An Introduction to Bath Aids and Shower Aids

Bath Aids or Showering Aids are disability aids or independent living products that allow mobility-impaired users to undertake daily hygiene tasks within the bathing or showering area.

In this article, we will specifically cover what the options are when it comes to disability aids for the bathroom.

Disability aids for the bathroom can be broadly divided into Bath Aids and Toilet Aids.

Bath Aids or Shower Aids assist a user to use the bath or showering area independently, confidently and most importantly safely.

On the other hand, toilet aids allow disabled users to perform daily hygiene tasks without the need for assistance in order to maintain their dignity and self-respect.

Here is a list of Bath Aids that can be used by the disabled, elderly and mobility impaired users for showering or bathing:

  • Bath Boards: Bath boards are a bath aid that can be fitted on top of a bathtub, allowing the user to comfortably sit while they are bathing. Bath boards are useful for users who don’t feel confident on their feet and have a high risk of slipping and falling while in a bathtub. 
  • Bath Transfer Bench: As the name suggests, this disability aid is used to transfer a user inside the bathtub whilst in a sitting position. Usually used for wheelchair-bound users or when the user has no strength to lift their legs to come in and out of the bath.
  • Bath Chairs and Stools: Another bath aid that can be used by mobility-impaired or elderly users. If the user feels unstable on their legs, it is best they remain seated while bathing. 
  • Bath Steps: If a user has limited mobility or strength in their leg muscles then bath steps are a good option. They will allow the user to easily come in and out of a bathtub by reducing the distance that they need to cover while entering and exiting the bath.
  • Shower Seats: Similar to bath seats, these disability aids can be used within the showering area. You can find freestanding chairs and stools or foldable showering seats that can be attached to the wall.
  • Grab Rails or Grab Bars: Grab Rails also known as grab bars are safety devices that are screw mounted using hinges and provide users extra support within the bathing area or the toileting area. Users can hold on to grab rails to allow them to feel more confident within the bathroom and provide better user safety, mobility overall.

Buying Guide for Grab Rails

Grab rails or grab bars are independent living aids or disability aids that are most commonly used within the bathroom near the toilet, where the user might require assistance to get on and off the toilet seat and around the bathing area, where the user might need support to get in and out of the bathtub and in showering areas where a user might need extra support because they don’t feel steady on their legs due to weak leg muscles or joint problems.

Grab rails come in different types, sizes (lengths), diameter, textures, colours, finish and installation method. So it is important that a user knows what they should be looking for prior to actually purchasing one.

Here are a few important points that the user should consider prior to purchasing a grab rail:

Types of Grab Rail: The most common type of grab rails or grab bars that you will find in the market are horizontal and vertical grab rails and angled grab rails at (45 degrees and 90-degree angle). Another disability aid that can often serve the same purpose as a grab rail near the toileting area is a support arm. Support arms are installed beside the toilet and can be folded away when not in use.

Each of these grab rails can be used within the toileting, showering or bathing area based on the user’s requirements and the existing design of the bathroom. 

Length of the Grab Rail: Grab rails can come in a range of standard lengths including 300 mm, 450 mm, 600 mm and 900 mm.

It is important that you measure the wall where a grab rail needs to be installed and take into consideration how the user will be utilising the grab rail in order to determine the appropriate length of the grab rail that you will need. 

The diameter of the Grab Rail: Grab bars and grab rails come in a range of standard diameters ranging from 28 mm to 40 mm with 32 mm being the most common diameter which is used in public toilets.

In order to determine the diameter that suits the user, it is best the user tries the grab rails by holding on to it. The grab rail should not be too narrow or too wide and should allow the user to comfortably fit their hand. Remember that a secure and comfortable grip is the most important consideration while purchasing a grab rail.

The texture of the Grab Rail: You can find grab rails with either a smooth surface or a textured (slip-resistant) surface. 

Comfort is what the user needs to consider as having a highly textured surface can mean that the user can hurt their hands while holding the grab rails and on the hand having a very smooth surface can lead to slips or not the best grip.

It is important that a user tests the grab rail in order to determine the best option for their needs. 

Weight-bearing Capacity: You can find grab rails made out of different materials including stainless steel, aluminium, brass, plastic and galvanised tubing. The material is one of the main determinants of how much weight a grab rail can take. Generally speaking, you will find grab rails that can take up to 200 kg.

Installation Options: There are two options when it comes to installing grab rails, screw-fix and suction cups. The latter is not a long-term option as they cannot take the full bodyweight of a person and are used as a portable option for elderly and senior to carry around.

Screw-fix grab rails are the more widely accepted option as they are much stronger given that they are secured in the wall using screws at both ends.

For screw-fix grab rails, you will need to consider the type of wall the grab rails i.e. will they be installed on a wooden studded wall or on a masonry wall. Appropriate screws and drill bits need to be used.   

Finish: An important consideration where an existing bathroom is being modified to meet the needs of a senior or a disabled person. You have plenty of options available from different grab rail manufacturers when it comes to colours and finishes. From rose gold to matte black and all the colours in between, you are sure to find a grab rail that matches the existing style of your bathroom.

Some other options that you might want to consider while purchasing grabrails are support arms, toilet frames and raised toilet seats.

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