Bath stool or chair

I love my bath too so understand the reluctance to change it to a shower, though think the time cones when the bath is just too awkward. I am hanging on til the last moment which may not be sensible and try to ignore thoughts of firemen being called because I have got stuck.

Your dh would need to be able to sit down and get up from a stool which may be quite low. Woukd he have the strength to do so, might it be an idea to practice on one of a similar height just to see how he gets on .?

Hope someone cones along with more helpful suggestions.

I understand how much you are loath to lose your bath , however a walk in shower is wonderful!

My dd talked us into a walk in shower in place of our bath. So pleased she did as not long after I realised my bath days were over. The Premier Inn baths with shower inside finally made me realise that it was far too dangerous as even getting in and out was a hazard I should avoid.

I can see a walk in shower further down the line, but currently an interim measure of a bath seat is what I am looking for.

I have one of these for when my Rheumatoid Arthritis plays up. I haven't needed it yet but have tried it on a dry run and it makes getting in and out of the bath much easier. Obviously it stands on the floor, not in the bath.
I hope you find something to suit.
bath step with handle

For sitting down and getting up in the bath, I find it easier to kneel and move onto all fours then flip over to get in, and in reverse to stand up, as my shoulders do not have the strength to lift my body weight.
I love a daily bath and would miss it terribly if I had to change my routine.

I watched Mum as she aged and it was clear to us that baths are pretty difficult/impossible as one ages unless one of those walk in jobbies are installed.

So as soon as it got a bit difficult we installed walk in showers, which are fine.

Yes of course I loved a bath, but one has to be sensible as one ages.

It isn’t the end of the world!

During my attempt at nursing my DH at home I hired a bath seat which lowered into the bath using a remote controlled handpiece. It worked well till DH dropped it during the night when I foolishly left it on his locker. I then used a bathboard
suspended over the bath and poured water over him with a bucket. Not nearly as nice.

What about a ‘Bath-Knight’ thing. Fitted in a couple of hours, it would lower and lift your DH in and out of the water and he’d be properly submerged, not perched up on a stool or seat.

Just google that name.

Bath lifts may be the way to go.
I wouldn't opt for a bath with a door as you can get very cold as they drain.

I am thinking along the lines of a bath board/suspended seat which rests on the bath surround and then showering him or him showering himself with the spray on the bath taps. Not as nice as a bath but an interim measure during this summer while its warm.

Of course being the inflexible person he is he will probably refuse that...and a walk in
shower. So anyone with experience of a suspended seat and any downsides would be helpful.

I had my bathroom changed into a wet room and it's one of the best things I've done.

I've had hip replacements and was recommended by the hospital to use a bath board for a few weeks after the operation.
I used it until I was able to sit in the bath again.
It was very secure and took my weight [I'm not light!] without a problem.
I felt very safe with it.

I would suggest still using the bath mat in the bath so when your husband stands up to get out he doesn't slip.
I find a rubber bath mat is preferable to a plastic one.

We need to find solutions to so many problems as we age.
I hope this helps.

Just to add that I agree with silverlining - a bath stool might just be a bit too low. It would then be likely that your husband will still have difficulties getting up.

The bath board I mentioned in my previous post is in the box in the garage. If it would help I can let you know the company name.

Whitewavemark2

I watched Mum as she aged and it was clear to us that baths are pretty difficult/impossible as one ages unless one of those walk in jobbies are installed.

So as soon as it got a bit difficult we installed walk in showers, which are fine.

Yes of course I loved a bath, but one has to be sensible as one ages.

It isn’t the end of the world!

I completely agree.

blue14 that would be great to have the company name. I really am looking for experience and recommendations at the moment.
What we or I do in the future is another matter. A wet room etc is probably the best idea going forward, but that wouldn't be completed by next bath day!!! Or moving!!!

Those who have used bath boards, I have a question.

Presumably you sit on the end of the board with your feet on the floor and swing round to put your feet in the bath? Bearing your weight on your hands? Or does the board have some sort of swing mechanism?

I can’t envisage the moment when your feet are off the floor and you are lifting them over the edge of the bath and leaning back. Is there a danger of losing your balance?

I picture stepping into the bath a d instead of sitting right down in it you sit on the board or suspended seat. And then to get out you sta d up and step out. If the board is level with the top of the bath I suppose it would be possible to swing legs over. Thats where I would be holding on to DH.
The difficulty he found this week was trying to stand from a seated -in-the-bath position as his feet weet were slipping even on the rubber mat. I normally help him up under one arm. But now with osteoporosis I am being extra careful for my future.

I shall have to have a "dry run" myself

I have just watched on Youtube an Occupational threrpist from the Royal Melbourne Hospital demostrate using one. The one she used looked very safe and had clamps undeneath which screw against the side of the bath to stop it slipping. And yes she sat down on it with her feet on the floor and, holding the integral hand bar, swung her legs in and shuffled her bottom to the middle of the bath. Reversed the process to get out.

It looked fine and that has answered my question. Thank you for all your replies. There are more Youtube videos which I will watch

Ah, a hand bar. I can see that would help.

Helterskelter - this is the bath board I used.
Do you have a shop near to you which sells items such as this?
Maybe an independent pharmacy can source one for you?

Please let me know if you need further information about this.

My mother had an electronic aide that lowered her into the bath . It was quite cumbersome and fitted to the side of the bath but worked very well until she was 97 ! Her carer thought it marvellous and recommended it to many of her other clients . I’m sure they are still around and modernised now. I am also in the process of debating whether to get rid of my bath and have a larger shower put in . I never use the bath just there for people who stay .

Oh thank you blue14 I will google and see where it is sold.
I think DH would be happy with this as its not just for the v elderly. Looks a bit seasidey. It can be my future proofing as well.