Bathing Solutions: Assistive Bathing for safer bathrooms

Why is a traditional bath not assisted bathing friendly?

The main accessibility issue with traditional bathtubs is that they are designed with one user in mind: an individual who can step in and out of the tub with relative ease, sit down safely and get out again without any concerns. For those with limited or restricted mobility, issues with balance, or long-term health conditions, this can be a risky practice.

Here are some of the risks associated with traditional bathtubs:

• Slip hazard:

Bathtubs are extremely slippery when wet, so people struggling with mobility or balance can find them to be dangerous slip hazards.

• Tub height:

Conventional tubs require the individual to physically step into the bath, which can be both difficult and dangerous for people with limited mobility.

• Low seated:

Once seated in a tub, it can be difficult to get back out again without assistance.

• No space for support:

Traditional tubs often have little room for carers to support comfortably.

• No safety features:

Traditional bathtubs have no built-in support, like handrails to assist with getting in and out of the tub.

These risks are not just inconvenient; they can also be extremely dangerous and lead to falls and other injuries. Assisted bathing solutions are expertly designed to remove these risks and make the bathing experience stress-free while also giving more independence to their users. 

What are the best assistive bathing options for the elderly?

We are passionate about providing the best assistive bathing solutions for elderly individuals.

Walk-in shower:

The perfect blend of convenient, functional and elegant. Walk-in showers provide a safe and user-friendly space for elderly customers with mobility issues. These assisted bathing showers include features like grab rails and thermostatic controls to make your bathing experience as stress-free as possible.

Walk-in bathtub:

Remove the dangers of slipping in the bath and the issues of getting in and out safely and with dignity. Our walk-in baths are fitted with user-friendly doors, which eliminates the need to step in and out of the tub.

Wet room:

Open-plan assisted bathrooms that are completely waterproof. The open-plan nature offers a modern and contemporary look while being extremely accessible. The level-access assisted shower area makes them a popular option for individuals with limited mobility.

What assistive bathing aids are available?

Here are our top picks for assisted bathing aids:

• Grab rails: These can be installed both over and outside of your assisted bath to help individuals to steady themselves as they enter and exit the tub. With many design options available you can still retain a modern and sleek look in your bathroom while putting safety and comfort first.
• Thermostatically controlled taps: Designed to prevent scalding and reduce the need for unnecessary movement when getting your bath ready. Perfect for making your bathroom safer and achieving a great level of independence.
• Walk-in bathtubs: As mentioned above, walk-in bathtubs are a great alternative for individuals with mobility issues.

Walk-in baths vs. assisted bath seats

With so many different options to choose from, understanding each assistive bathing option is key for making the choice that will best benefit you.

Walk-in baths are baths with easy-to-open doors, designed to make getting in and out of the bath an easy and safe experience. Ideal for users with mobility issues or for carers to easily assist. Many walk-in baths also have a grab rail to aid individuals with sitting up, which can be challenging in a traditional bath.

Assistive bath seats, on the other hand, are specially designed portable seats that provide support, stability, and safety for individuals who may find it difficult to sit down in and stand up from a traditional bathtub. Assisted bath seats reduce the need to lower fully into the tub, instead you can sit on the raised seat for easier access. Other features include non-slip rubber feet or suction cups for stability, height-adjustable legs to get the perfect height, and armrests and back support to make bathing comfortable.

Assistive bath seats are a fantastic option if you require a portable solution and are not ready for a bathroom renovation to install a wet room or walk-in bathtub.

Replacing a bath with walk-in shower or level access wet room

If space, accessibility and safety are your concerns, then replacing your traditional bathtub with a wall-in assisted shower or wet room will make your bathroom more accessible and make the bathing experience more enjoyable.

Wet rooms remove the need for shower trays and are completely level access for complete accessibility. With waterproof floors and floor flush areas for wheelchair users, wet rooms are brilliant solutions for individuals with mobility issues.

Walk-in showers can be installed with additional safety features such as:

• Slip-resistant ultra-low step tray
• Grab bars
• Folding seats
• Enclosures for carer access

Both wet rooms and assisted bathing showers are fantastic options for individuals who need additional accessibility support to reduce slips and falls but maintain their independence in their assisted bathrooms.

Assistive bathing prices

Ready to make your bathroom completely accessible and safe? Our expert team is here to assist you in making your bathroom dreams a reality. We can arrange free design visits to ensure all your needs are taken into consideration and your bathroom remains modern and sleek.

Our pricing is bespoke to each project, so we are here to guide you through the process of choosing which assisted bathing solution best suits you, any handy add-ons and if any restructuring is needed. Get in touch with us today to start this exciting process.

John Washford
Fitter, Essex

If you do decide to go ahead and get a new bathing solution, John is the one who’ll come around and fit everything for you, as well as tidy up afterwards. John has many years of experience of fitting bathrooms for us and is always happy to help make everything perfect for you.