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• A non-slip mat with suckers sticking it to the bottom of the bath helps to cut down on slipping. To ensure a strong fixing the mat should be put in place on a clean, dry, dust and oil free bath surface. Stick-on textured bath strips are easily applied and may be more suitable for your bath.
  
  
• Strategically placed grab rails can help you to climb in and out safely and change your position when you are in the bath. The best rails are securely fitted to the wall or from floor to ceiling, but there are also rails that fix to the bath side or taps. Rails can be bought locally or through catalogues, but it may be worth visiting the Independent Living Centre to look at the rail options available, and how they might meet your needs. Some local companies offer a rail fitting service and Age Concern Exeter have a handy man who can fix grab rails, and have a list of local workmen who could do the job if you are not living in area covered by the handy man scheme.
  
  
• A bath board fits across the top of the bath, and allows you to sit on it and swing your legs over the side of the bath. Some people choose to have a shower in this position, or you can lower yourself down on to a bath seat to wash in the bath water. Obviously strong arms and good sitting balance are required to use the bath board and seat safely. Bath boards come in different lengths to fit different baths, and must be supported by the bath edge. When using a bath board and seat you can have a thorough wash, but you can’t lie back and soak in the water. Most bath boards are made of 4 slats that allow the water to pass through. Boards with 6 slats give a deeper sitting surface, and can come with an integral grab handle.
  
  
• Bath seats can be used with a bath board. Most fix to the base of the bath with suckers. Suckers need to fit securely to a dry, smooth, dust and oil free bath surface. Seats are usually 6" 8" or 12" from the floor of the bath. You need to have the strength to raise and lower yourself onto the bath seat, and good sitting balance.
  
  
• If upper your upper limb strength or range of movement makes bath board and seat unsuitable then the spring loaded Bathability may give you the lift you need. This rectangular seat is fixed to the base of the bath with suckers, lowers you gently into the bath and gives some assistance when you push up again. They cost about £300 and can be bought from local retailers or reps. Contact your local Independent Living Centre (I.L.C.) for details of suppliers. The seat is designed to come up to the bath edge, allowing you to sit on it and swing your legs over the side of the bath. As there is no back rest you can lie back and soak in the bath when the seat is lowered.
  
  
• If you cannot manage the Bathability then you may need a powered bath seat to raise and lower you into the bath. These have either a fixed back rest or a reclining back rest, and are powered by a battery which is easily recharged between baths in a standard electric socket. There are many makes and models and they are priced from about £400 upwards. These seats  raise and lower you into the bath from a sitting position, but even when reclined you cannot get right down in the bath.
  
  
• To lie right back in the bath you need to try the Bath Buddy, an inflatable bath seat, powered by mains, priced about £500. The cables and air pipes may cause a trip hazard, and the battery powered Manger Handy Bather may be a safer solution. The other seat which lowers you to the bottom of the bath is the range of canvas strap bath seats, again either battery powered or mains operated, and priced from about £800 to £1,300. You do need good sitting balance to use these seats.
  
  
• If lifting your legs over the side of the bath is a problem, then a Victor Hoist with an extension may be adaquate to raise you over the side of the bath. The hoist costs about £2,000,is fixed to the floor by the side of the bath and has a rigid plastic seat. A carer can then raise you and lower you into the bath in a seated position. The Mermaid Hoist costs about £850 and works in a similar way, and can be powered or manual, but the user needs to raise their legs, or have them lifted by a carer to get over the side of the bath. The Highgrove Bath, comes with an integral seat with a power traverse, which raises the legs into a horizontal position as the user is lifted over the bath side. It costs over £2,000.
  
  
• Walk-in-baths are heavily advertised, priced from about £2,000 and are of  limited use. There is quite a high step into the bath, you must remain seated and cannot lie back, and you need to remain in the bath while it fills and empties. Some people find the integral seat too low for safe transfers and the grab rails inadequate. People with  reduced hand strength find the door catches difficult to operate. Because of these features the walk-in-bath is often not a long term solution if your mobility or range of movement is deteriorating, and it can work out as a very expensive short term solution.

If in doubt do call us for more information about the equipment and local suppliers. Drop in on a Wed. morning for a look around the centre, or make an appointment so that we can discuss your individual bathing needs, try out the equipment on display and advise you on the best bathing solution for you.

• The Independent Living Centre
  Isca House
• Haven Road
• Exeter
• EX2 8DS
  
  Tel. 01392 687276