| If your bath time is becoming a | | | | whilst bathing or showering. |
| struggle, then why not choose from a | | | | 6. Bath thermometers change colour with |
| selection of bathroom mobility aids to | | | | the heat of the water and so ensure that |
| make bathing more enjoyable again. Many | | | | you don't scald yourself. These |
| disability aids are available to help | | | | thermometers are also ideal for carers |
| you get in and out of the bath, and help | | | | and other healthcare professionals who |
| with bathing once in the bath or shower. | | | | can see at a glance whether the water is |
| You are sure to be able to find | | | | the right temperature or not. |
| something to meet your requirements, and | | | | 7. Once you are able to get in and out |
| make bathing more enjoyable again. | | | | of the bath again, there are other |
| Here is a list of ten types of useful | | | | healthcare products that can help you |
| bathroom healthcare products. | | | | with bathing. So that you don't have to |
| 1. Steps, grab rails and poles are | | | | stretch or reach as far for example, |
| useful for helping you to get in and out | | | | items such as long handled sponges, foot |
| of the bath. Steps can be built up to | | | | and toe washers, hair washers and |
| the correct height for you so that | | | | flannel straps can make a real |
| getting in and out of the bath is no | | | | difference. These types of bathroom |
| longer as difficult. Grab rails and | | | | mobility aids don't absorb water, and so |
| poles can be fitted to the bathroom | | | | they remain light and easy to use. Bath |
| walls or the floor to provide support | | | | pillows and pressure relief cushions are |
| when getting in and out of the bath or | | | | also available to help make bathing more |
| shower and so reduce the risk of | | | | comfortable. Shower curtains with a |
| slipping. It is recommended that grab | | | | U-shaped cut out for a bath board are |
| rails and poles are professionally | | | | available to stop water splashing out of |
| fitted by a qualified tradesperson to | | | | the bath when using a bath board. |
| ensure that they are properly and safely | | | | 8. Reusable waterproof cast and |
| installed. | | | | dressing protectors slip over a cast or |
| 2. A set of tap turners can make life | | | | dressing on arms or legs, and ensure |
| easier for those with a weak grip. | | | | that the cast or dressing doesn't get |
| There are various types available to fit | | | | wet whilst bathing or showering. |
| different shapes of tap. They fit to | | | | 9. Mobility aids such as raised toilet |
| the taps, and provide more leverage | | | | seats, toilet frames and toilet rails |
| making it is easier to turn the tap on | | | | can also be of assistance whilst in the |
| and off. | | | | bathroom. A raised toilet seat can be |
| 3. A bathlift is another mobility | | | | fitted to a normal toilet seat, to raise |
| product that can be very useful. It | | | | the overall height of the toilet seat in |
| works by electrically lowering and | | | | order to help people with mobility |
| raising the user into and out of the | | | | problems. Toilet rails and frames can |
| bath. The rechargeable handset will not | | | | help by providing something safe and |
| lower the bathlift if there is not | | | | secure to lean on, and so can be |
| enough charge left to raise it back up | | | | beneficial to those who require help |
| again. This ensures that the user is | | | | standing up or sitting down. |
| not stranded in the bath if the battery | | | | 10. Self propelled shower chairs give |
| runs out. | | | | the user independence. They are similar |
| 4. Bath seats and boards go across the | | | | to a standard wheelchair, but are water |
| width of the bath, and allow you to sit | | | | resistant, and may have detachable arm |
| comfortably in the bath or shower. | | | | rest and foot plates. |
| These can be easily removed as | | | | For carers and other healthcare |
| necessary. Transfer benches allow you to | | | | professionals, bathroom mobility |
| easily transfer from a wheelchair or | | | | products, and other daily living aids |
| powerchair for example to the bath or | | | | can help whilst caring for others, and |
| shower. | | | | can perhaps, allow someone who currently |
| 5. Bath stools and chairs sit in the | | | | needs help, to help themselves. |
| bath itself, and are designed to allow | | | | These are just a few examples of the |
| you to perch or sit in the bath or | | | | range and variety of bathroom mobility |
| shower. These often have | | | | aids that are available. Why not see if |
| height-adjustable legs so that you can | | | | there's anything that could make your |
| be comfortable and at the right height | | | | daily living easier? |