the available space;
? the level of disruption in terms of both noise and mess whilst work is in progress, and the time the bathroom will be out of action;
? the volume of water required to fill the new bath and compare this to the capacity of the current bath. Does the hot water tank have sufficient capacity?
? aftercare of equipment, particularly servicing and maintenance if the bath has moving parts;
? the long term prospects of the bather. If his/her ability is likely to deteriorate a level access shower might be a better option;
? other household members.
Baths
with a built in seat
These have a seat built into the moulding of the bath so that the bather does not have to sit on the bottom of the bath. They have no transfer system and, like a bath seat, the user must have fairly strong arms to move him/herself up and down. Many have cut away sides and a small corner ledge for users to perch on whilst transferring their legs into the bath.
Baths with a built in transfer mechanism
All these have lifting seats incorporated into the structure of the bath so that there is no need for the person to get up or be helped up from the bottom of the bath. The seat raises and lowers; all but a few seats have a fixed backrest which makes reclining back in the bath difficult. Some seats incorporate a legrest to lift the legs over the bath rim. When the seat has been raised above the bath rim, it can be swivelled outwards, either manually or automatically, for easier transfer. The height of the seat edge is important, especially for people who need to brace their knees in order to stand upright, or who need a level transfer from a wheelchair seat. A few systems have the facility to raise and lower the seat outside the bath.
These baths are powered either by water pressure or mains electricity. The lift can be controlled by the bather or a helper using a handset. If the system is electrically powered, a safe air switch is used.
Multi-adjustable baths
These are high level baths that enable the bather to transfer directly onto a bathing platform. The bath side or sides are then raised so that bathing can commence. The platform can also be used as a drying/changing table in some situations. As well as making transfers easier, this style of bath can ease back strain for a carer.
Walk in baths
Walk in baths can help people who have difficulty getting their legs over the side of a standard bath or who have difficulty getting up from the bottom of the bath. They basically have a door at the front or side for entry (but there is always a small step to negotiate), and a seat. Their main drawback is that they cannot be filled with water until the user is in and the door has been sealed; and he/she cannot get out of the bath until most of the water has drained away. For safety, water temperature should be thermostatically controlled.
The shape of these baths may vary. Those that are square take up less room in the bathroom but if the door is outward opening, space will be needed to accommodate the swing. Smaller baths will give the bather less leg room so may not be suitable for someone with stiff hips or knees.
Check the height of the internal seat to make sure the user is able to lower down and stand up from it with ease; and, if he/she is unsteady on their feet, make sure the taps, plug and door controls can be
reached from the seated position if independent bathing is planned.
Adjustable height baths
The height of these baths can be adjusted, either mechanically or electrically. They are designed to reduce the need for a carer to bend over the bath if the person needs assistance. The bather may be able to step into the bath at its lowest level and then be raised to a convenient height. However, remember that the water usually needs to drain away before the bather can get out. These baths are not often used in a domestic setting.
FOR PEOPLE WHO FIND IT DIFFICULT TO STEP OR LIFT THEIR LEGS INTO THE BATH
Unfortunately this is a very common difficulty with no easy solution. Those people unable to find a successful solution may wish to consider showering.
LEG LIFTERS
Manual leg lifters may be useful for people who can sit on a bath board and hook their leg through the reinforced aluminium loop. They would then need to lift their leg up and over the bath rim with the loop. However, this task needs strength, dexterity and good sitting balance. Some people use the crook neck of a walking stick to perform the same action.
BATH LIFTS
The column on some of the floor-fixed bath lifts is high enough to enable the seat and occupant to be lifted so that the bather need not raise his/her legs very far in order to clear the bath rim before being swivelled and lowered into the bath. A similar action can be performed when getting out. Some may also have a leg extension that supports the user’s legs in a horizontal position.
BATHS WITH A TRANSFER MECHANISM
Some baths that incorporate a swivel seat can include a leg rests.
WALK IN BATHS
Although there are no high sides to negotiate, the bather must still be able to manage a low step on entry and exit. As difficulties are likely to be caused by stiffness in the hips and knees, square shaped walk-in baths that have limited legroom may well be too cramped.
SHALLOW BATHS
These baths, which are not as deep as standard baths, are easier to climb into and out of. However, the user can still experience difficulties when he/she has to stand up from the bottom of the bath, and additional rails may be necessary.
BATH STEPS
Bath steps provide a platform on the outside of the bath, lessening the height over which people need to lift their legs to get into the bath. However, they are not suitable for people who have difficulty keeping their balance, and they will not help bathers to lift their legs out from a deep bath. If used, a slip-resistant step provides a safer surface to stand on; and a grab rail mounted on the wall will give a secure handhold.
