Baths, Bathing and Bathroom Aids
For most of us a bathroom and the facilities within it are something that we take for granted. However as we get older, or if we suffer from an illness or an infirmity, using a bath, shower, toilet or wash basin can become more of a challenge.
The good news is that there are many bathroom aids, clever designs and ergonomic items of bathroom furniture that can keep a bathroom accessible to anyone, whatever their age, health or level of mobility.
The main index links below will take you to more detailed information about each of the items listed enabling you to get a fuller picture of the types of bathroom furniture and access aids that are available.
- Bathroom aids - main page
- Disability access baths (walk in)
- Bath lifts
- Toilet lifters
- Bath rails and bars
- Bath steps and seats
- Mobile toilets - commode
- Shower seats and stools
- Bathroom transfer lift
- Bath cushion
- Padded bath mat
- Bathroom accessories
- Toilets and wash basins
- Full body driers (air showers)
The variety of bathroom fittings and fixtures for those who are not fully able bodied include everything from walk-in baths, shower cubicle seats and bath cradles, to rails, bars, steps and electric lifts – all helping to make this important room in any home accessible to everyone.
Bathroom mobility and access options
As a general rule, bathroom equipment aimed at those with reduced mobility or difficulty of movement falls into two categories, purpose designed or conversion.
Purpose designed
The first category is bathroom furniture like a bath or shower that is designed with restricted mobility access as an important feature. These items differ from standard bathroom suite fittings in that they are intended for use by someone who has difficulty using a bath, shower, toilet etc. They may include an access panel or door (e.g. in a bath), a fitted seat, or a lift or cradle. They are intended to replace rather than to enhance an existing suite.
Conversion accessories and aids
The second category are a variety of aids that are intended to help convert a standard bathroom into one that offers enhanced access to someone (possibly with the assistance of their carers) with mobility restrictions. These aids allow an existing bathroom to be retained, but they add features like support rails, steps, cradles and lifts to make activities like getting into and out of a bath less strenuous. In summary, they allow a standard bathroom to be converted into one which will work for an individual who would otherwise find using a bathroom a challenge. They also make a considerable saving on replacing a regular bathroom with one specifically designed for someone with mobility issues.
Bathroom associated items
A further bathroom related option is of course a mobile toilet. Whilst this is not strictly an item found in a bathroom it is one that can offer great value to those who would otherwise need to ascend stairs in order to reach the bathroom. Mobile toilets were once considered to be unsightly, but now they have more modern designs and they can reduce the need for mobility restricted individuals to use the stairs, or to move home to single level accommodation.
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