So you’ve got your stairlift, or perhaps you’re thinking about it, but another key part of the house that many forget about is the bathroom.

Simple showers, baths and even going to the toilet are all things we take for granted when we’re at our fittest, but they easily become the hardest parts of our days once we start to struggle with mobility.

To help, we’ve come up with some handy (and usually easy) bathroom adaptations that will help you with your mobility.

Check if you’re eligible for a grant

Chances are if you’re part of the stairlift club, you struggle with mobility. You may already have a carer, or your family does a lot of work for you, and this could mean you’re eligible to receive a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

If you need to make changes to your home, e.g. the bathroom, then grants of up to £30,000 may be available to make sure your life can be led as normal without implications.

Speak to your local authority and see if you are eligible, it could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Customise your stairlift

You may be lucky enough to have your stairlift right next to the top of the stairs and the bathroom, but if you don’t, why not take a look at the possibility of extending it.

Doing so will make sure you won’t have long distances to walk from the end of the stairlift to the bathroom, and will be a welcome relief should your muscles stiffen up after a long soak in the bath or shower.

Walk-in baths or showers

These are ideal additions if you find it hard to climb into the bath. You get a door installed on the side of the bath that you simply open and get in.

The only problem is you need to be in the bath from the start, so you’ll need to make sure the water is just the right temperature or you may burn yourself. There’s no climbing in and out though, which is a big bonus.

As for the shower equivalents, the floor is lowered to be at the same level as the floor, making it easy to get in and out of.

Have a little seat

If standing up in the shower is a problem, or even lying down in the bath, then built-in seats are a godsend. This will allow you to wash effectively without the strain on your legs or back.

The seat will be placed either in the shower or at the opposite end of the bath taps, still ensuring a relevant level of comfort as you clean.

Handrails for support

Another aid, and probably the cheapest is to install a handrail. Not only can this go by the bath, but it can also be of use getting to and from the toilet, and the sink area.

Brushing teeth, washing hands, using the toilet and washing could all about to become an easier job thanks to the supporting handrails. They’re inexpensive and will last for a long time if installed correctly.

If you think we might be able to help, contact us here!