Ins and outs of bathing (view report contents)
Baths and showers
You can get a bath or shower to suit you, but the more elaborate designs are very expensive. We describe some of the options.
If you are thinking of changing your bath, think about how easy it might be to use with any equipment you need or might need in the future.
Baths
Metal baths are stronger and more rigid than plastic ones, and some bath seats and hoists can be used only with them. Plastic baths come in more shapes and sizes. Some are slip resistant. They are more likely to have built-in handles or seats and so may be easier to use - but if you need a lot of support, a grab rail in the right position is likely to be more useful. Do not buy corner baths or baths of an unusual shape unless you know any equipment you may need will fit it.
Options with some models: built-in grab handles (check they are in the right place), easy-to-use taps, dispensers for liquids such as shampoo, automatic filling to the right level and temperature.
Some baths are designed so they can be used with a hoist - they are higher than average to allow room for the base.
A shallow bath may help if you have limited strength or difficulty bending your knees or hips, and don’t want to use a bath board and seat. You still have to lift your legs over the rim, though.
Whirlpool baths (often known by the brand name Jacuzzi) can
soothe aches and stiffness. A kit (around £400-£600) is cheaper
than buying a whole bath (£1,500 to £6,000). The water needs
to flow freely - other aids you use may get in the way.
If getting in and out of a bath is very difficult, think about the various
types of hoist and lifts. A more expensive
option is a walk-in bath. Discuss what you may need with an Occupational
therapist before deciding.
Walk in baths are easy to get into, as you don’t have to bend - you walk in, close the door and then run the water. You have to wait a few minutes for all the water to drain out before getting out again so you need a well heated bathroom. Some are cubicles with a seat.
and some look more like an ordinary bath, although most are larger.
Some of the bath-shaped walk-in baths adjust in height to make it easier to transfer from a wheelchair, and so that helpers don’t have to bend far. Some models tilt to make them easier to get into.
Options with some models: Seats, showers, grab rails and whirlpools. Drop-down doors which can be used to slide in on, or can be used to sit on while dressing. Walk-in baths cost £700-£3,000+ depending on type.
In the bath
Bath cushions can make the bath more comfortable. You can get head or neck rests (around £10); one type fits over the taps to act as a backrest too - £15. Cushions designed to sit on in the bath cost from about £50. Other types are for your whole body. Some have a special filling which moulds itself to your shape when you pump air out - good if you need a lot of support. Others are made of foam - you choose various shapes and sizes to arrange on the bottom and around the sides of the bath. Bath supports cost from £50-£300+ depending on type, size and shape.
Showers
If you can step over the bath rim the simplest solution is to fit a shower over the bath. You will need a shower curtain (around £30 with fittings) or a screen (around £50). A rubber shower attachment (from about £8) which fits over the taps is the cheapest kind of shower mixer, but can be awkward to fix firmly and take off again. Bath taps with a shower fitting cost from about £60.
Simple mixers can’t keep the water at a constant temperature. A thermostatically controlled shower unit costs from around £50 plus fitting. Check the controls are easy enough to use - it can be difficult to fix on attachments later. Levers and push buttons are easier than smooth round knobs.
A shower cubicle complete with all fittings including grab rails costs from about £700-£2,500+ depending on size and features. Or you can buy the parts separately which gives you more choice. Most shower trays have a ledge or a step. Trays which are level or almost level with the floor are easier to walk or wheel into - from around £150 + fitting costs. You may need a pump to help with drainage (most cost around £250). Some cubicles have a half door and curtain - useful if you need help to wash. Prices quoted do not include fitting.
- If you will shower from a wheelchair, check that the tray will bear the weight and that the cubicle is big enough.
- Get several estimates if you are having a shower installed.
Shower loos
From the outside these look like a cupboard or wardrobe. They are often put in a bedroom or downstairs. They have a built-in WC. Some also have a basin, and can have useful fittings such as seats which swivel round or slide into the shower. They are very small, so there’s not much room to move and when you take a shower everything inside gets wet. From about £1,000-£3,000+.
Sitting in the shower
If you cannot stand or are unsteady a stool or seat may help. Stools cost from about £50.
Folding seats are fixed to the wall, and fold up out of the way - useful if other people use the shower. It may be difficult to transfer onto a folding shelf from a wheelchair or other seat. From about £40.
Shower chairs have back and sometimes armrests. Options with some models: wheels - some of these can be wheeled over a loo. Some have large back wheels which are high enough to push on, but most have castors and may need to be pushed by someone else. They are not meant to be used as wheelchairs - they would be uncomfortable to sit in for long; some don’t have footrests and are not usually adjustable. From about £45.
- If you have a plastic shower tray, get a seat with large feet or a flat bottom to spread the weight. Check the seat won’t slip.
- Choose a seat with drainage holes.
- Always make sure the stool or seat will bear your weight - its label should tell you.
- Check you or whoever helps you can use any locking mechanism on seats with wheels.
Report contents
Introduction
How to use this guide
Holding on
Helpful Aids
Getting in and out of the bath
Baths and showers
Loos and basins
Hoists and lifts
Guide to portable bath lifts
Checklist of things to look for
Help, information and advice
Useful publications
Manufacturers
