Due to ageing being at an inevitable stage of everyone's life, ageing-related issues may develop. Sometimes, an accident or injury can also affect a person's life.
As a result, people may face problems in carrying out their daily routine activities. Bathing is no exception. However, bathroom aids like a bath board and shower seat come in handy to help people maintain hygiene. While a shower seat lets you lower down as much as you want as it is available in different heights, a bathtub board fits across the bath to provide a raised platform to sit swinging your legs and bath without having to lower into the bathtub. In general, people who have severe mobility restrictions, stiffness in joints causing pain while lowering much, or posterior injuries find a bathtub board more useful. In this article, you'll learn a lot of valuable information about an essential bath aid - bathtub board. Let's begin with understanding the common bathtub board types and uses. However, before choosing a bathtub board, a professional's advice is the first thing to seek for. Types of Bath Boards
Padded/Coated
A padded bathtub board is useful for individuals with severe balance issues and who are at risk of fall injuries or need frequent position manoeuvers due to serious mobility limitations in the upper body. The extra padding makes bathing safer and easier by preventing fall injuries and lowering the risk of sores due to constant friction against the board. This variant is generally useful for lean people or people with constant posterior pain. Further, speedy draining makes it easily cleanable.
Moulded
With an extended flared end, a moulded bathtub board facilitates the hassle-free transfer of people into the bath or out of it. A raised handle at one end also supports those who need constant support while bathing. Generally, this type consists of light-weight plastic and are easy to fit or remove. Several variants also feature a locking mechanism to ensure maximum safety. Non-slip adjustable brackets and cutaways at both ends act as an integral soap dish which gives people an ornate or antique bath experience.
Slatted
People who can't risk standing longer or are at risk of slipping find a slatted bathtub board highly useful. Lightweight and comfortable in construction, it lets water drain easily. With a weight-bearing capacity of up to 190-200 kgs, a slatted variant can easily accommodate larger people. Non-slip rubber pads not only ensure safety but also prevent damage to the bath. Several economy variants feature adjustable brackets for secure fixing and an extra grab handle for additional support. Now that you have understood the primary types of bath boards, let's understand how to use them effectively. Tips on Using a Bathtub Board 1. Before Bathing
Check for any signs of damage in the bathtub board before using it. If you find any issues, contact your manufacturer or retailer.
Ensure that you collect and put everything you need before bathing.
Fit the bathtub board properly and ensure to use adjustable brackets to securely fix it to avoid any accident.
Keep a slip-resistant mat just beside your bath in advance.
2. During Bathing
Taking support of a grab rail on the wall or the support handle on the bathtub board is highly recommendable if you have balance issues. It will keep you stable and prevent you from falling down.
Always ask for help from your attendant/care-giver if you need anything that is away from your reach. This is because rushing to get anything away may cause you to fall over and cause injuries.
Keep your trunk as straight and stable as possible. Don't move sideways too much as sideway movements may cause unequal weight distribution and fall injuries."
Using a hand-held shower may help clean yourself better.
3. After Bathing
Slowly shift towards the end when you are to leave the bath.
Keep holding on to support - a grab rail or handle while coming out.
Slowly lift your legs off the bath while keeping your trunk stable.
Swivel around the feet to finally take them out of the bath.
If you feel you need assistance while going in or coming out of the bath, having your caretaker to attend you throughout may be the most feasible idea. In a Nutshell A bath board and shower seat form two essential bath aids with the former more suitable for individuals with severe mobility restrictions. Combining the above-mentioned steps with a professional's advice can help you make the best out of a bathtub board.
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