Ins and outs of bathing (view report contents)
Getting in and out of the bath
If your only difficulty is that you cannot bend easily or have weak legs, a bathboard, bath seat, and grab rails may be all you need.
A bath board is a flat board which fits across the bath. It helps if stepping over the edge of the bath is difficult. You sit on the board, lift your legs over the rim and then lower yourself into the bath or onto a bath seat from there. Bath boards are made of plastic or wood and cost between £10 and £65.
Options with some models: handgrips, padded seats, cork seats (warmer!), holes or slats for drainage.
- The bath needs to have a level rim on both sides to support the board. You need at least 3.7cm on the wall side. If it juts over the other side it could tip like a seesaw. Measure your bath from the outside edges to find the right length. Wider boards give you more space to sit on, but leave you less room in the bath.
- The board must be firmly fixed - they have adjustable brackets underneath.
- If you want to sit on the board while showering, buy one with holes or slats in it, or the water will run down the sides of the bath. Check that wide-apart slats won’t pinch your flesh. You won’t be able to use a bath board with a screen. Make sure that the shower curtain will work with the board and that you will be able to reach the shower controls sitting down.
A bath bench is a board which extends over the side of the bath. You sit on it outside the bath and then slide across, lifting each leg over the rim. They cost between £17 and £65. Models with a back cost around £125 and models which fix to the wall, and fold up out of the way cost around £160.
Bath seats fit in the bath
You can bathe by sitting on the seat - easier than getting down into the bath. You need a warm room as most of your body will be out of the water. You can also use them to get into the bath in stages - from a board to the seat, and then from the seat into the bath, but you will only have room to bathe with bent knees.
Seats vary in shape, size, and how far they can be adjusted to fit the bath. Some models stand on the floor of the bath (often with suckers to keep them in place), some hang from the rim and some wedge into the sides, but this can distort plastic baths. Most cost between £20 to £50.
Options with some models: padded seats, backrests, armrests, cut away seats. Combined bath boards and seats cost around £65.
Swivel seats sit across the bath. You sit in the seat, and it twists round to face the front, and you bath from there. They cost around £120-£200.
Steps outside the bath can help you get in; some have hand rails. You need to be very sure of your balance. From around £20.
Bath boards and seats take up room and stop you lying in the bath to have a good soak. If you want to be able to do this, or if boards and seats don’t give you enough support, click here for more details.
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
