Walk in Baths - A Guide to Buying a Bath Lift for Assisted Bathing

A Guide to Buying a Bath Lift for Assisted Bathing

A bath lift is designed to help raise and lower an individual into and out of a bath. A variety of bath lifts are available and should be selected to suit your individual needs.

The main two factors you need to consider when purchasing a bath lift are:

-  Lifting height: you need to ensure that the lifting height is sufficient enough to lift the individual from the bottom to the rim of the bath. If you already have a deep bath, it may be an option to look for a bath lift with extra tall lifting.

-  Type of bath: Baths, which have a dimpled surface, may not provide a secure enough surface to attach the bath lift, which commonly use suckers to attach to the bath. You must ensure the suckers are firm with a good grip and that the lift is stable and secure.

Manual bath lifts

Manual bath lifts operate using a hydraulic piston and are sold pre-adjusted to a range of user weights. When you sit on the bath lift, the piston will gradually lower you into the bath until it locks into position at the bottom. When you want to get out of the bath, you simply release the lever and shift your weight and the lift will gently propel you up. The locking lever has four stages so, if you place your weight back on to the lift, it will not go all the way back to the bottom but only to the last stage.

Manual bath lifts do not use batteries and therefore can be used whenever without having to charge or connect to anything. However, they are only suitable for people who can lift at least some of their weight to allow the lift to come back up. It is therefore essential that a manual bath lift is combined with plenty of grab rails. You should also make sure that you have a non-slip bath mat to give extra grip and security for the user.

Manual bath lifts are reasonably priced, easy to install and use a simple push button to control the movement of the lift, which make them an ideal solution for many users.

Battery operated bath lifts

A battery operated or motorised bath may be an option to consider if the individual finds it difficult to bend or needs support to bath or shower. The lifts are designed to take the individual from the bath rim to the bottom of the bath and back up again. Most bath lifts are powered by a rechargeable battery and controlled by a remote control, which allows the user to go up or down as they please.

Don’t panic! Battery operated lifts are safe to use in the water as the seals are tight and the electricity used is low voltage DC electricity. The battery is removable and does need charging on a regular basis, which you must ensure you do from a mains plug OUTSIDE of the bathroom.  A fully charged battery should last the user at least a week – so you don’t have to worry about charging it morning and night.

The advantage of battery operated bath lifts is that they are designed to stop the bath lift from lowering you down if there is not enough power to bring the individual back up again.

Inflatable bath lifts

Inflatable bath lifts are basically seat shaped air cushions, which you inflate or deflate depending on whether you want to be lifted out of or into the bath. This is done using a compressor to pump air into the cushion.

The benefit of these lifts is that they allow you to sit right at the bottom of the bath; the only thing between you is the cushion. They are generally more portable as they weigh considerably less than the manual or electric lifts. The compressor unit is usually separate from the cushion and so lifting the cushion in and out of the bath is generally very easy. The bath lift is secured to the bottom of the bath with strong suckers.

The compressor unit that inflates the cushion is normally battery operated. It is possible to buy a mains controlled compressor but must be carefully handled with respect to the use of wires on the floor and a bath full of water.

For comfort and ease, the inflatable bath lift is especially beneficial for those who have a reasonable amount of upper body strength, as the user will need to be able to balance. Users must also ensure that they inflate the bath lift before filling the bath up to about three-quarters full. The water level will fall once the cushion is deflated and you can then consider filling the bath up some more but you must ensure you remember to let at least the same amount of water out before inflating the cushion again.  Finally, in order to let the cushion dry out properly, you should leave the inflatable bath lift in its upright position.

Further considerations

-  Seat dimensions: the width comes as standard for all baths however they do vary in depths. Ensure you consider the weight of the user.  A user who weighs more than 300lbs will require a robust lift.

-  Chairs: the swivel chair is recommended for ease and security as it allows the user to enter and exit the bath more comfortably. For extra comfort, opt for soft seat covers instead of the standard plastic ones, which can be hard on the skin. But remember, they require regular cleaning.

-  Advanced mobility needs: if the user has advanced mobility needs, opt for a bath lift with lap and/or chest harnesses, which make it easier for those users who are in need of physical support.

-  Rails: don’t forget to ask the supplier to see a range of their grab handles on the baths or sinks for extra stability and support.