Should You Have a Bath Hoist Installed?

Home adaptations and equipment are revolutionising the care industry and making it easier for older adults to remain living in the comfort of their own homes for longer. However, many people still have concerns about how their elderly loved ones can get in and out of the bath without slipping and hurting themselves.

A bath hoist is a beneficial alternative to expensive remodels that would turn their bathroom into a shower or wet room. Today, we’ll explore everything you need to know about bath hoists, their pros and cons, and whether you should consider installing one.

What Is a Bath Hoist?

A bath hoist is an assistive device that helps lift a person in and out of the bath. It’s particularly useful for carers to help clients with limited mobility bathe without strenuous manual handling and maintain dignity. There are plenty of options to choose from, including those with single-use systems and mechanically operated or electrically powered hoists.

There are several types of bath hoists in home care, including:

• Manual bath hoists: These hoists use a mechanical pump and are often more affordable, as they don’t use electricity to run. However, they require more physical effort to operate.

• Electric bath hoists: An electric hoist uses a rechargeable battery or mains electricity, offering effortless operation for convenience. They require less effort from carers and can offer a smoother process than manual hoists.

• Portable bath hoists: Portable bath hoists can be moved between bathrooms or other rooms, providing support wherever it’s needed.

• Ceiling track hoists: These systems are mounted to the ceiling to offer a seamless and space-saving solution. They offer excellent manoeuvrability and are great for bathrooms with limited space.

• Mobile hoists: Otherwise known as floor or wheeled hoists, these models can be easily moved around the bathroom and other rooms in the house. These are great if your loved one needs a hoist in multiple rooms, like their bedroom.

• Gantry hoists: These freestanding systems don’t need permanent installation. They use a frame that supports the hoist mechanism, which can easily be moved and adjusted whenever needed.

How Does a Bath Hoist Work?

Bath hoists work in various ways depending on the design you choose, but the premise of how they work is usually the same. They use a lifting mechanism and a supportive seat or sling. Here’s how you can expect to use your bath hoist:

1. Position the seat: The bath hoist is positioned next to the bath with unobstructed access.

2. Secure the user: Your loved one sits in the sling or on the bath seat attached to the hoist, and they’re secured with safety straps or a harness.

3. Lift above the bath: The hoist is lifted gently using a manual or electric control, raising your loved one into the air above the bathtub.

4. Lower into the tub: Once the hoist is above the bath, the control lowers your loved one into the water.

These steps are reversed once your loved one is ready to get out of the bath. Their carer should be with them the entire time, ensuring the process is smooth, slow and safe.

Benefits of Installing a Bath Hoist

There are several benefits to using a bath hoist for your loved one with reduced mobility, such as:

Increased Safety

One of the main benefits of a bath hoist is the extra safety it offers your loved one. A bath hoist involves safety straps or a harness to keep them in place, almost eliminating the risk of slipping when getting in and out of the bath. Older adults with limited mobility are significantly safer when using a hoist rather than stepping into a slippery tub independently.

Boosted Independence

Single-use bath hoists allow your loved one to get in and out of the bath themselves, without a carer having to be present. Even hoists that require a carer’s assistance foster independence, as your loved one can maintain personal hygiene with minimal support. This is essential for boosting mood and self-worth–especially when they’re struggling with loss of independence.

Less Strain on Carers

Bath hoists significantly reduce the strain on carers who are responsible for getting their loved ones in and out of the bath. This prevents slips and accidents, avoiding injuries to your loved one and reducing carer fatigue. Your loved one may also feel more comfortable with less close contact.

Maintained Comfort and Dignity

Bath hoists are designed to offer a comfortable and supportive environment during a personal hygiene routine. The hoist mechanism is smooth and slow to ensure it remains controlled at all times. This helps your loved one feel more secure while being hoisted, so they can enjoy a relaxing bath rather than one bookended by stressful, uncomfortable interactions.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Bath Hoists?

While many people find bath hoists beneficial in various practical ways, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. These include:

• Cumbersome: Bath hoists tend to be big and bulky, making them difficult to use and store in smaller bathrooms.
• Less flexibility: Other bath aids, such as grab bars and railings, are easier to use, move and adjust than hoists.
• Expensive: Bath hoists are among the most expensive bathroom aids for people with limited mobility. It’s worth checking whether you can rent a hoist rather than buying one outright.
• Difficult to clean: Some models are difficult to clean, especially those that use slings rather than a full-size bath chair.

Choosing the Right Bath Hoist for your Loved One

If you’ve decided your loved one would benefit from a bath hoist, there are some questions you should ask yourself before choosing a model. This ensures it meets their specific needs and preferences:

• What unique needs does your loved one have? 

The first thing you should do is assess your loved one’s level of mobility and compare that to the different types of hoists available. Electric hoists, thanks to their convenience and ease of transfer, may be the best option if your loved one feels strongly about daily baths. For those who have less frequent baths, a manual hoist may work just as well.

• Will they be using it alone?

If your loved one doesn’t require professional live-in or visiting care, they might need a single-operation hoist to ensure they can get in and out of the bath safely. Electric hoists are more convenient and allow your loved one to bathe without a carer present.  

• What’s your budget?

Budget plays a big role in determining the best bath hoist for your loved one. Depending on the brand and quality you choose, all types of hoists come with various price points. This means you can find a good option for your loved one without compromising quality or safety.

• How is their bathroom laid out?

There’s no use choosing a hoist that’s too big to be used safely and conveniently in your loved one’s bathroom. If you’re worried about the bathroom being too small or oddly shaped, consider a ceiling track or portable sling hoist that can be stored elsewhere when not in use.

• Which important features do you need?

Many bath hoists come with important features to make your loved one’s experience easier, so consider what you’re expecting from the seat. These might include emergency stop buttons, armrests for added stability, and an adjustable height to reduce water usage.

Talk to Our Team Today

If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.

Call us on 020 4572 5583 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.