Walk-in baths ...

Roger1

... the ones advertised in weekend newspapers but never with a price. Typically you can fill and empty the bath which has a leakproof door.

An elderly relative (73) is interested. He can't get in and out of the bath and is not interested in a replacement shower. He lives in an interwars suburban semi with his wife. Having experienced direct sale blags when buying new windows, he's a little wary of being taken for a ride and I'm keen to help. After all, I may benefit from the advice.

Has anybody experience of walk-in baths and installers and can offer recommendations? Do they work as promised?

In particular, is the starting price anywhere near the finishing price, or does it depend on making a phone call to the 'manager' to check whether an exceptional special offer can be made available?

Very grateful for your advice.

Mojisola

Have a read of this thread -
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5588862

GwylimT

We have a walk in bath, but it isn't one that you have to sit in, its the size of a normal bath tub and it has a glass door one end, like the one in the link below.

http://aquabliss.co.uk/ambiance-comfort-walk-in-bath-left?gclid=CIufvuPz59ECFSex7QodKW8FAw

We also have an electric bath sit to get my wife in and out, however despite being paralysed from the waist down she is able to crawl herself out of the bath door (can't safely use bath chair alone). Its handy for the dogs getting in and out, plus it means my wife can bathe our children when I'm not at home as she doesn't have to lift them in.

Mojisola

GwylimT wrote: »

We have a walk in bath, but it isn't one that you have to sit in, its the size of a normal bath tub and it has a glass door one end, like the one in the link below.

http://aquabliss.co.uk/ambiance-comfort-walk-in-bath-left?gclid=CIufvuPz59ECFSex7QodKW8FAw

That looks much better than the taller sit-in ones.

McKneff

But you still have to sit in it empty and wait till it fills up. Same again when it empties . ?

Roger1

Thanks, all, for such useful info, especially Mojisola - I hadn't seen that thread - and GwylimT - for a practical alternative.

GwylimT, your link showed a price. If I may ask, was that the price you paid and did it include installation?

Thanks to your help, we're less nervous about taking the first step.

Gers

Personally I think they are a horrible way to bathe. All that waiting around.

My elderly mother loved her bath but couldn't get up and out once in. She eventually agreed to have a walk-in shower installed, one that fitted the bath footprint so roomy, and uses a stool to sit on if she's feeling particularly weak or fragile. After being so resistant for a number of years she now understands why I encouraged her for so long.

Farway

Gers wrote: »

Personally I think they are a horrible way to bathe. All that waiting around.

My elderly mother loved her bath but couldn't get up and out once in. She eventually agreed to have a walk-in shower installed, one that fitted the bath footprint so roomy, and uses a stool to sit on if she's feeling particularly weak or fragile. After being so resistant for a number of years she now understands why I encouraged her for so long.

I have a walk in sit down type of shower but have always had showers instead of baths so maybe biased a bit towards the convenience of it all, especially with a thermostat controlled shower

Mine also has grab / steady rails just in case needed

PS, the seat is hinged to wall, so up & out of way when not needed

margaretclare

Gers wrote: »

Personally I think they are a horrible way to bathe. All that waiting around.

My elderly mother loved her bath but couldn't get up and out once in. She eventually agreed to have a walk-in shower installed, one that fitted the bath footprint so roomy, and uses a stool to sit on if she's feeling particularly weak or fragile. After being so resistant for a number of years she now understands why I encouraged her for so long.

I couldn't agree more! It does sound a horrible way to bathe. Get in stark naked and wait for the water to fill up, same in reverse. It must take ages.

We had our bath removed years ago and replaced with a shower cabinet. This was upgraded once in 2008 and this year, the whole bathroom (which is tiny) has been upgraded again to mobility standards. Level access shower with seat (which hasn't yet been used). I love my daily shower, feel so clean in no time at all, can't believe all the time I spent lying in baths.

The ironic thing is that DH, who loves his daily shower, has not been able to shower at all since 9th November. He had the replacement joint removed from his knee and has had a huge splint on his leg. It couldn't come off at all because of the risk of damage - no joint in that leg! He's just gone off to a specialist unit at Oxford for knee reconstruction tomorrow and is really looking forward to getting back to normal and using the shower.

margaretclare

Farway wrote: »

I have a walk in sit down type of shower but have always had showers instead of baths so maybe biased a bit towards the convenience of it all, especially with a thermostat controlled shower

Mine also has grab / steady rails just in case needed

PS, the seat is hinged to wall, so up & out of way when not needed

Yes, we have that, but seat hasn't yet been used.

Jackieboy

McKneff wrote: »

But you still have to sit in it empty and wait till it fills up. Same again when it empties . ?

Also, you'd still have to get yourself into a standing position to be able to get out which must be a problem for many.