Many individuals, whether due to age or illness, find that they have difficulty getting in and out of bathtubs. One form of equipment that has been designed to help alleviate this difficulty is the bath board. Consisting of a movable board that is secured across the width of the tub, this useful accessory is sat upon by the person who can then lower him- or herself in and out of the tub with relatively minor, if any, assistance. When choosing the best bath board, the most important factors you should consider are the sturdiness and ease of use.
One of the most important features of a bath board is that it is sturdy. If not, it can be hazardous to the person using it. Look carefully at the different types when choosing to make sure that the board you buy can easily support the width and amount of weight that will be placed on it. It also needs to fit the width of your bathtub. If you are going to buy a board with feet that fit into bathtubs that have grooves on the insides, make sure that the feet lengths are adjustable to fit your tub; they should also be rubber with nonslip treads that prevent the board from moving during use.
If there are no grooves in the sides of your bath, you can choose a board that has large hooks on one side. Make sure that there are at least two hooks and that they are sizable and placed near the edges of each side of the board to help better balance weight. If the person using the bath board is somewhat unsteady, you should look for one that also has a back board because this provides greater support. Many designs also come with brightly colored handles that are easy to see and provide extra support. Although the board must be sturdy, make sure that it is also lightweight so that it is easy to lift on and off of the tub.
As well as being lightweight, there are a number of other features to look for when choosing a bath board in regards to ease of use. It should be easy to install over the tub, not requiring any specialized tools, and should be just as easy to remove. You want a board that is portable so that it can be easily stored and taken when traveling. There are several different materials available, including plastic, wood, and padded faux leather. Choose one that is easy to clean and waterproof and that has holes in the board to allow water to drain efficiently.
Boards are also available with slats rather than holes; however, these can often be uncomfortable on the buttocks. If the person has very limited mobility, then you can purchase a bath board that has two levels, making descent and ascent in and out of the bath more gradual. Finally, the boards are available with different features of convenience, such as soap holders, which can make the bathing process even easier.