1What are Bath Lifts
A bath lift is a device that is designed to help individuals with limited mobility, such as the elderly, to get into a bath tub. The point of a bath lift is to make bathing safe without the need to renovate the entire bathroom, which can be a costly endeavour, the average cost of a top end bath lift is around £500.
The device consists of a seat, backrest and a lift mechanism to move the user in and out of the bath. Most lifting mechanisms use mechanical systems, but it is also possible to have an inflatable chamber or compressed air.
The backrest can be adjustable or not. A bath lift also has suction cups that stick to the surface of the tub to keep the seat stable. The Kanjo Eco Bath lifts back reclines up to 40°, allowing the user to lean back and soak in the bath comfortably and is designed to work with bathtubs of all standard sizes, including corner tubs.
2How Does a Bath Lift Work?
At its resting position, the bath lift seat is at the same level as the bath. The user can, therefore, slide into it without too much trouble. Once seated, you press a hand control that lowers the seat slowly into the water. After finishing the bath, you lift the chair back up and get out of the bath safely.
3What to Look Out for when Buying a Bath Lift
With all the numerous options available in the bath lift market, settling for just one can be daunting, particularly if it’s your first purchase. Consider the available space in a bathroom before choosing a seat. Avoiding buying a bath lift and then finding out it is too large to fit in your bathroom.
Measure the bathtub as well to get the right fit, we recommend the HM bathlifts Kanjo lift, as this is compatible with bathtubs of all standard sizes, including corner tubs.
Different seats are designed with varying measurements to cater to the varied needs of consumers. For a bath lift to serve its purpose, the seat must be level with the edge of the tub. The wrong fit could be too high or too low, which poses a safety risk.
4Things to do Before Buying a Bath Lift
Proper measurement will also prevent the seat from catching at the sides, which can damage it. When deciding how wide the seat should be, factor in the user. A long and wide seat is appropriate for a heavy set individual.
The weight capacity of the bath lift is critical. You want a seat where the user can lower and lift without worrying about stability. Most bath lifts have a weight capacity of 150Kgs, but you can find one that accommodates more if need be.
Do you want an adjustable backrest or not? This decision varies among users. A person with extremely limited mobility may not be able to lie down when bathing and so, a reclining backrest is not crucial. If you prefer a reclining backrest, decide how far. Some backs can lean as far as 50°.
Consider the minimum height of the seat. The lower the seat is from the base of the tub, the better the user can soak into the bath and the less the quantity of water required.
Portability is important because it determines how well you can store the bath lift. A majority of seats can dismantle into separate pieces that are easy to store. Portability also ensures that you can easily travel with the seat.
The safety features that come in a bath lift matter a great deal. Non-slip surfaces are common safety measures that ensure the user can stay on the seat without slipping. A swivel seat is another way to improve safety because it makes transfer easy. Flaps on the seat allow the user to hold on when transferring on and off the seat.
