Managing simple tasks can become more difficult as we get older. For people who do end up struggling from lack of ability, even bathing can be challenging.
By using a bath lift, you will be able to relax and enjoy your bath time without additional help.
A bathtub chair could be a new addition to your lifestyle that will ensure you high levels of safety.
By introducing a bath lift to your bathroom, you might see how much it can affect your day. It’s cheaper to install than the walk-in bath, and it has a big range of advantages.
Choosing the right model can prove to be a pain.
Since many seniors and disabled adults struggle with bathing, a bathtub chair can make this process bearable and even enjoyable. It should be easy to assemble and use.
Which Bath Lift is The Best?
Before choosing one, you should take into consideration your height, physical needs, and weight.
Not every bathtub lift is suitable for every individual. Also, the dimensions of your bathtub can play a significant role when it comes to choosing the right model.
The number of legs extending can differ from one bathtub chair to another. Some models have four legs, and some have no legs whatsoever.
Also, there are a few more considerations to be aware of when choosing the bath lift. Some differ in height, seat style, its stability, height and width of the tub wall, and padded seat.
Not only do they vary in shapes and styles; they differ in the features they provide. You should look for the bathtub chair that has at least some of the following features: adjustable legs, rubber ‘feet,’ clamp, sliding seat, armrests or handles, and a cut-out portion in the seat.
Take a look at these three bath lift chair reviews to find the best possible chair for your specific need.
Drive Medical Bellavita Auto Bath Lifter
The Drive Medical Bellavita Auto Bath Lifter has a tool-free assembly. The two-piece construction makes it easy to transfer. After you’re done using it, you can back fold it down to save storage.
Also, when you’re choosing a bath lifter, comfort is the most critical factor to take into consideration.
Because of its padded seat and backrest, it provides safety and comfort. An additional advantage is that the backrest reclines to 50 degrees at the lowest position.
If you struggle with pain in the erector spinal muscle, you can look at the research by the European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology.
You will be able to see the importance of backrest inclination.
If you want your bath lifter to have a headrest, you can quickly add it.
Its watertight hand control floats, and it’s easily changeable. In the hand control, you can find the lithium battery accommodated to charge it quickly.
Because of its slimline profile, along with the hygienic cutaway, handling the Drive Medical Bellavita Auto Bath Lifter is easy.
However, if you want to have covers that are washable, you need to get them separately.
The weight that it supports is up to 300 pounds.
It’s one of the lightest bath lifts at only 20.5lbs. It’s easy to operate and install. The four quick-release suction cups offer the bath base without the risk of slipping.
Nevertheless, this product can improve your quality of sleep, circulation, and energy levels. Due to its safety and efficiency, you can quickly decrease stress, along with muscle soreness.
To sum it up:
PROS:
- Easy to handle due to its slimline profile and hygienic cutaway
- Battery powered, easy to charge, a lithium-ion battery placed in the hand control
- You can easily fold the back down to save the storage when you don’t use it
- One of the lightest bath lifts, easy to transport
CONS:
- If you want washable covers, you will have to get them separately
- It may not work in fiberglass tubs
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Drive Medical Whisper Ultra Quiet Bath Lift
The Whisper Bath Lift provides living aids for people that are in need of bath independence. It facilitates entering and exiting a bathtub.
Due to its two-piece bath lift, it’s easy to assemble and install. Also, it doesn’t require tools. Some of the most beneficial product details are:
Because of its sleek folding capability, it’s portable and easy to transport.
Its 4 quick-release suction cups provide anti-slip security on the floor. Additionally, the Drive Medical Bath Lift ensures comfort with its padded seat and backrest.
You can adjust the backrest of the bath lift. It goes up to 50 degrees.
Therefore, you can lower, recline or raise the backrest to achieve the desired comfort. Also, it comes with water-tight hand control, along with bright buttons that are easy to access.
This product can provide you with reliable back support to achieve bath safety.
Its weight capacity goes up to 300 pounds, and it fits in both deep soaking and standard bathtubs. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about the style of the bathtub when traveling.
The Drive Medical Bath Lift can improve blood circulation, reduce stress and relax sore muscles. Its hassle-free assembly makes it suitable for everyone.
In summary:
PROS:
- Sleek folding capability
- Ensures anti-slip security on the floor with its 4 suction cups
- Easily accessible buttons on the hand control
- Fits in both standard and deep soaking bathtubs
CONS:
- Some people find it complicated to use
- Some of its plastic parts may not be up to the task
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Bathmaster Deltis Reclining Bath Lift
The Bathmaster Deltis Reclining Bath Lift is suitable for people that have difficulties with bathing on a daily basis. Its compact frame can fit in every bathtub. This product comes with a complimentary back and seat cover.
One of the most appealing facts is the fast charging time. The Bathmaster Bath Lift charges in one hour due to its high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
Its backrest is supportive, and for additional comfort and a safe position, it’s able to recline to 40 degrees.
The reclining bath chair level can be adjusted with the triple-sealed hand controller. It’s also waterproof.
During the reclining, speed decreases and extra legroom maintains. Its operation is simple and has substantial flaps on its side make it suitable for travel.
Hence, its benefits for seniors, disabled adults, or people in a wheelchair are numerous.
In addition to that, this bath lift has a warning light notification and an audible beeping sound. That way, you will be informed when your bath lift needs to be charged. The safety system prevents the lift to lower, except when it has the power to raise the user.
