Tell me everything i need to know about accessible baths

[KatyMac]

I dont need one yet but im fairly sure I will

Im moving into a new house and fitting a tiny ground floor bathroom in

So im considering an accessible bath

What does everyone think? Any advise or warnings?

You have to get in them, naked, and then sit there whilst they slowly fill.
You’d need to make sure you have the energy for bathing to be an hour long (possibly longer) event, and make sure the bathroom is very well heated!

Are you future proofing for older age/disability etc? You can get hoists/seats to put you into a bath/lower you in but they are expensive and depending on the hoist required, might need plenty of ceiling space and clearance. There are also walk-in options which fill up slowly but I don't much more about them I'm afraid.

IF you are future proofing, consider getting a wider bathroom door. Also have it opening outwards into the hall or a pocket sliding door will save 1m2 within the bathroom and is safer if you or someone else collapses on the other side of the door. Majority of adapted bathrooms I've seen are to accommodate a shower commode which can be wheeled into a shower, have a good turning circle and a fairly flat shower tray. I appreciate this isn't what you want though. Consider hand rails.

If you are adapting a bathroom, another consideration now is a comfort height toilet. Unlike previously, you don't need to buy a plastic extension seat to sit on the top. We recently renovated and although fit and in our 40's, we got comfort height in all of them. They look like a regular toilet, but those few extra cm's make all the difference when sitting and standing again. I have a squatty potty if needed.

That sounds really shit @TheOlderIGetTheStayerIHome

Maybe i get a wet room and a freestanding bath with the idea of removing the bath snd just having a shower later

I have MS not had a bath in years, and don’t miss them at all. I was struggling with stepping up into our shower, we have recently had a level access wet room installed, comfort height loo, grab rails etc best money we have ever spent. If you go with the bath option, as you age you might find the level access shower room with a pull down seat a more future proof option, as the baths have a lip at the bottom to step into, they are also v expensive. But of course if you want a bath, do it and you can change it when needed.

Im at the stage i can get in but getting out is harder

Another idea I had was a bath with a seat in - like a japanese bath or an omni tub as standing fro. Sitting is easier than legs in front on me

As i am designing from scratch it makes sense to be a bit sensible

But I hate showers they are a sensory nightmare

Maybe a shower with a seat as well?

I already posted a long post above. We've recently renovated and had 1 of these put into 1 bathroom. Its a seated, Japanese style bath that you mentioned. Its lovely, but takes 300L of water fill. Ours is upstairs and we had to put it through the window when renovating- so access is something to consider. This particular version has jets, bubbles and far more features than I really need- such as blue tooth connection and coloured lighting!
https://www.cabuchon.com/product/nirvana-deep-soaking-tub/

I am an OT 😎

Yep, we try not to prescribe walk in baths for the reasons above. They are also really prone to leaking. Although for a minority of people, they really work and they love them.

A bath lift is a good alternative, or a shallow bath?

Oh wow! No all singing/dancing bathtubs isnt for me either

I have taken on board your toilet height comment (along with the pocket/sliding door, whixh seems a no brainer!), im just trying to align it with my footstool I use - ill need a ladder!!

We are downstairs and its a new install so no old to work around but its small

I have hand rails in my current bath room and they are fab - so ill be adding more

The one bit of advise my consultant offered me for pain was 4 x 20 min baths a day which is not achievable in any way (lifestyle/cost/the planet!!)

So i do like my bath - i rarely manage one a day now tho

Apparently you have to wear a one piece swimming costume when you use one, according to the ads I've seen in newspapers..

Oh I know - or even a robe!

I did some practicing last night

I struggle to get up from lying down (already!)

I struggle to stand on one leg to get out

So I think a seat in the bath and a seat on the edge of the bath would probably help

Or maybe steps? Outside the bath?

I need to practise more!

My mum had a normal bath but had an electric seat added. She sat on the seat, swung round, and then the seat gently lowered her in. It was brilliant and didn't cost a fortune.

I have a normal bath but struggle getting in and out so use those toddler steps. They are just cheap and plastic and I hide them in a cupboard when they’re not needed. They have a surprisingly generous weight limit and are non slip. Might not work for everyone but does for me.

This sort of thing? I can see that working

Do you have a photo @Roundthemaypole (obviously not with your mum on it but from Google or something)

A friend has a Omni tub. You can sit on the edge and swing your legs over the side but ultimately it is incredibly thirsty and only a short - med term
solution.
In June I replaced my average bath at 550mm high with a 430 high Carronite Quantum Integra with handles. The lower bath is marvellous but again it is a medium term future proof.
The virtually flat no-lip extra big shower tray could be the way to go? And remember to consider the Japanese style toilets for total
future proofing!

I detest showers i have such a sensory overload, even washing my hair is a nightmare

Some of the omni have a seat i think, ill check i do think that would help

It's comfort now vs safety then I guess with no idea about the time scale

Of course, it was a bit like this:

https://www.careco.co.uk/elixir-pro-bath-lift/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22698087553&gbraid=0AAAAADvLZE1R2QHUd0dR4vVuZ0x_wgpBe&gclid=CjwKCAjws_DTBhB_EiwAXZknGbDzmvTSetM5OXzkBEiPeyGsrVHqs4kWAlbGIUW2VfmYpLzWoh-1kBoChpMQAvD_BwE

Thanks - that could be a future idea i think (not emotionally ready for that yet)

Make sure any bath panels you go with then are absolutely rigid so you can sit on the edge of the bath.
My Carronite bath walls are so solid I can perch on them to rinse my feet when I come back from the beach.
My installer said that flimsy bath walls should be banned.

Oh i agree i have a pressed steel bath now with studwork/plasterboard/tile and it is so sturdy!
My plumber was insistent

https://www.bathdisc.co.uk/products/bette-step-steel-bath this is nice, maybe

Hmm im not sure that Bette is deep enough

Back to.looking at omnitubs