FOR PEOPLE WHO REQUIRE SUPPORT, COMFORT AND POSITIONING IN THE BATH
INSERTS AND SUPPORT CUSHIONS
Cushions for comfort
Plastic covered foam cushions can be used to line the bath to make someone who is frail more comfortable; or to increase the safety of a bather who has involuntary movements.
Mouldable body supports
These are large waterproof mouldable cushions which are filled with polystyrene beads. They are available in different shapes to support various parts of the body. They will conform to the shape of the bather and this shape can be semi-permanently fixed, when the air inside is removed using a pump. They are secured to the side of the bath with suckers.
HEAD SUPPORTS
Head cushions improve comfort when lying back in the bath. They are fixed to the bath with suction pads. If head control is poor, swimming flotation aids can be used to support the head of the user above water.
PRESSURE RELIEF CUSHIONS
It should be remembered that anyone who needs pressure care should be provided with it across the range of daily living activities, i.e. not only as a pressure cushion for the wheelchair, but also in bed, in the bath and on the commode or toilet. Bath cushions should have a waterproof outer cover, and a heavy inner substance which enables the cushion to remain submerged.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
BATH THERMOMETERS
These can be used to check the temperature of bath water before use. They are particularly useful if the bather has reduced skin sensation and needs an objective way to determine temperatures.
WATER TEMPERATURE INDICATORS
These devices change colour to indicate water temperature. Some people may find them simpler and easier to read than a bath thermometer.
WATER LEVEL INDICATORS
These emit an audible warning when in contact with water and therefore can be used to alert someone when the bath is full. This can be particularly useful when someone has short-term memory problems or a visual impairment.
BATH MATS AND
SLIP-RESISTANT MATERIALS
Mats which are secured with suckers to the bottom of the bath, self-adhesive strips and spray-on slip-resistant material will all help to prevent a person from slipping in a wet bath.
TAPS
Bath taps should not be used as a support to pull up on when getting out of the bath. Most will not be strong enough to withstand a person’s weight. Strategically positioned grab rails should be used instead.
CHOOSING AND USING EQUIPMENT FOR THE BATH
The most commonly used types of bathing equipment are:
? bath boards
? bath seats
? bath lifts
This section compares their different features.
IS MY BATH SUITABLE TO TAKE BATHING EQUIPMENT?
Most standard shaped baths will take a bath board without any problems, but care must be taken when introducing other items. You will need to consider:
? length - check whether there is enough room to use the equipment, especially if a bath board and seat are going to be used to get down into the bottom of the bath or the bather has stiff hips or knees and therefore needs room to straighten his/her legs. A 1700mm long bath allows room for most bath equipment;
? width - if the bath is exceptionally wide or narrow, the equipment may not fit into it;
? space - it is often helpful to have a small area of flat tiled surface between the end of the bath and the wall. Some equipment can be placed on it and it can provide additional space for the bather to sit or lean on to when moving up and down in the bath;
? built-in grab rails - the positioning of these may hinder the use of equipment or entry and exit to the bath. Some bath lifts come with sliders that prevent the flaps of the seat from getting caught under the built in handles;
? material - metal baths are strong enough to withstand all types of bathing equipment. Most acrylic baths are not strong enough to take wedge-in bath seats and, when free-standing bath seats and removable bath lifts are used, the weight should be distributed over as wide a base as possible.
Only a few items of equipment can be used in a corner bath.
Because of the increasing width, boards and seats cannot be firmly wedged in and could slide forwards towards the wider part.
WHICH TYPE OF SEAT OR BOARD?
The material and shape of the sitting surface of any board, seat or bath lift will determine how comfortable and easy to use it is. In general, the edges and corners should be smooth and the surface should be easy to clean.
Moulded plastic
Generally quite lightweight, easy-to-clean and resistant to damage.
Wooden - polished top
The smooth surface enables the person to easily slide across onto the board or seat. However, since the polish may wear away after prolonged use, it should be checked periodically.
Wooden - cork top
The rough cork surface provides good friction whilst people are sitting on it, but bathers will have to lift up their bottom to get on and off. The surface may chip and stain after prolonged use. They are quite lightweight and feel warm to sit on.
Wooden - painted or plastic coated
The smooth surface enables the person to slide across onto the board. However, the coating may chip with heavy use and should therefore be checked periodically.
Coated metal
These tend to be stronger and heavier, and will withstand prolonged use by a heavy bather, e.g. some metal boards have a capacity of 222kg (35 stone). The smooth surface enables the person to slide across the board.
