While many people these days choose to shower instead of taking a bath, if you're a "bath person", bathing is one of those little luxuries that we can take for granted.
The soothing feeling of warm water on your skin and the fragrant aroma of your favorite bath foam is not only an indulgent treat but also relieves stress, helps you to relax and has therapeutic effects on the muscles and certain medical conditions.
If mobilizing yourself into and out of a bath becomes difficult through age or disability, or even dangerous if you risk falling, there is no reason why you should have to give up your precious bath time.
Whatever your physical or medical needs and whatever your budget, there is a bath mobility assistance solution for you.
Adaptive bath aids generally fall into two categories: bath lifts and walk-in baths.
Bath lifts are mechanized chairs that fit inside the bath.
The seat has adjustable flaps that extend over the side of the bath so that you can easily slide on to the seat at a safe and comfortable height.
Once your legs are inside the bath, a simple motor control lowers you down into the water, smoothly and gently.
When you want to get out, a press of a button will lift up to a position that allows you to slide out effortlessly, providing you with the stability and reassurance that you need to avoid slips and falls.
A basic bath lift costs around $500 and is all you need to enjoy your bath time safely and comfortably.
The basic models are just as effective as more expensive versions and do not compromise on health and safety.
For those with a larger budget, however, added extras such as a padded or ergonomically designed seat, the ability to recline back in the bath and premium motor and/or control designs are available.
Another option to help you avoid missing out on your relaxing bath time is to replace your traditional bath with a walk-in bath.
These baths have a water-tight door in the side of the bath to allow you to step into it at ground level, rather than having to hoist your legs up over the side.
They're ideal for people with leg problems, painful joint conditions or those with a reduced range of motion or strength.
Some models have seats so that once you are inside the bath you don't have to bend down too far to enjoy it, and of course, they can be used in conjunction with bath lifts to lower oneself down into the bath without having to bend at all.
Walk-in baths are a more expensive option compared to bath lifts, but are a long-term solution that will last a lifetime.
They don't need to have the batteries recharged, they are very low maintenance and there are no technical parts that need to be maintained.
For added luxury, walk-in baths can even be fitted with spa jets for an indulgent bath time experience and added therapeutic benefits.
Baths should be a pleasurable experience, but if the fear of falling on wet, slippery floors, or of causing injury by awkward movements to get into and out of the bath is spoiling that pleasure, a bath lift or walk in bath might be a suitable option to improve your bath accessibility.
Whatever your level of mobility, and however restricted your budget, there is a product out there that will satisfy your bath time needs.