4 Tips For Choosing the Right Bathtub Lift

Bathtub lifts can help people with limited mobility enjoy the benefits of a relaxing bath safely and independently. To ensure that you or your loved one can maximize these benefits, it’s important to select the right lift. Here are 4 tips to guide you through this process:

1. Measure Your Bathtub

The first step in choosing the right bathtub lift is to accurately measure your bathtub to ensure compatibility. Most bathtub lifts are designed to fit standard-sized tubs, which typically measure around 29 inches in width and 48 inches in length. However, if your bathtub is deeper or has unconventional dimensions, there are specialized lifts available to accommodate these sizes. Taking precise measurements of your tub’s interior dimensions—length, width, and depth—will help you narrow down your options and find a lift that fits perfectly, ensuring a secure and stable bathing experience.

2. Choose the Right Seat

This decision should be based on the user’s level of mobility and their specific needs for support during transfer. Seats come in various designs, some with more ergonomic features than others, to cater to different degrees of mobility challenges. Look for seats that offer enough space and comfort, as well as those that feature non-slip surfaces for added safety. For users requiring extra support, consider seats with additional padding or those that include a reclining option to enhance comfort and facilitate easier washing.

3. Consider the Lift Range

The lift range is another important aspect to consider as it determines the height to which the lift can rise above the tub and how deep it lowers the user into the water. A wider lift range provides greater flexibility, especially for deeper tubs, ensuring that the user can be gently lowered to a comfortable soaking level and raised back up with ease. Assess the needs of the user: those with severe mobility issues might benefit from a lift that offers a higher elevation for easier transfers from a wheelchair. Conversely, for those who can move with minimal assistance, a basic lift range might suffice.

4. Decide on the Power Source

Battery-powered lifts are typically more popular due to their ease of installation and the freedom they offer from electrical outlets, making them safer and more versatile in wet bathroom environments. Ensure that the battery life is sufficient for multiple lifts and consider models with easily rechargeable batteries. Electrical lifts, while less common, may offer a continuous power supply, which can be beneficial for frequent use. However, they require careful installation to ensure safety and compliance with local electrical codes.

What to Know About Installing a Bathtub Lift

Most bathtub lifts are designed for easy installation without the need for additional hardware or significant alterations to your bathroom. When choosing a bathtub lift, also consider its ease of operation, maintenance requirements, and whether it can be easily removed or folded away if the tub needs to be used conventionally. By following these tips and carefully considering your specific needs or those of your loved one, you can choose the best bathtub lift to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable bathing experience.