ease of use- bath or shower?

We've certainly come long way from a tin bath in front of the coal fire!?

I don't like the thought of sitting in my own dirt and think the Japanese have got it right, showering before they get into the bath. Any forward-thinking person should get a shower, as we are all going to be in the position some day when we can't get in or out.

Having said that, my mother, at 97, still uses her bath. Some 20 years ago they had their bathroom re-done and a corner bath put in. As a bath, it's fairly useless, as the ends are vertical - a comfortable bath has sloping ends. But it has a little "seat" in the corner and she finds she can sit on this and wash herself quite adequately. My father, before he died, did, however, need help getting in and out.

I'd love one of those shower rooms, but we have room for a large bathtub and a spacious shower, so we're OK. If there was only room for one, it would be a shower. For a bath, we would then go to the local thermal baths every few weeks. They have rose-themed baths, chocolate, herbs, spices and beer.

I'm afraid it was but it was enough, it sounds bad when you say "haven't had a bath in 40 years"

the thought of is just all in your mind then im68now

We've had a built in cupboard in the bedroom converted into a shower for a couple of years now since MiL was living with us. This meant we could keep the bath with the overhead shower.

I love a nice relaxing bath before bed and don't have any scum problems!!! Showers are for mornings.

I have only had couple of baths in 35 years and that was only because we were having the bathroom retiled. It's showers all the way for me I'm afraid, sitting in hot water for ages makes me dizzy then there's the soapy scum that starts to form.....!! We have big ensuite shower measuring 120x80 with siding doors and very shallow tray but have bath in main bathroom for visiting dgc. I don't know what I would do sitting in a bath for ages.

When the time comes I shall buy a bath lift so that I can still have my morning soak. I am always awake and up at 5am, how would I otherwise fill the hours before I can move around and disturb the neighbours? I follow the bath with an hour's walk, but I don't suppose I shall be able to manage that either .
Bath lifts

Charleygirl yes we're going to get a stool for the shower when its fitted.

The Thought Of, read the post dear.

Has anyone used one of those baths which has a door in the side and there is a fairly high seat to use? I dread the time, if it comes, I am unable to use the bath. Find a bath so warming and relaxing. Only bother with a shower in the really hot weather to help cool down. Is it only me who feels freezing cold when I step out of the shower?

Jane10 have you considered buying a bath stool? Showering is so much safer for me. Mine is height adjustable and I would have problems washing my hair without it.

I enjoy the occasional soak in a bath, especially if I need to relax and unwind but could live without one if I had to.

Just how much dead skin do you actually shed Im68now?

Haven't had a bath in some 40 years. The thought of all that dead skin floating about.

Takes all sorts I suppose !!!

I used to enjoy my Sunday morning soak too. I often had my best ideas in the bath.
No more though. The plumbers are due on the 12th Dec to remove the bath and replace with a walk in shower enclosure. No doors necessary and a double length shower tray. Can hardly wait! No more struggling on my bath board. Phew.

I'm another fan of reading in the bath. Before I retired it was my weekend treat. Working Mon-Fri I would do housework, washing and shopping on Saturday then have a lie-in on Sunday, followed by a pampering soak for an hour with book and coffee. Bliss! Never dreamed by 64 I wouldn't be able to safely get out of a bath.

I tried to duck under a fence pole the other week and got stuck as my knees locked. The family just stood about laughing till they saw me drop to the ground and shuffle under, commando style

Ana it is a superb way of relaxing reading in a bath and topping it up with hot water whenever necessary. I frequently did this on a Sunday afternoon when I was working.

A cup of tea and radio 4, whilst soaking in a hot bath, is one luxury I'm dreading having to give up.

I've never seen the appeal of reading in the bath. Why?

There are occasions when I'd love a soak in a hot bath, but it takes the ancient piping system here ages to fill it so a shower it is, most of the time.

Another one here who used to take a book and soak for ages, topping up the hot water. But now I can't do it after my knee replacement, or at least I can, but getting out is not a pretty sight, the all fours method. Although I enjoy a shower, it's not the same as a long, hot bath, is it?

Had the bathroom revamped in Summer, got rid of the bath for a double shower ( yes, room for two!) a quadrant shape with sliding doors, and waterfall shower head, just wonderful.

I loved nothing better than a really good soak in the bath. I used to go prepared with a book and spent up to an hour or so in the bath but those days are long gone when I could not get out and had problems getting in. A shower is much safer for me provided I take my time.

I really miss my bath!

We are in our 80s and had our bath replaced with a shower a few years ago and are so pleased, do not miss the bath at all

Me too shysal, if my kids try to remove my bath there will be Big Trouble!!!!

Heard about this story recently - poor woman! Since injuring a shoulder as well as having Polymyalgia I have to use the 'on all fours' method of getting in and out of the bath. I dread the day when I can no longer manage it as I love my morning soak to loosen me up. I do always take my phone with me and leave it beside the bath for emergencies.
woman stuck in bath for 4 days