In summary:
PROS:
- Fits in every bathtub due to its compact frame
- One hour charging time
- It reclines to 40 degrees
- Its large flaps make it suitable for travels
CONS:
- Some people struggle with the hand control system
- Sometimes the bath lift fails to lift after being lowered
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Who Can Benefit From A Bathtub Chair?
The research was done by Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine shows the importance of bath aids for disabled and old people.
Individuals that are in wheelchairs or those with painful experience movements can find bathtub chairs useful.
Additionally, they can take the chair with them no matter where they go.
It’s easy to transfer, so you won’t have to worry about travel. Bathtub chairs in hotels are risky to use.
You never know whether they’re clean or not. Thus, instead of putting health at risk, taking this personal equipment on travel will ensure health and hygiene.
Shower chairs for elderly and disabled people can improve their lives. The number of people who need care is increasing, and it’s mostly the elderly.
The handicap tub seat can make them feel independent, less old, and empowered.
Bath lifts with swivel seats help achieve comfort, simplicity, and enjoyment while taking a bath.
The study by the Journal of rehabilitation research and development shows how individuals that suffer from spinal cord injury need a particular design of a bath or shower chair.
It should be designed so that it can be used safely.
Also, every individual that can’t stand for a long time will have a plethora of advantages from using a bathtub chair. Furthermore, it can be helpful if a person struggles with stepping in and out of the tub.
What Are Bathtub Lifts?
Bathtub lifts are medical devices made with the goal to help old and disabled people with bathing. By using them, people can experience plenty of benefits.
If it’s regularly used, they won’t risk their health, and they won’t have the feeling of discomfort. A bathtub lift can contribute to increasing safety and decreasing the chance of falling.
One option can be the Pro Bath Chair Lift. It’s a portable bath lift that can, just by using one button, lift and lower a user outside or inside the tub. Due to its hand tubs and soft-cover safety bar, it’s considered one of the safety products and easy to use.
You can also take a look at some of the products covered by Medicare, Neptune, Aquatec, AquaJoy, Polaris Medical, Walmart, home depot, or Amazon.
The Stretcher lift is another suitable option that is battery-powered, and people who can benefit range from elderly to disabled individuals.
Ceiling or floor-mounted bath lifts (or bath hoists) can also be very helpful while getting in or out of the tub.
You might also want to consider getting knee walkers, a transfer bench, or a medical shower, especially if you’re recovering from injury or surgery.
Does Medicare Pay for Bath Lifts?
If you're a senior citizen or disability-related user of a cane, walker, or wheelchair and you're looking to buy an ergonomic bath lift, you need to know that Medicare does cover the cost of a bath lift. But there are a few things you should know before you go out and buy one. Do Bath Lifts Apply to Medicare Members?
Medicare does not cover bath lifts. That means that even if you are a beneficiary who received supplemental insurance from your employer, you do not have coverage for a bath lift. Since most bath lift purchases involve replacing an older-model bath lift, the bath lift needs to meet the current Medicare requirements. Most bath lifts are sold today to meet these requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Diagnosis Will Cover a lift Chair?
Medicare and many private insurance companies cover lift chairs when they are deemed medically necessary. Lift chairs are typically covered under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) benefit if they are prescribed for a specific medical condition that affects mobility or standing ability.
To qualify for coverage, the diagnosis should reflect a condition that significantly impairs mobility or makes standing up from a seated position difficult for the individual. Common diagnoses that may warrant coverage for a lift chair include:
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other forms of arthritis that affect joint mobility and cause difficulty in standing or sitting.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: Conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or osteoporosis that affect the spine, muscles, or bones, leading to mobility limitations.
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke that affect muscle strength, coordination, and balance, making it challenging to stand up from a seated position.
- Mobility Impairments: Any condition or injury that results in significant difficulty in standing or sitting independently, such as severe leg weakness, paralysis, or lower limb amputation.
How Do you Write a Prescription For a Lift Chair?
When writing a prescription for a lift chair, healthcare providers should include specific details to support the medical necessity of the equipment. The prescription should include:
- Patient Information: The prescription should include the patient's full name, date of birth, and address to ensure accurate identification.
- Diagnosis: Clearly state the medical condition or diagnosis that necessitates the use of a lift chair. Provide detailed information about the condition's impact on mobility and standing ability.
- Equipment Description: Specify the type of lift chair prescribed, including any particular features or specifications required based on the patient's needs.
- Duration of Need: Indicate whether the need for the lift chair is temporary or long-term. Include any relevant information about the expected duration of use.
- Healthcare Provider Information: Include the prescribing healthcare provider's full name, credentials, contact information, and signature to validate the prescription.
By including these essential details, healthcare providers can ensure that the prescription meets the requirements for coverage and helps patients access the necessary equipment to improve their mobility and quality of life.
Conclusion
Taking a bath is no small task when it comes to people with disabilities. It’s often terrifying instead of relaxing. The fear of falling or ending up in a hospital can make these individuals even more anxious.
Therefore, every bathtub lift is designed to support the needs of people that find a bath a dreaded task.
To achieve stability and safety while bathing, elderly or disabled people often go for a bath chair.
It’s a water-resistant and non-corrosive device that you place in the tub.
There are plenty of options for every bathtub style. The risk of slipping is down to the bare minimum.
Hence, it’s a useful device that provides independence for adults that need assistance.