Bathing is one activity most people want to do by themselves, but wet bathtubs can be hazardous. Elderly people and the disabled are at great risk of injury when attempting to maneuver the entry and exit of a bathtub. One solution is to install a low-level entry bathtub. A less expensive, quicker solution is to get a chair lift for the bath. Several styles of bathtub chairs are available to choose from.
Molded Plastic Bath Lift
The molded plastic chair lift for baths has a scissor lift mechanism that raises and lowers the chair.
The chair lift is battery-powered and operates by a hand control. The chair starts at the same level as the side of the tub, where the bather can sit down safely and then be lowered in. After the bather is finished bathing, she presses the hand control to lift the chair back to the original starting position. Strong gripping suction cups adhere the unit to the bottom of the tub, holding the chair firmly in place.
Powered Reclining Bath Lift
Similar to the plastic molded chair model, the more luxurious premium powered bath lift attaches to the bathtub floor with suction cups and is battery powered. The swivel seat helps the bather to rotate into position, after sitting down. The chair has padded cushions for comfort and the back automatically reclines as the chair lowers into the tub.
Inflatable Bath Chair
Inflatable bath chairs are made out of a heavy plastic that is similar to a durable air mattress. The chair is positioned toward the back of the tub with suction cups holding it in place on the floor of the tub. The chair is then inflated. The very size of the chair reduces the distance from the top of the tub to the seat of the chair where the bather will sit. After the bath, the chair can be deflated, allowed to dry and folded up for storage.
Tags: chair lift, suction cups, with suction cups, Bath Lift, hand control