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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
A Buyers Guide - Baths
ILC Reference NO 81:30:600
Item sourced from ILC ACT database
Short Description
Installation of a bath for use by people with a physical disability is not
generally recommended. A shower with a seat and without a hob, is usually a safer alternative. However as some people find a bath beneficial ; when purchasing a bath, consider features that influence safety and ease of entry and exit.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.
More Details
POINTS TO CONSIDER:
. Size and space available -
. Consider the size of the user and the length and depth required as well as the space available in the bathroom and the location of plumbing.
. A minimum clear circulation space beside a bath approximately 1540mm wide is recommended for wheelchair use.
. Requirements for transferring in and out of a bath may be best suited by an island bath, ie. one that is not installed next to a side wall.
. A cast iron bath with feet allows room for the base of a mobile hoist under the bath. Remember to check the hoist dimensions and space available. A fixed track hoist is sometimes an alternative if floor space is limited.
NOTE: If a bath is freestanding it will have to be of cast iron construction to provide the necessary strength. Other designs rely upon installation into a base and supporting frame for strength & stability
. Height is important for transferring in and out of the bath.
. To allow a wheelchair transfer, the prefered height is a minimum of 480mm - 500mm.
. In a situation where a carer is assisting with bathing an elevated bath is beneficial to the carer. Elevating baths are available, but can be a costly alternative for a domestic setting.
. Planning for the future. If a new bath and no separate shower is being chosen, the bath should be suitable for use with a bath seat or board. Level edges on the bath allow a seat to be placed across the top of the bath. The person then showers seated over the bath using a handshower.
. Conveniently located taps and the installation of a handshower in addition to a central mixing spout is advised. Hand rails can be installed to assist if required.
. A bath with a flat bottom and slip resistant finish is advised to decrease the risk of falling. Self adhesive strips may be applied for this purpose.
. A protruding soap holder is recommended in AS1428 parts 1 and 2.
. Cost to purchase and install.
. Warranty length and conditions.
For further information check Choice magazine, the yellow pages of the telephone book and talk to a retailer.
We are pleased to receive feedback on the information we provide...
If there is something we should add or need to change, let us know.
These are general suggestions... if you experience considerable difficulty in performing activities of daily living, consult an occupational therapist at a community health centre or aged care assessment team or make an appointment with the ILC.
Standards
Australian Standards which refer to a BATH in bathroom design are:
AS 4299 - 1995 Adaptable Housing Pg. 17 & 23
(wall reinforcement for rails)
AS 1428.2 - 1992 Design for Access and Mobility - Part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements - Buildings and Facilities Pg. 23 & 24.
(rail, taps, soap dish and water outlet location, circulation space, slip resistance)
AS 4226 - 1994 Guidelines for safe housing design - Pg. 22.
(water spout, rail and soap dish placement, slip resistance)
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
Additional /images
No additional /images apply to this item
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