Safe bathing when you don’t have a free-standing shower

Shower-over-bath set-ups are a popular choice, often used for family bathrooms or smaller ensuites where space is a premium. They can offer the best of both worlds, the option of a warm shower, a long leisurely soak and a splash-fest for the kids.

But for those of us with reduced mobility, balance or strength, those high bath edges or bath hobs present a serious obstacle and sometimes even a safety concern. If this is your or your loved one’s reality, don’t worry. Q-assist has independent living aids designed for this exact situation.

Choosing the right product

There are countless assisted living bathing products available, but which one is the best for you and your unique needs? Think about your or your loved ones’ mobility and balance and where it is specifically that you or they struggle to enter the bath or shower-over-bath:

• Is the edge of the bath simply too high to step over or lift your legs over?

• Is it difficult to step over the edge of the bath without losing balance?

• Is it difficult to stand for the full duration of a shower?

• Is the bathtub too deep for you to safely lower yourself down into and back up from?

Difficulty stepping over bath lip

If the height of the bath and shower-over-bath is the concern, a bath step could be the perfect solution for you. Designed for individuals who have difficulty lifting their legs high enough to get over their bathtub edge, the Q-assist Bath Step & Stool is height adjustable, and features slip resistant feet for extra stability.

Difficulty stepping over the bath without losing balance

If the height of the bath and balance is a concern, a transfer chair or a bath board would be a better option. Transfer chairs allow you to sit down and move across the bench seat until you’re safely within the bath, eliminating the need to stand and balance while you lift your legs over the edge.

A bath board with a swivel seat, like the Q-assist Bath Board, allows you to sit down on the seat and rotate yourself on the swivel seat until you’re safely in the bath

Which product you choose depends on a couple of things: body strength and bath height. If you or your loved one would struggle to move their own body weight along the transfer chair, then the bath board could be a better option. Your Occupational Therapist would be able to advise which product is the most suitable for you.

Difficulty standing for the full duration of a shower

If the difficulty is standing for the full duration of a shower in your shower-over-bath, either a transfer chair or a bath board are again the answer. The Q-assist Transfer Chair features a wide comfortable bench seat as well as a back rest and hand rest for comfort while showering.

The Q-assist Bath Board features a comfortable non-slip swivel seat and moulded handle to grip while bathing. The board’s surface also features drainage holes to ensure water doesn’t pool.

Which option you choose again depends on your physical needs and how much support you require, something your Occupational Therapist would be able to advise.

Bathtub is too deep for you to safely lower yourself down into and back up from

If what you’re after is a nice long soak in your tub but it’s just too deep for you to safely lower yourself into and then back out of, the Q-assist Suspended Bath Chair could be the solution. Providing a safe, comfortable and secure seat within the bath it reduces the distance you need to lower your body down.

Now you’ve selected the type of product or products you need; it’s time to narrow your search further again by considering safety and comfort.

Bathroom safety

Bathrooms can be wet and slippery, so choosing products specifically designed and built for this environment is important. Crucial things to consider are weight rating, stability and safety standards.

Weight ratings are an important consideration when selecting assistive devices. A weight rating describes the maximum load a product can hold. The Q-assist Suspended Bath Chair, Bath Board and Bath Step & Stool all feature weight ratings of 150kg. If you require bariatric care or a product with a higher weight rating, the Q-assist Transfer Chair features a max weight load of 250kg.

For security against slipping look for products with sturdy non-slip feet and non-slip seats. For devices you sit on in addition to non-slip seats also consider selecting ones that feature drainage holes. Drainage holes ensure water doesn’t pool around you while bathing, reducing the risk of slipping while also increasing ease of cleaning.

Selecting products that meet Australian Standards ensures you are choosing products that have been professionally and independently tested to meet strict safety standards. All Q-assist products have been tested to meet all relevant Australian Standards. Both the Q-assist Transfer Chair and Bath Step & Stool meet AS/NZS 3973:2009. The Suspended Bath Chair meets AS/NZS 4069:2013 while the Bath Board meets AS/NZS 4069:2013 and AS/NZS 4438:1997.

Ready to choose?

Now you’ve identified which products work you, it’s time to take a closer look at them.

Browse Q-assist’s range of assisted living products for bathrooms.

Remember to always seek advice from your or your loved ones Occupational Therapist to ensure the assistive living device meets your unique needs prior to use.