Bath Aids for Elderly and Disabled

Although bath aids can be beneficial, many fail to meet the needs of individuals with changing and diverse needs. Most are band aid solutions and do not address universal design or barrier free design principles. Bath aids merely provide assistance when dealing with barriers which is why they are referred to as band aid solutions.

A conventional bath or shower is a barrier for many individuals. The step in height of these products can be as much as 23". Providing a bath bench or grab bar on the wall does not eliminate this barrier. To adequately provide for individuals with age related bathing issues or mobility related bathing difficulties we must remove the barrier which is causing the difficulty or impeding one's ability to perform safe bathing.

Bath aids for the elderly and disabled are fine as long as they are used in conjunction with barrier free products. Seabridge walk-in baths and slide-in baths are designed to address the barrier itself. We remove existing bathtubs and showers completely from the bathroom and installing a product that will no longer be a barrier.

Bathtub design has virtually been unchanged since the early 1700's and showers unchanged since the early 1800's. These products were not designed to be barrier free and do not become barrier free by installing or affixing bath aids to them. We must begin to recognize that barrier elimination will contribute greatly to safety and security of individuals with unique and varying bathing needs.

Extent of the Problem

Realizing that severe and dangerous situations exist is a first step in changing the way professionals and care providers specify products for individuals and commercial developments. You realize quickly why the cost to the Health Care System is so high, when you see images like the following.

Elderly Male Creates His Own Bathing Aids.

The bathing environment of an elderly male looking for assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs	Ties a rope to the drain on his wall hung sink and then uses the rope to brace himself while he tries to enter the bath
He then places the rope onto a nail so it does not fall out of the bath while bathing.	While in the bath, the controls and operation of the hand-held shower are not accessible to him. He must get onto his knees and lean forward to adjust water temperature and volume.

Safety and Comfort After Installation of a Seabridge Walk-in Bath

Effortless transfer in and out of the bath Safe and easy access to controls Protection against Scalding and Burns Easily able to raise and lower oneself

Don't Get Stuck In The Bath (.pdf,32KB)

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