Struggling to get in and out of the bath?
A bath lift could help you.
There are few things more relaxing than a good soak in the bath. Having limited mobility shouldn’t mean that you miss out on the enjoyment. A bath lift can make getting in and out of the bath easier and safer. David Walter, a mobility specialist at Living Needs, explains, “With a bath lift, you’re gently lowered into the water for your bath. Once you’ve finished, you just press a button to be raised up out of the water again. There’s less chance of slipping, and you’re less likely to need help with bathing.”
Choosing a bath lift
It’s important that the bath lift you choose suits your needs. There are a wide range of models available, for both adults and children. Some come with a reclining back rest, for example, while others offer better leg room. The right model for you will depend on lots of things, such as your height, weight and how mobile you are. Junior models often come with extra features, such as a pommel, straps and side support, to help keep your child safe.
Questions to ask yourself include:
- What height back rest will be most comfortable?
- Do I want the back rest to recline?
- Do I need the front of the seat to be cut out so that I can wash myself easily?
- How high do I need the seat to lift up to?
- Do I need the seat to swivel so that I can get out of the bath easier?
- How often will I be using the bath lift?
- Would extra features be useful, such as a head rest?
- What’s my budget?
Don’t worry if you’re not sure of the answers. As David Walter says, “There are a lot of things to consider when you’re buying a bath lift, so it’s a good idea to talk it over with a specialist. At Living Needs, our priority is helping our customers to choose the product that’s right for them. We’ll explain all the different options to make sure you’re happy with your choice.”
David will also help you to decide whether you really need an electric bath lift, or whether other bathing aids would be more suitable. A bath bench is a cheaper option to a lift and ideal for people who don’t want to be lowered into the bath. If you prefer showers to baths, a shower stool or bench might be of more use to you.
If you want to see whether a bath lift or other bathing aid could help you, pop in to Living Needs’ Barnstaple showroom, halfway down Mill Road. There are several models on display, and David is always happy to have a chat and show you how the bath lifts work. He can also visit you at home if that’s easier for you. Just give him a ring on 01271 374600 to arrange a home visit.