Taking a bath is something that many of us take for granted, but this daily routine can become a real challenge as we age, or experience health problems.
At Aquadapt, we understand that bathroom safety isn’t just about preventing accidents—it’s about maintaining independence and dignity in our daily routines.
Jump straight to…
-
- The Hidden Challenges of Bathing
- Starting Simple: Basic Bathroom Aids for Disabled Persons
- The Game-Changer: Bathlifts
- Advanced Support: The Mermaid Bath Hoist
- Aquadeck and Robby Support Systems
- Walk-In Baths – A Word of Caution
- Bespoke Solutions for Custom Needs
- Innovative Bathing Supports
- Ready For a Transformed Bathing Experience?
- FAQs
The Hidden Challenges of Bathing
Every bathroom can become a potentially hazardous space due to the combination of water, steam, and slippery surfaces.
For elderly individuals or those with mobility challenges, even simple tasks like reaching for the tap or stepping into the bath can present significant navigational difficulties.
However, help is at hand, and there are plenty of smart solutions available to make bathing safer and more comfortable.
Starting Simple: Basic Bathroom Aids for Disabled Persons
If a person still has good upper body strength and trunk control, they might not need extensive modifications.
Consider these helpful accessories as a start point:
- Bath grab rails that provide stable support points when moving around
- Bath seats that offer a secure resting spot during bathing
- Bath steps that make getting in and out less challenging
The Game-Changer: Bathlifts
When basic aids aren’t quite enough, a bathlift can be transformative. Think of it as a personal bathroom elevator!
Very easy to operate, using a simple hand control, the bather can raise the lift to the bath’s edge, slide on comfortably, swing their legs around, and lower themselves gently into the water.
When they are finished, they simply reverse the process.
There is no need to worry about safety—the battery system is completely waterproof and charges easily through a standard wall socket in another room.
Advanced Support: The Mermaid Bath Hoist
For those needing extra assistance, the Mermaid bath hoist offers a more robust solution. As a permanent fixture beside the bath, it allows caregivers to safely transfer individuals in and out of the bath at a comfortable pace. Whether the user prefers manual control or the convenience of electric operation, there’s an option to suit their needs.
Aquadeck and Robby Support Systems
For high-dependency users, specialised supports like the Aquadeck System offer superior positioning, with a padded frame and mesh cover that provides exceptional comfort during bath time. The system features built-in knee brakes for added stability and optional security accessories such as padded crossbars or lap straps, providing a safer, more relaxing bathing alternative.
Similarly, growing children will benefit from using the Robby System, which provides adjustable solutions rather than permanent installations. Its ingenious telescopic tubes extend as the child grows, eliminating the need for frequent replacements. The Robby is engineered with a deep pelvic position to prevent overextending, while independently adjustable head, back, seating, and lower leg areas allow for customised positioning.
Walk-In Baths – A Word of Caution
While walk-in baths might seem like an obvious solution, our extensive experience has taught us to be cautious about recommending them.
The way they are designed requires the person to sit in the bath while it fills and drains, which can leave them feeling cold and uncomfortable. Plus, despite being called “walk-in,” they still require stepping over a threshold.
While we do offer and professionally install walk-in baths, we often find that bathlifts provide a more practical solution for most of our clients.
Bespoke Solutions for Custom Needs
For those interested in more comprehensive modifications, we offer complete Disabled Bathrooms design and installation services for:
- Level access showers
- Wetrooms
- Full bathroom adaptations
Our professional installation teams ensure the work is completed to the highest of standards with minimal disruption to the household’s daily routine.
Innovative Bathing Supports
Sometimes, the challenge isn’t just getting in and out—it’s staying comfortable during the bath itself.
This is where our Bathing Support System comes into its own.
This creative concept uses air-filled beads to create a custom-moulded support that perfectly matches the bather’s body’s contours. Using a simple foot pump, the air level is adjusted until the perfect position is achieved, and the support will maintain its shape throughout the whole time spent in the bath.
Ready For a Transformed Bathing Experience?
Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable while bathing.
Whether you or your client are looking for simple aids or considering a complete bathroom modification, we’re here to help you find the perfect provision for every need.
To get more information and advice on making bathing safer and more comfortable, reach out to our friendly team of disabled bathroom safety experts.
We’ll provide all the guidance and support required help to you find the optimum solution for each unique situation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bathing Safety and Assistive Solutions
Q: How do I know which bathing solution is right for my needs?
A: The best solution depends on your specific mobility challenges and bathroom layout. We recommend starting with an assessment of your current abilities – particularly upper body strength and trunk control. Basic aids like grab rails and bath seats may be sufficient for those with good mobility, while bathlifts or hoists might be better for those needing more support. Our team can provide personalised recommendations based on your individual situation.
Q: Are bathlifts difficult to install and maintain?
A: Bathlifts are designed for easy installation without permanent modifications to your bathroom. Most models can be assembled quickly, and easily removed when not needed. Maintenance is minimal – simply keep the lift clean and ensure the battery is charged regularly. The waterproof battery systems charge through standard wall outlets and typically last for numerous bath cycles before needing recharging.
Q: Why do you recommend bathlifts over walk-in baths?
A: While walk-in baths seem like an intuitive solution, they have practical drawbacks. Users must sit in the bath during filling and draining, which can be uncomfortable and chilling. They still require stepping over a threshold, which presents challenges for those with limited mobility. Bathlifts, by contrast, work with your existing bath, allowing you to enter when the bath is full, and often provide a safer and more comfortable experience at a lower cost.
Q: What funding or assistance is available for disabled bathroom modifications?
A: Depending on your location and circumstances, you may qualify for financial assistance through healthcare programmes, insurance, or government grants specifically designed for home accessibility modifications. We can provide guidance on potential funding sources and help with documentation needed for applications. Some modifications may also qualify for tax deductions as medical expenses.
Q: How disruptive is the installation process for bathroom adaptations?
A: At Aquadapt we are sympathetic with, and fully understand concerns about disruption to your home and routine. For simple aids like grab rails or bathlifts, installation is quick and minimally invasive. For more comprehensive modifications like wetrooms or level access showers, our professional teams work efficiently to complete installations with minimal disruption. We develop a clear timeline and work around your schedule whenever possible, typically completing most projects within a few days.