Padded
These will provide more comfort especially for people who are thin or in pain.
Slatted/perforated
These will allow the water to drain away more easily, so that drying is easier and the board is less slippery to sit on. However, ensure that the holes are small as it has been known for male users to trap certain body parts!
Cut-away front
Some seats have a cut-away section or a dip at the front to facilitate personal cleaning.
BATH BOARDS
Type of fixing
It is very important that once a bath board has been securely fitted against the sides of the bath that it is held firmly in place so that no movement occurs during use. Once in use it should be checked frequently to ensure that the fixings remain tight.
Adjustable brackets can be adjusted and the angle of some can also be altered to wedge the board against the inside rims of the bath. Brackets are usually made of plastic or metal and are held in position with wing nuts which people with weak or painful hands may find difficult to tighten. Some adjust along one central column, whilst others have two fixings - which tend to be stronger. The brackets usually have slip-resistant covers to provide extra grip and to prevent marking the bath. These should be checked periodically as they may wear after long-term use.
Some models have four small grooved pillars which are positioned and tightened independently. They are positioned at each corner and can be moved within a slot or to different locations on the board as required to give a firm hold against the sides of the bath.
Wall-hung brackets are particularly useful when the bath rim adjacent to the wall is not wide enough to support a standard bath board safely. The bath board attaches to the bracket on one side and rests on the near side bath rim on the other. They fold up against wall when not required or can be removed.
Size of board
Depth (front to back) - a wider board will be stronger and more comfortable, especially for the larger user but will, however, take up more space.
Width (side to side) - particularly important if it is to be fixed into an especially wide or narrow bath. It is important that the board does not overlap the outside edge of the bath by more than 2cm, as this could cause the board to tip when used as an aid to seated transfer into the bath.
Capacity - check the weight capacity of
the board, particularly for larger bathers. In general the metal covered bath boards tend to be the strongest.
Weight - this may be important if the board is to be moved frequently or taken away on holiday.
Additional features
? Integral handgrips - some boards have handles or hand grips built into them which help the bather to independently move onto and off the board.
? Soap dish - some boards have an integral soap dish.
? Cut-away front - some boards have a cut-away section or a dip at the front to make personal cleaning easier.
How to use a bath board
Bath boards should always be used in conjunction with a slip-resistant mat.
? Sit on the edge of the board with the feet outside the bath on the floor.
? Slide or wriggle backwards onto the board.
? Turn to swing the legs over the rim and into the bath. You may need the help of a manual leg lifter or from another person.
? Slide or wriggle to the middle of the board using wall-fixed grab rails or integral handgrips to pull on.
? From this position you can either lower onto a bath seat or down onto the base of the bath, or stay on the board and use a hand-held shower.
BATH SEATS
All users of bath seats must be able to sit up straight, i.e. be able to bend at an angle of 90° at the hips. They will need to
be able to bend further forwards if they are to be able to reach and wash their feet without using a long handled sponge.
Suspended seats
Suspended seats hang down from a framework which rests on the bath rim. The width of the frame can be adjusted to fit different sized baths using wing nuts to ensure that it wedges firmly against the sides as the person sits on it. The ends of the frame are covered in a slip- resistant material to provide extra grip and to prevent damage to the bath. They can be used in metal or acrylic baths. Some have a back rest or support which makes them difficult to use with a bath board.
Free-standing bath seats
Free-standing bath seats have feet or suction pads which stand on the bottom of the bath. Some have adjustable side brackets, which can be tightened to wedge against the side of the bath, reducing seat movement and providing the user with extra stability. They can be used in all baths, although those with two U-shaped legs are more suitable in acrylic baths than those with four separate legs as the weight is spread over a larger surface area.
Wedge bath seats
Wedge seats have four hinged paddles which are attached to the metal seat frame and wedge firmly against the sides of the bath. The frame can be adjusted to ensure a firm grip against the bath sides. Most are only suitable for use in metal baths - some plastic or glass fibre baths may crack as the legs push against the sides of the bath, although thick rubber paddle caps are available on some models which reduce the stress on the bath sides. Wedged seats are usually easiest to move if more space is needed during bathing.
Seat height
? The height of some bath seats reaches to just below the bath rim. The seats are used for showering and still allow the curtain to hang inside the bath.
? Some bath seats are only available in one height.
? Some free-standing models are available in a range of heights, or can be fitted with leg extenders.
? Some of the wedge seats have reversible paddles which give a choice of two seat heights.
? You will need to check how far the seat on a suspended model hangs down in the bath and compare this with the depth of bath.
Backrests
Not many bath seats have backrests, and those that do provide varying amounts of support.
