Help Getting In And Out Of The Bathtub: Our Helpful Tips
Do you need help getting in and out of the bathtub?
Many people take their mobile, healthy bodies for granted but a daily task such as getting in and out of the bathtub can be daunting for some.
Difficulty getting in and out of the bathtub is often due to old age, injury or mobility issues.
Approximately 63% of pension-aged disabled people in the UK report that mobility is their primary impairment type.
Bathroom mobility aids can assist those who need help with getting in and out of the bath safely.
Key takeaways: Help getting in and out of the bathtub
- Key aids include walk-in baths with side doors and therapeutic jets, grab rails,
- There are also bath seats/chairs/stools for seated bathing and bath lifts/transfer benches for powered assistance.
- Additional options such as bath boards, non-slip mats, inflatable cushions and bath side doors provide extra support, stability and slip prevention.
- Alternatives such as walk-in showers or wet rooms eliminate step-over hazards entirely, offering easier access for elderly or disabled users
Installing bathroom aids for better mobility
Walk-in baths
As opposed to conventional tubs, walk-in baths provide more assistance with getting in and out.
Walk-in baths are especially designed for those with limited mobility. They also allow for additional safety features to be added.
Walk-in baths have doors that allow for effortless entry and exit.
In addition to this, water jets within the bathtub provide a therapeutic massage, which helps with muscle pain and arthritis.
The cost of a walk-in bath will vary depending on the size, design, material and features.
Speak to professional bathroom installers to discuss the benefits of a walk-in bath and how this can help those who need help getting in and out of the bath safely.
Bath grab rails
Grab rails or bars are helpful bathroom aids. Grab rails can be installed on either side of the bathtub to assist with supporting the person’s weight when getting in and out.
Wall mounted grab rails are also an option for bathtubs closed off by a wall on the sides.
When deciding on types of grab rails, take note of what material it is made from. If it is too slippery, it can be dangerous for the person getting in and out of the bath.
The rails need to be strong enough to support the weight being added onto it.
Usually made out of steel, the support rail needs to be comfortable and not cause any pain.
Non-slip grab bars are also an option. These are usually covered by rubber and resist any slipping from wet hands.
Bath seats, chairs and stools
A bath seat, commonly known as a bath chair or bath stool, is a useful mobility aid. The bath chair is placed into the bathtub to prevent falls and injuries.
This aid is a means of support for those who cannot stand up for long periods of time.
If you wish to shower in a sitting position, this may be the best option.
A bath chair can be mobile or installed permanently within the bathtub. The seat needs to be comfortable and be able to support the weight of the person in the bath.
Consider the size of the seat as it needs to fit comfortably in the correct position.
Bathroom safety is important, which is why these chairs need more robust support than normal chairs.
Bath lifts, transfer benches and hoists
A bath lift is a more technical bath aid and is also known as a transfer bench or electric hoist.
Manual bath lifts lower you in and out of the bathtub without you having to step on your own.
While this may seem convenient, it is not a good option for those who have limited mobility in their arms.
The individual needs to use the strength in their arms to control the bath lift when they want to get in and out.
If the person in the bath is being assisted by a caregiver, this could be a better option.
A bath lift can provide a seamless bathtub experience, allowing you to bathe comfortably and safely.
Bath boards
Similar to a bath seat, a bath board offers physical support by allowing the individual to be seated while bathing.
The bath board hooks onto the sides of the bathtub and spans over the width as a seat.
A disadvantage of a bath board is that it has no comfortable backrest support.
Bath side doors
If you choose a walk-in bath, side doors are pre-installed to help with getting in and out of the bath.
A traditional bathtub will require you to physically step in and out, which can be a slipping hazard.
With walk-in baths, you enter and sit down before the water starts filling.
When exiting, you will need to wait for the bath water to completely drain before opening the door to exit.
Non-slip mats
If you have a bath chair, it is advisable to place it over a non-slip mat to prevent the chair from moving.
The anti-slip surface of the mat contains holes for drainage, preventing water build-up which will increase the chance of slipping.
Furthermore, a non-slip mat can be placed on the bathroom floor to prevent slipping after a shower.
Inflatable bath cushion
Inflatable bath cushions are comfortable and safe bathing aids.
They work similarly to a bath seat, however, the cushion deflates and lowers you in while you remain seated.
