Living made easy

There are baths available which have lifting seats incorporated into the structure. This means that there is no need for the person to get up or be helped up from the bottom of the bath. Some seats incorporate a leg-rest to lift the legs over the bath rim. When the seat has been raised above the bath rim, it can be swivelled outwards, either manually or automatically, for easier transfer. It is worth noting that all but a few seats have a fixed backrest which makes reclining back in the bath difficult.

The manual swivel/ transverse method means you will need to sit on the seat and perhaps pull yourself over the bath side with the aid of a grab rail. You are then ready to lower yourself into the bath.

The power swivel/ transverse reduces the effort required as you are turned (varying degrees from 65 to 90 depending on the model) while sitting on the seat to be ready to be lowered into the bath

A few systems have the facility to raise and lower the seat outside the bath. If they do not, be aware of the height of this equipment for people who:

• need to brace their knees to stand upright
• require a level transfer from a wheelchair seat
• have a shorter lower leg length than the height of the equipment

These baths are powered either by water pressure or mains electricity. The lift can be controlled by the bather or a helper using a handset. If the system is electrically powered, a safe air switch is used.

The type of bath used will determine the amount of space required in the bathroom for the swivel seat and associated transfers on and off the equipment.

With some of the models, the seat can be locked into position.

All advice is either supported by references (cited in the text) or is based upon peer reviewed professional opinion. Our advice is impartial and not influenced by sponsors or product suppliers listed on the site.
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