the long term prospects. If your ability is likely to deteriorate a level access shower might be a better option The bottom of a shallow bath is higher than a standard bath. This may make it easier for you to negotiate getting in and out. The lifting mechanism is either manual or mains powered, controlled by the bather or a carer using a handset.

Alternatively you could replace your taps with lever taps. These are easier to turn as the lever can be pushed/pulled to operate the tap. On most the lever only needs to turn a quarter of the way around the tap to go from off to fully on. Manual bath lifts are operated hydraulically, using the weight of the person to lower the lift and the buoyancy of the water to help to raise the lift. When you are ready to get out of the bath, you sit upright and push down on the bath rims. This releases the hydraulic piston, which is pre-set for your weight. Or sometimes an inflatable bath cushion is used. This is more often when other people need to use the bath as it is easier to remove. This is pumped full of air to raise it using a compressor. Once sitting on it, the air is released with a hand control to lower you to the bottom of the bath. Once done, you press the button on the hand control to fill it with air again and raise you up. You then swing your legs over the side of the bath and stand up. You do need have good sitting balance to use this.

If you have a bath only, and have good upper body strength and trunk control, you may be asked to try a bath board with a bath seat. You would sit on the board and then lower yourself onto the seat. You don't have to physically buy the goods in person. If your parent, guardian or wife or husband buys the goods and services for you, then you won't be charged VAT. What counts as personal or domestic use? The Myco Heavy Duty Swivel Bather has two parts; a base frame that rests on the bath and a seat unit that rotates on the base. The two parts separate easily for handling and storage. Each part weighs 3.2kg. The frame of the Heavy Duty Adjustable Width Swivel Bather is made from Stainless Steel for additional strength and is weight rated to 160kg (25 st). The unit is adjustable in width from 26″ to 30″, so that it fits a range of domestic baths. All OT Recommended products are tested for their functionality, ease of use, safety, and value for money. You will need to ensure that your bath is strong enough, of the right dimensions, and safe for the installation of bathing equipment.

The Swivel Bather® fits on any standard bath, no fixtures or fittings are required and the unit is easily removed when not required. The seating unit has a plastic seat which is easy to clean and drainage holes sized for safety. The base frame has plastic ends and positioning screws to prevent movement. A hoist is usually a strong metal frame which may be static (fixed) or mobile. The frame has a lifting mechanism operated manually or powered by electricity. From the frame, or lifting arm/boom, is suspended a sling (on a spreader bar) or a chair, to support and carry a person as they are moved from one place or position to another. Not all of our products are eligible for VAT relief, so we are obliged to charge VAT for those products even after you complete this form.Floor-fixed bath hoists have a strong metal vertical column which usually slots into a base plate at the side or end of the bath. This has a seat or slings which pivot from the frame and can be raised or lowered. When raised it clears the bath rim and is lowered down into the bath. Bath hoists fully support you as the user as they mechanically lift/lower you in/out of the bath. They will usually require the assistance of a carer. Please be aware that there are certain legal health and safety requirements regarding the use of hoists, especially if you employ a private carer. For more information see our factsheet on Selecting a hoist and slings for lifting a person.