HELPFUL INFORMATION writtenbytheNRS In-House Occupational Therapist
The ability to wash independently and in a dignified way is of great importance to most people – increasing confidence, self esteem,
health and safety at home. The following advice is written to assist you in making the correct choice from our comprehensive range of bathing and showering daily living aids.
Bath Boards
(Pages 62-64) provide a seated surface across the top of the bath on which a person sits and swings their legs into the bath. Good sitting balance is required – the use of a grab rail at the side of the bath can also assist with this. Bath Boards can be removed easily to allow other household members to use the bath.
Bath Lifts (Pages 75-81) lower a person to the bottom of the bath and will raise them back up again at the touch of a button. A demonstration of any bath lift can be arranged by contacting your local Area Manager (See page 520).
Grab Rails
(Pages 70-73) are often used on the one wall at the side of the bath for support particularly with people who have impaired sitting or standing balance. They can be positioned vertically, horizontally or at an angle.
Measure The Correct Length Of A Bath Board
Measure the bath from outside rim to outside rim. Do not choose a longer length that overhangs the bath as it may tip when sitting. The board should fit securely on both sides.
Bath Seats
Bath Steps
(Pages 68-69) can be placed at the side of a bath or in front of a shower cubicle to reduce the height a person has to step into the bath or shower. They can also be used to assist a shorter person to transfer onto a bath board, swivelling bathseat or bath lift more easily.
(Pages 65-67) provide a raised seating surface to enable people to have a wash without getting down to the very bottom of the bath. They are often used in conjunction with a bath board as a person with good upper body strength can lower themselves onto the seat from the Bath Board and back up again to get out.