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Bath boards and seats (1999) (view report contents)

Getting a board or seat

You may be able to get bathing aids from your social services department. Read on for how to get in touch, and for details of who else may be able to help.

Help from social services

Social service departments sometimes provide aids you need for everyday tasks like bathing or washing. But if you are fairly fit, the chances are you may just be given information about where to find these products yourself. If you have a disability your social services department should be able to arrange for someone to come and visit you to discuss your needs and look at your bathroom. This will usually be carried out by an occupational therapist or other expert. This assessment is worth having even if the social services don’t provide you with the equipment – occupational therapists can advise you on ways of doing things as well as on equipment which might help. And if you have difficulty bathing, there may be other things that they can give you advice about.

The assessment is free, but there are waiting lists and these are very long in some places. To start the ball rolling contact your social services department if you live in England or Wales. In Scotland go to the social work department and in Northern Ireland contact the health and social services board. Or ask your GP to get in touch for you.

After the assessment the social services department may provide any equipment they recommend, or may tell you where you can get it. Different areas have different policies. If they do provide it, they may ask you to pay towards its cost – again local authorities vary. However if you really can’t afford any equipment the assessment shows you really need, they will find a way of making sure you get it. If you get the aids through your social services department they will show you how to use them, and will be responsible for repairs.

Private assessment

Physiotherapy

PhysioFirst
Cedar House
The Bell Plantation
Watling Street
Towcester
Northants
NN12 6HN
Tel: 01327 354441
Fax: 01327 354476
e-mail: towcester@physiofirst.org.uk
www.physiofirst.org.uk

Occupational Therapy

College of Occupational Therapists
106-114 Borough High Street
London SE1 1LB
Tel: 020 7357 6480
Fax: 020 7450 2299
www.cot.co.uk

Contact to find a Private OT.

Buying equipment yourself

Probably the quickest way of getting a bath board or seat is to buy one yourself. But it’s worth getting independent advice first. Here are some starting points.

Disabled Living Centres (DLCs)

If you can, visit a DLC. There are about 40 up and down the country. They have exhibitions of aids which you can see and try out and staff who can advise you. DLCs vary in size and opening hours - it’s best to make an appointment so that you can be sure that there will be a therapist or specialist on hand to advise you. Most DLCs don’t sell equipment but will be able to tell you what’s available and where to get it. They will give you other information you need. Their advice is always independent and unbiased. All DLCs are friendly and helpful. To find your nearest contact Assist UK at the address below.

Assist UK
Redbank House
4 St Chad’s Street
Manchester M8 8QA
Tel: 0870 770 2866
Text 0870 770 5813
Fax: 0870 770 2867
e-mail: general.info@assist-uk.org
www.assist-uk.org

 

Shops

Some chemists may stock bathing aids and there are also shops which specialise in aids and equipment. To find what there is locally, look under ‘disabled’ in the Yellow Pages or other classified phone book.


MAIL ORDER CATALOGUES

Several companies sell easier living aids by mail order. You might find their catalogues in GP’s surgeries, pensioners’ centres and at DLCs. The advantage of shopping in this way is that you can compare prices from home. But you won’t be able to see the equipment before it is delivered, although many catalogues have clear pictures and descriptions. They will replace, refund or give you credit if the product turns out to be unsuitable. Check postage and packing charges and delivery times before you order.

Ability

British Red Cross
113 Clarendon Park Road
Leicester
LE2 3AH
Tel: 0116 270 1462
Fax: 0116 274 5979

Keep Able

This is a commercial company with a number of stores where hundreds of products are displayed and are on sale. Therapists are available to give advice and they have a mail order catalogue. Visit their website to find if there is a Keep Able shop in your area.

Keep Able
Tel: 08705 20 21 22 (Catalogue available)
e -mail: homeshopping@keepable.co.uk
www.keepable.co.uk

 

Homecraft/Chester-care

Catalogue now available from:
Homecraft Rolyan
Nunn Brook Road
Huthwaite
Sutton in Ashfield
Nottinghamshire
NG17 2HU
Tel: 08702 423 305
Fax: 08701 660 221
www.homecraft-rolyan.com

 

Ways and means catalogue

Nottingham Rehab Supplies
Findel House
Excelsior Road
ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH
Leicestershire LE65 1NG
Tel: 0845 120 4522 (Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm)
Fax: 0845 121 8112
e-mail: customerservice@nrs-uk.co.uk
www.nrs-uk.co.uk

REMAP

If you can’t find an aid which helps you, REMAP may be able to help. It is a voluntary organisation of engineers who invent, design and make equipment for disabled people if no commercial product exist to meet their needs. Members give their services free.

REMAP England, Wales & N.Ireland
D9 Chaucer Business Park
Kemsing
Kent
TN15 6YU
Tel: 0845 130 0456
Fax: 0845 130 0789
www.remap.org.uk

 

REMAP Scotland
Contact: David Reid
Tel: 01466 730736
www.remap-scotland.org

 

 

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Report contents

 

Report contents

Introduction
Things to look for
Buying guide
Fitting and using a bath board or seat
Getting a board or seat
Help with money
Useful addresses
Checklist
Credits

Boards

Seats