Walk-In Bath - Any Ab Tips?

[Mosaic]

The aged P's will be investing in a walk-bath soon, and I wondered if Abers had any advice they would care to pass on regarding types or possible pitfalls.
My only priority to pass on to the project is to ensure the taps are thermostatic to avoid scalds, but owt else would be gratefully received.

[weecalf]

Don't get up in the middle of bath and walk out I would imagine not a great idea

[woofgang]

The bathroom needs to be very warm indeed. You have to enter the empty bath, shut the door CAREFULLY, fill the bath, bath, then sit there while the water drains away afterwards. As you can't immerse as in a normal bath, I would suggest that they look at a level access shower cubicle instead. It will be easier to use and less chilly, also a massive saving on water compared to a walk in bath.
Level access showers are also much less disastrous if the door seal fails....and it does happen!

[snags]

I imagine getting cold whilst waiting for the bath to empty before you can open the door to get out might be a pain...

[margie04]

I don't like showers (I fall over when I try to wash my feet) so the walk-in bath is my choice. Woofgang is correct in the disadvantages mentioned, but you can always drape a towel (or old cardie) round your shoulders while waiting for the bath to fill.
There are 2 drains, so it's quicker to empty than to fill.

[anniebird]

I also think a shower would be a far better idea. Especially if you have a fold down seat fitted so that they would not be in danger of falling while performing their ablutions.

[Mosaic]

Very interesting feedback folks, and many thanks.
The walk-in shower idea might be the better option - I have seen the fold-down seats and worry that they are less than robust. I wonder if there is a built-in seat that could be guaranteed not to shift?

[woofgang]

The seats are very strong. You would need to ask the supplier what the weight limit on the seat and fixings is but there shouldn't be a problem up to about 20 stone, just check with the supplier. If either of the aged p's is unsteady on their feet then make sure that there are suitable rails etcet. You might get advice from their local Social Services Occupational therapy department but they are often horribly overstretched and it might take some time.

[Hymie]

Something else to consider is that because walk-in baths require so much water, they require filling from a source that can deliver the required volume (combi boiler or large hot water storage tank).

A shower/wet room fitted with plenty of hand-rails etc would be even better than a shower cubical.

[Mosaic]

Thanks Hymie