Bathing is one of the many things that we all like to enjoy and feel relaxed about. We like to ensure that we are safe and, for myself personally, I like a bit, of ‘me time’ so that I can be on my own and unwind to a nice relaxing bath.

To relax safely in the bathtub and relieve stresses, aches and pains is one of life’s’ pleasures. If you are interested in making your bathroom safer, there are a number of ways of bathing and you do not necessarily have to change your bathtub to a shower.

Basic solutions like well-positioned grab rails, shower boards, shower seats or even a good fitting bath mat can make a world of difference to your safety in the bathroom. These items are best used in a combination (although they can be used individually) to make your life easier and safer for when you want to get in and out of the bath or shower. For that extra help whilst bathing, a bath lift will raise and lower you without the stress of standing or crouching on a slippery surface.

There are three main types of alternatives such as, the belt type seat, the inflatable air cushion or the battery powered bath lift; the choices are more varied now than ever before. Each type of seat has its own features and benefits and the way each performs should be considered carefully before purchase.

Remember – be safe whilst bathing – this is critical. It is easy to have an accident when doing something as simple as taking a bath, which is why it is vital that you take the proper precautions, making sure that you take the time to select the right equipment to make taking a bath easier and less stressful.

The belt type seats, is designed to lower you right down into the water and tucks away neatly when not in use. When using it safely, the user requires a good degree of upper body strength to sit upright whilst lowering and raising on the belt, as there is no back support. This item requires installing by a certified tradesman.

The inflatable air cushion lowers you to the bottom of the bath and is light and portable. The user requires a fair amount of lower body strength, as the legs need extending whilst lowering and the knees and legs should be drawn close to the cushion upon inflation and rising.

The battery powered bath lift lowers you close to the bottom of the bath. The lifts have the security of a backrest, which can be reclined to select the most comfortable bathing position and rechargeable batteries that alerts the user when the power is low. Most battery powered lifts will not allow the user to lower the lift unless there is sufficient power to rise again. Battery powered lifts are portable, easily removable from the bath and stored away easily when not required.

Ask for help and information. Be sure that what you decide to buy will suit you and is not a waste of your hard-earned money and use whatever you choose carefully. Most importantly of all, enjoy your bathing experience.

Anna Stenning is an expert on bathing for people with physical disabilities, having researched into this in depth.