7 Benefits of Bath Lifts for Disabled People

For many individuals, particularly those with disabilities, using a traditional bathtub can pose a significant challenge. In the UK, three out of every five people with disabilities or mobility issues admit to having difficulty accessing their bathroom. This can make bathing a daunting prospect, with individuals concerned for their safety, physical capabilities and the excessive strain and pain caused by washing oneself.

Bath lifts offer a practical and effective solution and can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty lifting their legs over the high edge of a standard bathtub or who may be at risk of falling or injuring themselves while entering or exiting the tub. Bath lifts for disabled people can reduce the risk of injury, increase personal hygiene standards and ease caregiver burden and fatigue.  

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of bath lifts for disabled people and some of their useful features.

What are bath lifts?

A bath lift is a mechanical device designed to help an individual get in and out of their bath safely and comfortably, without the need for assistance or supervision. They consist of a seat or belt that can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button and are quick and easy to install. 

Many bath lifts for disabled people will come with additional safety features for increased ease of use, including; non-slip surfaces, reclining backs, waterproof remotes and a high weight capacity supporting up to 20 stone.

The Oak Tree bath lift is one of the few bathing supports on the market that allows for full-depth bathing, ensuring a person with limited mobility can enjoy a soak just as they always have done.

Types of bath lifts

There are two key types of bath lifts for disabled people used predominantly throughout the UK, a chair-style bath lift and a belt bath lift. Both operate differently and offer distinct benefits for a person living with disabilities.

Chair-style bath lift

A chair-style bath lift, sometimes referred to as an electric bath chair, resembles a small seat that is positioned in and around a traditional bathtub. An individual will sit on the seat, and using a remote control, be gently lowered into their bath. Many chair-style bath lifts feature additional supports including a backrest for increased comfort and flaps that extend over the bathtub making it easier to transfer to and from a wheelchair. Chair-style bath lifts are particularly useful for those who require as much support as possible when bathing, and often come with the addition of non-slip mats.

Belt bath lift

As the name suggests, a belt bath lift uses a belt, made of a durable polymer material, which spans the width of a bathtub. An individual sits on top of this belt and uses a remote control and is raised and lowered in and out of the water. Belt bath lifts conform to the shape of an individual and can provide increased comfort when compared with a standard chair-style bath lift. Belt bath lifts also provide more bathing space for an individual which has the ability to improve personal hygiene. Their compact design makes them a less obtrusive piece of equipment and they are ideal for small or difficult-to-access bathrooms.

Benefits of bath lifts

There are many ways in which a bath lift can be beneficial, whether to avoid injuries, improve quality of life and independence or support personal hygiene. Bath lifts and bathing before bedtime even help with better restorative sleep. Let’s take a look at these benefits in more detail. 

1. Reduce the risk of falls and injuries

Many disabled people or people with limited mobility may struggle with getting in and out of a traditional bathtub, which can put them at risk of falls or injuries. Bath lifts can help lower and raise individuals in and out of the bathtub, reducing the risk of accidents from occurring.

2. Increase your independence

Bath lifts can help disabled individuals or those with limited mobility to bathe more easily, providing a sense of control and independence. This can be particularly important for individuals who rely on caregivers or family members for assistance with daily activities.

3. Promote personal hygiene

Regular bathing is important for maintaining personal hygiene and overall health. Bath lifts can help individuals with disabilities bathe more regularly and effectively, contributing to increased cleanliness and welfare.

4. Improve your quality of life

Because bath lifts can be operated without the need for a caregiver they can help individuals with disabilities or limited mobility maintain their dignity, which can positively impact their levels of confidence and increase their overall quality of life too.

5. Enhanced comfort

Bath lifts, like Oak Tree Mobility’s bath lift, provide a comfortable and supportive surface, making it possible to be both fully immersed and more relaxed when bathing with more than adequate space to get to those hard-to-reach places.

6. Easy to use

Bath lifts are designed with ease in mind and are operated using a handheld remote with simple up-down controls. This makes getting in and out of the bath hassle-free and enjoyable.

7. Reduces aches and pains

Bath lifts can help minimise the physical effort required to get in and out of a bathtub. This reduces the risk of joint pressure or muscle pain and can make bathing for longer periods of time more capable and stress-free. Bath lifts are especially beneficial for sufferers of arthritis.

How much do bath lifts cost

As there are many different types of bath lifts, the cost of one of these products can vary from retailer to retailer. Bath lifts range from being reclining, electric, portable or inflatable depending on your needs and what would be best for you.

At Oak Tree Mobility, we offer a range of products from different suppliers, making it difficult to provide a fixed price. Therefore, we recommend that customers request a quote to get an accurate idea of the final cost. 

Book a demo with Oak Tree Mobility

At Oak Tree Mobility, we believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a relaxing bath without compromising their safety or independence. Installing a bath lift can help you regain your confidence, provide comfort, and allow you to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of bathing once again.

Our goal is to help you maintain your quality of life by providing solutions that cater to your individual needs and preferences, which is why we provide a FREE home visit service. Our friendly team of Mobility Experts will assess your needs and recommend the most suitable product for you and your home. To find out more and request a bath lift demonstration, please click here.