A high backrest will provide much more support than a low one, but if it protrudes above the bath rims the seat cannot be used in conjunction with a bath board.
Tubular backrests provide very little support and can be uncomfortable to lean against.
Padded backrests will provide more comfort especially to people who are thin or in pain.
Some seats have an all-in-one moulded seat and backrest so that the bather has to sit in an upright position.
Weight
This may be important if the seat is to be moved frequently or taken away on holiday.
Capacity
Always check the weight capacity of the seat, particularly for larger bathers.
SWIVEL SEATS
As these are fixed on a frame across the rim of the bath, they are generally used for showering over the bath. Check that a shower curtain can be positioned around the seat frame.
It is often useful to have a conveniently positioned grab rail to assist with pulling or pushing the seat and bather around into position. A carer may be needed to lift the legs of the bather into the bath.
Swivel mechanism
Some seats swivel only when a lever mechanism is released and this may be difficult for people with weak or painful hands. When the seat is facing outwards for transfer, check how close the edge of the seat is in relation to the rim of the bath. Help on and off the seat may be required if it is positioned back from the edge of the bath.
Armrests
Check that they protrude far enough forwards to allow them to be used as support when standing up.
Swivel seats with fold-up armrests allow for sideways transfers although, because of the swivel mechanism, it is usually easier to transfer onto it from the front.
Tubular armrests do not provide as comfortable forearm support during sitting as those which are slightly padded or flattened horizontally.
Seats/backrests
Swivel seats all have moulded seats with a fixed backrest which make it difficult to lean back, especially for people who have stiff hips.
REMOVABLE BATH LIFTS
The removal of a bath lift will enable other members of the household to use the bath in a conventional way. However, this task should be avoided where possible because someone has to stoop down into the bath to reach and grasp the lift which can cause great strain on the back. Consider the following factors.
? weight - this will vary according to the size, the lifting mechanism and the power source. Some can be broken down into several lighter component parts;
? suckers - many have large suckers which stick to the bottom of the bath to provide stability. These need to be released before the lift is removed. Some have pull-up tabs to make this easier; most require at least four hands to release them all at once.
Lifting mechanism
Hardly any of the lifts lower right down to the bottom of the bath. The seat level of some are as much as 8cm from the bottom in the lowest position.
Check that its lifting height is sufficient to lift from the bottom to the rim of the bath. Some do not lift high enough for use in deep baths. Some have adapters that can be added when used in deep baths - check with the supplier.
Some models have a metal scissor mechanism frame which relies on the weight of the person to lower it gently down in the bath. To get up, the person needs to sit upright and push down on the bath rims to release a hydraulic pistons mechanism which lifts the bather back up using powerful springs.
On some models the seat is attached to the top of a bellows mechanism into which air is sucked in or out, thus raising or lowering the person. When not in use it should be kept in an upright position to let it dry out. On other models the bather has to sit directly on top of a plastic bubble. Without a solid seat and backrest, it may not provide enough support for some bathers.
Many of the powered lifts have a metal coated lifting column on which the seat raises and lowers. They require no special drying instructions, as they will not go mouldy.
Power source and controls
Powered lifts can be used independently. Compressed air - air is used to inflate a bubble or bellows lifting mechanism. The compressors can either be powered by a battery powered portable compressor or a mains powered compressor. The latter type is perfectly safe to use as the power point for this type is situated outside the bathroom which in turn powers an air compressor box. This remains outside the bathroom and a rubber tube will carry only air into the bathroom. However, this means that it may be impossible to close the bathroom door completely during bathing.
Rechargeable battery pack - many models of bath lift are motor driven and powered by rechargeable batteries which are situated on the backrest, in the handset or in a separate portable power unit. The following should be considered:
? number of lifts per charge. This varies depending on the size and power of the battery. In general the smaller batteries situated in the handset need to be charged far more regularly than the larger packs. Some models are available with an institutional power pack and recharger for frequent use which will carry out up to 60 lifts per charge;
? charging - as chargers have to be plugged into the mains this activity should be carried out away from the bathroom. On some models the handset only has to be removed and plugged into the charger; others have large batteries which have to be removed for charging. Some chargers can be used with non-British power sources.
Controls –
Powered lifts are controlled by a handset which is waterproof and is safe if accidentally immersed in the water.
Some handsets can be attached to the side of the bath with suckers so that they are always conveniently positioned.
Most handsets have press buttons to control the movement. Some are marked so that they can be used by a bather with a visual impairment.
Rocker or toggle switches are sometimes available and are particularly helpful for a person with weak or painful hands.