Baths for the disabled and the elderly: types and choices

Bathtubs for the disabled and the elderly are a fairly new invention, but have already managed to win the attention of consumers. The popularity of such models is due to ease of use, thoughtful design and the presence of a large number of additional functions.

People with impaired musculoskeletal system functions and retirees often experience difficulties in carrying out hygiene procedures and need outside help when taking a bath. For many of them, this causes psychological discomfort and makes them want to wash themselves.

However, in this case, we are talking not only about psychological discomfort, but also about very large physical exertion of staff or relativesthat literally carry the infirm to the bath and back. Such transportation does not add health to patients or caregivers, and often leads to injuries. In addition, even quite mobile elderly people are often injured in bathtubs, and the nature of their injuries is not limited to simple bruises, but includes muscle strain and bone fractures.

In order to somehow ease the procedure for washing an elderly person, people installed ordinary stools and benches in the bathtubs, but this did not ensure the safety of pensioners and sometimes led to even greater injuries. To prevent such situations, designers invented under the strict guidance of doctors specialized models for the disabled and the elderly, meeting all the safety requirements of people with limited mobility and greatly facilitating their care.

Modern samples allow the elderly to take a bath, able to service themselves, without the risk of falling when entering or leaving it. Thanks to a special anti-slip surface and all kinds of devices, water procedures are no longer a difficult and time-consuming procedure for them and can be carried out at any convenient time and without the help of relatives.

Today, there are several varieties of models for people with disabilities and older people. Among them, there are narrow-profile samples designed for wheelchair users or bedridden patients, as well as universal reservoirs for quite peppy pensioners.

The most convenient construction in all respects is considered bath with a door. Such models are equipped with waterproof door seals and a locking system that prevents accidental opening. The door can be located on the right or left side, the bowl often has a seat and provides protection against overflow. Faucets and showers are located within easy reach, the latter being adjustable in height. The bottom of such models is covered with a special anti-slip compound, which excludes slipping in both a filled and an empty bath.

In addition to high sedentary options, there are samples with low sides, suggesting taking a bath lying or reclining. The desired option is selected depending on the nature of the person’s disease and on the level of his mobility.

A unique design for people with disabilities is a bathtub. The tank has a gentle slope on one side, which allows you to transfer to the bath directly from the wheelchair. Next, the person closes the drain hole and turns on the water. As the liquid fills, the bathtub takes a horizontal position, which allows you to fully swim without resorting to the help of relatives. At the end of the procedure, the drain plug is removed, the water begins to leave, and the edge of the bath returns to its original position to the level of the stroller.

Inflatable bathtubs are designed for bedridden patients and can be used directly in bed. Products are equipped with a compressor and hoses to maintain the desired pressure inside the inflatable structure. In addition to full-size models that allow you to place a person in full growth, there are compact samples designed for shampooing. The advantages of inflatable products are light weight and the lack of the need to transfer the patient to the bathroom.

The person is carefully transferred to a flattened deflated bath, then it is pumped with a compressor and filled with water. After bathing, all manipulations are performed in the reverse order.

Hot tubs are ideal for sedentary people. With the help of various nozzles, there is the possibility of a gentle, but at the same time very effective massage. This prevents bedsores in bedridden patients and improves the condition of people suffering from muscle pain and skin problems.

Specialized baths for the disabled and the elderly are quite expensive, and often people do not have the means to purchase such plumbing. In this case, additional devices will come to the rescue, helping to make an ordinary bathtub comfortable and safe for this category of citizens.

Used by older people who find it difficult to sit on the bottom of the bath while washing and even more difficult to get up later. Such chairs have anti-slip tips on their legs or are equipped with rubber suction cups. For the manufacture of seats, plastic or wood is used, and the legs, often of a telescopic design, are made of metal. Thanks to the sliding structure the chair can be adjusted in height for the height of the person.

Considered very comfortable models with four legs, two of which are installed in the bath, and two on the floor. Such products are characterized by good stability and provide a person with complete safety.

Bath seats are also popular among senior citizens. Unlike chairs, they do not need to be installed and removed each time. Most models have a hinged or swivel mechanism, which allows you to simply divert it outside the bath when unnecessary. Often the seats are made in the form of comfortable benches with armrests, a back and a hygienic hole. Many of them have the ability to adjust the height.

Handrails are also an effective accessory. and help people with mobility problems and elderly people move to the bath. Modern models of handrails are made of durable materials with anti-slip coating. In some samples, a plastic braid replaces such a coating.

With their help, you can not only sit in the bath, but also adhere to, taking bath accessories from the shelves. The handrails are fastened exclusively in a rigid manner using steel fasteners. The use of models on vacuum suction cups is unacceptable, since there is always a risk that they will fall off from the bathtub or wall.

The staircase is another important fixture, and it is designed for tall bathtubs. Most models have an attached structure and are equipped with anti-slip steps and handrails to prevent injury. Stairs are selected taking into account the growth and physical capabilities of the elderly person, as well as the height of the sides of the bath. The easiest option is a single side step without handrails. However, to use such a model the person must be in good physical condition and not have problems with coordination.

There are no universal tips for choosing bathtubs for the disabled, as each option is selected for each particular case. This takes into account the nature of the disease, and the general physical condition, as well as the individual characteristics of each person and how much he needs the help of unauthorized persons.

For example, for one person to swim alone it will be enough to purchase a step step, another will need a model with a door, and the third one will be able to use only a bathtub. Perhaps the general prerequisite for all types of baths is the presence of anti-slip coating, which helps to minimize the number of injuries.

As for the models for seniors and mobile seniors, in this case should be guided by the preferences of the person himself and take into account the position in which he wants to take a bath. Most specialized models have a length of 105 to 130 cm, which allows you to swim while sitting.

From the point of view of safety, this is considered the best option than washing while lying down and negates the likelihood of accidents, if suddenly a person becomes ill during washing. The exception is bathtubs for bedridden people - their length is 220 cm. For a person who is able to serve himself independently, the best option would be a model measuring 130x100x70 cm.

And the last selection criterion is price. The cost of tanks varies greatly depending on their functionality. The most expensive are sitting bathtubs with a door, the price of which starts from 80 thousand rubles, and the most advanced copies cost 130-150 thousand rubles. The most budgetary are classic baths with low sides: their cost is comparable to the cost of traditional bathtubs and varies from 5 to 10 thousand rubles.

Despite the high cost of most specialized bathtubs, their purchase is justified. An elderly person or a disabled person receives not only a convenient and functional thing, but also gains confidence in their abilities. This allows him to increase his self-esteem and independently satisfy his immediate needs, without resorting to the help of relatives.

The following video will talk about bathtubs for the disabled and the elderly.