To make sure we always provide the latest information, this page was last updated on 1 September 2020.
A bath lift is a device that is designed to help individuals with limited mobility, such as the elderly, to get into a bathtub. The point of a bath lift is to make bathing safe without the need to renovate the entire bathroom, which can be a costly endeavour.
The device consists of a seat, backrest and a lift mechanism to move the user in and out of the bath. Most lifting mechanisms use mechanical systems, but it is also possible to have an inflatable chamber or compressed air.
The backrest can be adjustable or not. A bath lift also has suction cups that stick to the surface of the tub to keep the seat stable.
Here is a short video that provides more information on the type of products that you can use in the bathroom to help provide both comfort and safety.
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At its resting position, the seat is at the same level as the bath. The user can, therefore, slide into it without too much trouble. Once seated, you press a hand control that lowers the seat slowly into the water. After finishing the bath, you lift the chair back up and get out of the bath safely.
Bath lifts are suitable for anyone with mobility issues. Getting in and out of a bath for a person who can’t lift the knees properly can be a nightmare. Bathing becomes a tedious and frustrating process especially if one has to be lifted in and out of the tub.
Some individuals have to be content with showers to avoid stress. Persons with disabilities, the sick, elderly, ageing and those recovering from serious surgery are some who find a great use for bath lifts. A bath lift allows a person with limited movement to enjoy soaking in the bath with little or no help.
Bath lift prices range on a wide scale because the market is filled with different technologies.
A lift with basic features can average at £200, but more advanced models can cost as much as £600. The functionalities and features that come with a bath lift are the biggest price determinants.
A reclining backrest is one feature that dictates how much a bath lift costs. Seats that don’t adjust tend to cost less than those that do. The design of the seat will affect the price. A lift that can detach into multiple parts for portability will cost more.
Bath lifts with special and/or patented technology such as antibacterial material will cost significantly more because users enjoy better hygiene. The material used is another element that will influence how much you pay for a bath lift.
Plastic is a common choice for many manufacturers, but even that has different types. Marine-grade stainless steel is one of the unique materials that some manufacturers use for bath lifts. Because of it’s high-quality, such material will increase the cost of the device.
With all the numerous options available in the bath lift market, settling for just one can be daunting, particularly if it’s your first purchase. Consider the available space in a bathroom before choosing a seat. Avoiding buying a bath lift and then finding out it is too large to fit in your bathroom.
Measure the bathtub as well to get the right fit.
Different seats are designed with varying measurements to cater to the varied needs of consumers. For a bath lift to serve its purpose, the seat must be level with the edge of the tub. The wrong fit could be too high or too low, which poses a safety risk.
Proper measurement will also prevent the seat from catching at the sides, which can damage it. When deciding how wide the seat should be, factor in the user. A long and wide seat is appropriate for a heavy set individual.
The weight capacity of the bath lift is critical. You want a seat where the user can lower and lift without worrying about stability. Most bath lifts have a weight capacity of 150Kgs, but you can find one that accommodates more if need be.
Do you want an adjustable backrest or not? This decision varies among users. A person with extremely limited mobility may not be able to lie down when bathing and so, a reclining backrest is not crucial. If you prefer a reclining backrest, decide how far. Some backs can lean as far as 50°.
Consider the minimum height of the seat. The lower the seat is from the base of the tub, the better the user can soak into the bath and the less the quantity of water required.
Portability is important because it determines how well you can store the bath lift. A majority of seats can dismantle into separate pieces that are easy to store. Portability also ensures that you can easily travel with the seat.
The safety features that come in a bath lift matter a great deal. Non-slip surfaces are common safety measures that ensure the user can stay on the seat without slipping. A swivel seat is another way to improve safety because it makes transfer easy. Flaps on the seat allow the user to hold on when transferring on and off the seat.
Want to learn more? Well here is a useful video that provides you with more useful information when looking to make a purchase.
Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.
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