Getting Out Of The Bath!

[OldBather]

Both of us are 70,and finding it very difficult getting out of the bath (even when we assist each other)
We live in (Private) rented accommodation,we would prefer a shower(to replace the bath),but cannot afford to have one installed.The landlord will not pay for one.
Any suggestions?

[1581960]

"1581960 Re:~EasyBathe.
What sort of price are talking about, all the ones that we have seen are out of our reach moneywise."

Sorry, unable to help with the price, it was a long long time ago that I had mum's fitted, you would have to make enquiries.

You are certainly getting plenty of good ideas, I hope something affordable and suitable comes of it, best of luck.

[campbellking]

Please please refer yourselves to your local community Occupational Therapy Team who will advise/provide bathing equipment. It may be dependent on local policy but my Mum had a rise up/down bath seat lent to her at no cost.

[pixie374]

Suction bath rails?
http://www.argos.co.uk/product/8650799

[furrypusscat]

You could contact Social services or Age Concern, both will know whether you could have a chair operated eletronically as someone has mentioned. Dependent on your personal circumstances, you may possibly be entitled to have one on long term loan while ever it is needed. It is always worth asking. Also if you don't already receive Attendance Allowance for personal care, they will help you to apply if they think you may qualify.

[Buenchico]

This might be relevant:
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN-GB/Factsheets/FS42_Disability_equipment_and_home_adaptations_fcs.pdf?dtrk=true

[OldBather]

pixie 374,
Thank you,
That seems to be the best so far.It's not cheap,but it doesn't(as you say) require any actual fixing.

TWR,Please don't be sorry,we have already thought of that.I am afraid we would rather stay here and have the bath aggro,than the aggro of moving costs and a months deposit for a new place.

Some good news.We have a new neighbour (well she is about 200 yards away,as we live in the country)She has said we can go to her for a shower, probably not as often as we would like,but better than being unbathed.LOL

[OldBather]

Thank You to all,and especially those I haven't thanked in person.
I am rather overwhelmed as this is my 1st question on The Answerbank.
I WILL come back and let you know what happens,as I know it can be annoying not have an outcome to a question you answered.

At the moment it looks like we will be sharing a neighbours shower,but not with her, or together! LOL

[furrypusscat]

That's very neighbourly, what a nice offer. Hope you manage to sort something out long term from the suggestions.

[TWR]

Good Morning Old Bathers, I was going to suggestion that option in fact, I used to support persons with L.D. & I had to do that one week as the Up/Down bath went capput at the Service Users home, is you landlord a person you can speak to? what I mean by that, an option was a sit on device that was pictured for you, would your L.L. allow you to get this installed at your expense & then your family could put it back to it's previous condition? I have met some very " Up their own backside L.Ls in my days" but with some discussions they have seen common sense, in your case Safety.

[tamaris]

you can buy in Argos grab fitments that are very strong and can be fitted without any work all suction I bought some very good I forget the name of them they were cheapish too x

[tamborine]

Not bath stuff but might work

http://www.argos.co.uk/product/7204548

[alavahalf]

It appears that money is the issue and the landlord doesn't help ... having spent more years than I can remember installing adaptions an aids for the vulnerable and disabled, sadly your story is quite common.
My position was funded by Local councils, Social Services, and the Police. I had the luxury of a credit card with a very high limit and when I came across anyone in you position, I could just spend as much as was needed to rectify the situation, there and then .. then just walk away without charging and forget about it. The other alternative was I advise that a Social worker get involved or refer it to a colleague/case worker who would arrange for a visit to go through the possibilities. If you have little or no spare cash that is often the best position to be in when asking for support. If adaptions are required an Occupational Therapist would get involved and along with the case worker, they would find the funding for the adaption. I know you said the Landlord is against any building works... but I wish I could tell you how many changed their minds once they found they were getting a new bathrom for free. As a rule if the Landlord allowed the adaptions, the only contribution he had to make was for the slightly better spec, tiles or floor covering he wanted instead of the standard issue supplied.
Another point most people are unaware of ... depending on what trade or what employer you may have spent your earlier life with, their are thousands of long standing benevolent funds that help with these situations. The best one I ever seen was when I visited a 97 year old ex fireman to do a plumbing repair.. when I seen the condition of his bathroom I advised our caseworker who then contacted the Firemans benevolent fund.. they asked how much to sort the bathroom out. We said at least £12k .. they said 'Make it a bit nicer than the standard spec'.. and gave us £12k. If your landlord thought he was getting a £10k bathroom for free, all af a sudden he will forget about upheaval.
One more point I should mention before I go .. the best place for getting support in this situation .. if you qualify, is from SAFA .. if you served in the forces, even for one day, they will definitely help... Good luck.
Got to dash, there's a pint with my name on it waiting for me !

[ferlew]

GP referred Mr F to social services for an assessment, with in the week they had brought both a chair that could be wheeled into bathroom, and one of those bathlifts you just lay in the bath, and it lifs and lowers with a remote, no fixing at all.
http://www.betterlifehealthcare.com/view/drive-bellavita-ultralight-bath-lift/6226/

[OldBather]

twr Thanks again,but unfortunately I have no idea who my Landlord is(personally).I rent from a faceless company,I don't even know where they are actually,any communications are either mail(p.o.box) or email.The agent that I dealt with (16 years ago,and still does) is in the same situation.Bizarre ain't it!

[OldBather]

alavahalf
Thank you for your detailed and informative answer.I shall digest it at my leisure.I will have a pint (at home) and toast you.LOL

[TWR]

Hoi, don't you 2 old uns go on the Izz, decide to go for a bath then fall out. good luck to you both, I hope you get whats needed.

[Mamyalynne]

The landlord's agent doesn't know where your rent goes to?


Very unusual situation.

[OldBather]

Mamyalynne,
We pay our rent via the Internet.Our Landlord is basically just a bank account number to us,and an EMail address to the agent,when he needs to contact them.

[OldBather]

TWR
We can't drink alcohol due to our (both) medications.
We won't fall out now,been at it too long~
42 years!

[Mamyalynne]

OK, having lived in the same rental property for 40 years I have made it my business to know who everyone is from the Landlord's agent upwards.


I hope you get sorted.