How much will installing bathing aids cost?
The price to install bathing aids will vary depending on the type of aid you require. For example, a bath lift will be more expensive than an anti-slip mat.
A wide range of bath aids are available to help you, however, not all aids may be suited to your situation. It is not necessary to purchase all bathroom aids if you only need one or two.
Walk-in showers and wet rooms as an alternative
If you need help getting in and out of the bath, an accessible bathroom is important.
Choosing the correct bath aid is important, as it can determine the overall bath experience.
Take bath steps, for example. Bath steps are not advisable for the elderly or disabled because they can be a tripping hazard.
The aim is to avoid any additional strain on the individual, which is why a walk-in bathtub, walk-in shower or wet room may be an excellent alternative to a traditional bathing option.
Walk-in showers
Compared to walk-in baths, walk-in showers are arguably even easier to access.
It is safer to walk into the shower, rather than lowering yourself into a bath.
A walk-in shower is an effective bathing solution for elderly or disabled users.
A walk-in shower does not have a bath step or rim that separates the shower floor and bathroom floor. Tripping hazards are minimal.
There are many benefits of walk-in showers and they can be installed into any bathroom.
If you are thinking of replacing your bath with a new walk-in shower, speak with professional bathroom specialists like Ability Bathe – our prices start from just £3000!
Wet rooms
A wet room is an accessible bathroom that has similar benefits to a walk-in shower. These waterproof rooms lower the risk of slipping.
Wet rooms have no doors or shower curtains and they are easy to clean. Suitable bathing aids may be installed within the wet room to assist with mobility.
Easy access baths come at a cost, but the cost of a wet room will be impacted by different factors such as size, design and materials used.
FAQs: Getting In And Out Of The Bathtub
How do seniors get in and out of a bathtub?
If you find it difficult to get in, start by sitting on the tub edge, turning your body, and lifting each leg over while using grab bars or the tub rim for support, then lowering yourself in slowly.
To get out, move onto hands and knees or into a half-kneeling position, use grab bars or the tub side to push up to standing, and step out one leg at a time onto a non-slip mat.
What can I use to help me get in and out of the bath?
Helpful equipment includes grab rails, non-slip mats, bath steps, bath seats, transfer benches, and powered bath lifts that raise and lower you in the tub.
These aids provide extra height, stability and support so you do not have to rely solely on leg strength or balance when stepping over the bath side.
What is a mobility aid to get out of the bath?
A mobility aid to get out of the bath is any device that supports balance, lifting, or stepping, such as a grab bar, bath step, transfer bench, or bath lift seat.
Bath lifts in particular are powered seats that lower you into the water and then raise you back up, reducing strain and the risk of slips when exiting.
How to get out of the bath safely for the elderly?
Elderly people should use installed grab bars, non-slip mats, and possibly a bath seat or lift, then follow a slow sequence: move to a seated or kneeling position, bring one leg over the side, and stand up while holding support.
Keeping essentials within reach, ensuring good lighting and considering a medical alert button or caregiver assistance further reduces the risk of falls.
Summary: help to get in and out of bath-tubs
For other useful articles, please take a look through our blog section. Popular guides include:
- Replacing a bath with a shower
- Wet room ideas for the disabled
- Shower room ideas to inspire you
- Bathroom ventilation guide
In our helpful guide to getting in and out of the bath, we have listed many bath aids.
Whether you decide to opt for bath lifts, bath seats, a transfer bench, or a non-slip mat, we hope that you can now make a more informed decision on which bathing aid to install.
Consider converting your traditional bath into a walk-in bath, or switch to a walk-in shower or wet room.
Regardless of what you choose, using your bathroom should be a stress-free experience. Elderly users or those with mobility issues should have access to a safe and relaxing bath.
If you’re in the South-West and need a bathroom refurb, the Ability Bathe team have you covered. We are bathroom fitters Devon loves, but we’re also bathroom fitters Torquay customers rate highly.
In fact we’re bathroom fitters Exeter trusts, bathroom fitters Plymouth… name the place. We’re a local family-run bathroom design and installation business, with 35+ years of experience in the industry.
Here at Ability Bathe, we can assist you with choosing and installing bath aids around Cornwall, Weston-Super-Mare and surrounds too, so get in touch with our team today!
