What is a bathtub for people with reduced mobility?
In a bathroom for people with reduced mobility, the bathtub must be accessible and safe to use. There are two main options for achieving this: purchasing bathtub equipment for disabled people or investing in a bathtub that is adapted for disabled use.
Among the shower and bath accessories that make bathing safer and easier are bathtub boards for disabled people, step stools, swivel bath seats and lift seats.
One of the most essential accessories is the grab rail.
The advantages of a bathroom for people with reduced mobility
Installing a bathtub seat for people with reduced mobility and a grab bar for disabled people is initially less expensive than installing a new bathtub or replacing a bathtub with a shower for disabled people (although there are several financial aids available to help those on a tight budget).
Furthermore, between the bath bench, grab bars, access bars and the chairs, there is a wide range of disabled bathroom equipment available to tailor the space precisely to the needs of elderly or disabled people. This means that the space can be highly customised, often with just two or three items of equipment, one of the most useful being the wall-mounted grab bar.
Making a bathtub accessible for people with reduced mobility is ultimately a simple project. Many items of equipment, such as a bathtub chair for disabled people, do not require any drilling. In an elderly person's bathroom, a bathtub accessory for people with reduced mobility, such as a non-slip mat, can greatly improve safety.
Bathtubs for disabled people: main options
If you are interested in this option, you should consider the different options available to you. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but disability should always be a major factor in your choice, as well as the issue of transfer:
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the bathtub with door, for elderly or disabled people who cannot lift their legs,
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a PMR shower tray with a built-in seat,
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a shower tray with a door,
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a bathtub with a built-in lift seat.
The disabled bathtub with a door
Access to the disabled bathtub with a door is simplified thanks to a secure opening and closing system. This is usually a swing door.
With a bathtub with a door, it is no longer necessary to step over the rim, which allows some people to use a bathtub and others to take fewer risks. In fact, elderly people who are at risk of falling have a disabled bathtub with a door installed.
There are various models available, the most common being the bathtub with door and integrated shower. Financial assistance may be available for the installation of a bathtub with door for people with reduced mobility or elderly people.
Are there standards for disabled bathtubs?
A bathtub adapted for disabled people comes in various sizes. If you are fitting out a bathroom for people with reduced mobility using equipment, you can refer to the accessibility standards for buildings open to the public. The most important ones are:
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the clear door width (minimum 83 cm)
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the manoeuvring space for a wheelchair (150 cm diameter)
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a 90 cm approach area
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one or more grab bars • the height of bathroom equipment (maximum 130 cm)
If your bathroom includes a toilet, check out our accessories such as toilet armrests, which make them safer to use.
Prices of accessible bathtubs
The price of a PRM bathtub to be installed ranges from £2,000 to £5,000, although some are much more expensive. If you want to equip a bathtub with a lift seat for disabled people, expect to pay around £500 to £1,000. To fit out the space with some of the most useful accessories, such as an access bench and a grab bar, the price will be around £200 to £300.
Disabled bath fittings on Identités
Browse the Identités website and discover a wide range of technical aids for fitting out a bathroom with a bathtub for elderly people with reduced independence or various motor disabilities. We also offer shower equipment.
Discover our toilet accessories for people with reduced mobility and the elderly.
