Specialist baths for the disabled come with a variety of features, some of which might be completely unnecessary in your specific situation. That’s why it’s a good idea to take some time to understand this market as deeply as possible before committing to any purchase. Working with a competent specialist is important as well. This is not the kind of investment you want to go into blindly and having the right assistance can make all the difference in your shopping.
What to Look for When Shopping Specialist Baths for the Disabled?
1. Easy Access
A good specialist bath for the disabled should ideally include a side door. This can make it significantly easier to get in and out of the bath, including without additional assistance. For people who want to regain some of their independence, spending a little more on a model with this feature can make all the difference. Make sure that the door is stable enough to support the weight of the person using the bath.
2. Extra Mobility Features
Alternatively, the bath might be fitted with a lift or seat. This can further aid a person in getting in and out, and it can also make the bathing process itself more convenient. Some bath lifts are even designed to be operated without any external assistance. This means that the person using the bath can get in completely on their own.
Some models also allow their lifts or seats to be easily removed. This can be useful when the bath is shared by different people, or when the condition of the person using it starts to improve and they no longer need the additional mobility. Removing the seat should be possible without additional help. At the most, it should require some minor use of essential tools, but no specialized skills like touching any wiring or electric components.
3. Adjustable Height
Adjustable height is another feature that can make a specialist bath for the disabled easier to get in and out of. It can also make the job of caretakers easier. By raising the bath up to a higher level once the person has gotten in, caretakers don’t have to bend over while performing their duties. This can allow them to work more efficiently and thoroughly.
In some cases, the bath might even facilitate transporting the person directly on to a bed. This is usually implemented through a combination of a side door and adjustable height.
4. Additional Safety
Non-slip surfaces, hoists, grab rails, additional adjustable settings – all of these can add to the safety of specialist baths for the disabled. If that’s a major concern for you, it’s definitely worth consulting an expert like NHC Group. They can provide you with tips for buying the best seat for your situation after getting an overview of it. You would often be pleasantly surprised by the detailed guidance you can receive from experienced companies like this one, so don’t underestimate the importance of getting in touch with them as early as possible in your shopping.
Safety has another aspect too – how well the user is acquainted to the requirements of the model they’re investing in. Some models have advanced features that might take some getting used to. This is another good reason to get in touch with specialists who can assist you in your purchase, because you will want to be sure that you’re informed about every aspect of using the bath properly.
5. Easy Maintenance
Last but not least, pay attention to how easy it is to clean and maintain each model you’re considering. Taking care of a specialist bath often involves a bit more work compared to a regular bathtub, and you might need some cleaning service as well. Take the time to figure out exactly what to do in case something breaks down, or you need to clean a hard-to-reach part.
Some models are designed to be as easy to maintain as possible. This is done by making each important part of the tub easily accessible and using high-quality materials to minimise the risk of something breaking down. If you’re buying a specialist bath that will see a lot of use on a regular basis, it can be a good investment in a more expensive model with simplified maintenance. This will spare you a lot of trouble down the road, no matter how careful you are when using the bath in general.
Once you’ve sorted out your requirements with regards to the above points, it will be very easy to find a model that fits the bill and provides you with all the comfort you need in your delicate situation. Just make sure to take advantage of any opportunities that arise for talking to specialists and getting additional help from them, because this is the kind of purchase that you definitely want to get right on the first try.