Q. Do you charge extra for installation of your bath lifts? Im wondering if this is something I can do myself.

A. Only the Relaxa requires installation. The cost of this will depend on your location and the type of wall being fixed to. If you are aware of wall fixing types for different substrates, and have the necessary tools you may be able to do it yourself.

Practical Bathing 13 Eversley Way Thorpe Industrial Estate Egham Surrey TW20 8RG Tel:08000 1955 70 Email:enquiries@practicalbathing.co.uk

Q. The bath lift seems to be the answer to my bathing problems, but I can’t go out to buy it. Can it be shipped to my door and what about installation??

A. The Bellavita bath lift can be shipped directly to you at home. It does not require installation as it is self assembly (very simple) and battery powered.

Take a look at www.practicalbathing.co.uk for details and price which includes delivery.

Practical Bathing 13 Eversley Way Thorpe Industrial Estate Egham Surrey TW20 8RG Tel:08000 1955 70 Email:enquiries@practicalbathing.co.uk

Q. I am buying a bath lift for my mother. She is elderly and not too independent. What if something goes wrong while she is using it is there some kind of alarm or alert device on them?

A. If your mother is likely to require assistance then you should provide her with an alarm device or a mobile telephone to have near to hand. Bath lifts do not feature alarms. Most bath lifts will not permit their use if there is insufficient battery to safely lift the bather back up. The Bellavita or Relaxa are very good options, see www.practicalbathing.co.uk for details

Practical Bathing 13 Eversley Way Thorpe Industrial Estate Egham Surrey TW20 8RG Tel:08000 1955 70 Email:enquiries@practicalbathing.co.uk

Q. What are bathlifts like to clean? Will my bath lift acquire soap scum like implements in the shower do? If so, how often do I have to clean it and can you recommend a piece of equipment that that requirement the least amount of effort to be cleaned. I sound lazy but I detest cleaning the bath!!! Thank You

A. This will depend of course on which bath lift you choose, but all items within a bath or shower will require cleaning. The frequencly of cleaning will depend on the frequency of use and the soaps used. A brush is probably the best thing to use, and the type will depend on what you are cleaning.

Practical Bathing 13 Eversley Way Thorpe Industrial Estate Egham Surrey TW20 8RG Tel:08000 1955 70 Email:enquiries@practicalbathing.co.uk

Q. My husband recent became disabled and needs a bath lift. Can I take out the bath lift after he uses it and put it back when I am finished bathing? Just looking for advice on what type would be best for our situation??

Mary

A. Hi Mary, A bath lift such as the Bellavita is a very lightweight bath lift which can be lifted out after bathing. Alternatively you may wish to look at the Relaxa belt style bath lift which can be retracted leaving the bath free for other users. Much will depend on your husband’s capabilities. See www.practicalbathing.co.uk for more information on these lifts.

Practical Bathing 13 Eversley Way Thorpe Industrial Estate Egham Surrey TW20 8RG Tel:08000 1955 70 Email:enquiries@practicalbathing.co.uk

Q. Could you give me details on how long it would usually take for the bath lift to be delivered and installed on?

A. Most bath lifts will be delivered within 3 days, some do not need installation as they just stick to the bottom with suckers. The wall mounted belt style take about 2 hours to fit.

Practical Bathing 13 Eversley Way Thorpe Industrial Estate Egham Surrey TW20 8RG Tel:08000 1955 70 Email:enquiries@practicalbathing.co.uk

Q. Dear Sir

I am unsure whether to go for a walkin bath or a bathlift. I have noticed quite a difference in the cost between the two products so whats the main advantages of a walkin bath over a bath lift?

Thank You

A. The walk in bath costs about 10 times more than a bath lift when you include fitting but will give a better and safer bathing position that can be helpful for carers to assist in your bathing while they are  standing up. Also getting in and out + up and down is a lot easier and safer. While not every one can afford a walk in bath the bath lifts give safer access to the bath than not having anything at all. Also no disruption while the installation is going on.

Practical Bathing 13 Eversley Way Thorpe Industrial Estate Egham Surrey TW20 8RG Tel:08000 1955 70 Email:enquiries@practicalbathing.co.uk

Q. Dear David

We have a victorian style bath placed in the centre of the room. I want a bath lift but wondered if this kind of bath would cause any issues to installing the lift?

Martin

A. I would recommend a Bath Buddy which inflates in the bath and has a tall version suitable for your bath.The price from us is £530 inc delivery for the tall version

Practical Bathing 13 Eversley Way Thorpe Industrial Estate Egham Surrey TW20 8RG Tel:08000 1955 70 Email:enquiries@practicalbathing.co.uk

Q. Will just any bath lift fit in any sized bath? Are there certain dimensions or measurements involved? My mother has one of those old round baths and refuses to have a new one even though I will pay for it. Can we fit a bath lift to a circular bath? Thank you

A. Sorry but no. they are not wide enough for the side flaps to sit on the edge of a circular bath. The idea is for the side flaps to provide a safe transfer platform to transfer onto the bathlift by resting on the top rim of the bath. Having said that there is a belt style bath lift available called the Molly bather that has an angled bracket to allow the belt to cross the bath. The belt style does get you onto the base of the bath but has no back support.

Practical Bathing 13 Eversley Way Thorpe Industrial Estate Egham Surrey TW20 8RG Tel:08000 1955 70 Email:enquiries@practicalbathing.co.uk

Q. How would I operate the bath lift once it is installed? Does it come with a remote or do I manually operate it? My arms are not as strong as they used to be! Sincerely Nigel

A. Most bath lifts are battery operated and come with a pushbutton hand set operation and recharging unit. They will lift approx 20 stone and go up and down 20 times. Batteries last about 3 years and also bear in mind the benefit of not having electrics in the bathroom

Practical Bathing 13 Eversley Way Thorpe Industrial Estate Egham Surrey TW20 8RG Tel:08000 1955 70 Email:enquiries@practicalbathing.co.uk