Ins and outs of bathing (view report contents)
Loos and Basins
WCs
WCs are often too low for people who have difficulty bending or weak muscles. Taller loos cost about £100, or a plumber may be able to fit a plinth under your existing loo (about £30). Or you can make the seat higher with a detachable collar (around £20-£50).
Some have a frame or arm supports so you may not need separate grab rails - see right.
A WC which moves up or down by electricity or water pressure is a more expensive option if you need one which can be adjusted in height for different people - around £2,000.
Toilet seats with a spring which help you lower yourself to a sitting position and help you get up to a standing position again cost from £230-£400; £800-£1,650+ for powered models.
If it is difficult to clean yourself after using the toilet, a loo which doubles as a bidet and will wash and dry you costs around £1,500 +. It has to be plumbed and wired in.
Toilet seats designed to give you more support or to help bowel movement cost from £25 to over £100. Cushions which fit over the seat (£10-£70) are softer and warmer than plastic or wood. Backrests which fit behind the loo cost from around £30-£60. Flushing levers which are easier to push and need less strength can be fitted to most cisterns (£10-£20). If these are difficult, push buttons which need only a light touch by hand or by foot cost about £10. A remote control which can be fixed wherever you find it easiest to reach costs over £200.
Washbasins
It’s important to have a basin at the right level, but it can be hard to find a height which suits everyone in your household. If you need to sit down while using the basin, height may be a particular problem. Basins which are fixed to a wall rather than on a pedestal can be fixed at any level. Basins which adjust in height cost from around £230-£2,000. You turn a handle, press a button or pull or push on a bar to raise or lower it, depending on type.
Basins for wheelchair users stick out further to give more room for your knees. Some have plumbing tucked out of the way or have a base which is shaped to give you more foot and knee room. Look for a basin with wide flat sides if you need support for your arms. Some have taps and plug controls near the front so you don’t have to reach over the bowl.
- Make sure that hot pipes are fitted out of the way or are lagged so there’s no danger of burns.
Taps
Levers and large easy-to-grip knobs which fit over some types of existing taps cost from about £5-£12. Check before you buy - they may need more space and you may find that the wall stops you turning the tap fully with a lever. Some modern taps which have to be turned only a small distance may not have this problem.
If you can replace your taps there are lots of easy-to-use designs to choose from. They include smaller levers, taps which you just have to flick, push button taps and models you can turn on and off by using your knee or foot. They cost from about £60 to £175. Automatic taps which turn on when you put your hands near them cost from about £100.
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
