Bath or shower?: Has any of you with ataxia got... - Ataxia UK

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Bath or shower?

pennypoop profile image
18 Replies

Has any of you with ataxia got the bath/shower dilemma? I use a wheelchair for mobility but can still transfer and stand up if holding on. A wet room has been suggested as the safest option, but I really want a bath. I have limited room for a lift so it looks like my only option is grab rails? Where? Any suggestions?

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pennypoop profile image
pennypoop
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18 Replies
Caraxxo profile image
Caraxxo

I don't use a wheelchair but I do use grab rails and furniture to steady myself, I can use the shower but I always use the bath. It's easier to be sitting down than standing up. It can take me a while to get in the bath though

LBenyon profile image
LBenyon

I used to use a bath board now I use a shower chair fitted to the wall so my husband can put up to the wall when not in use,,i brought a dear one not a cheap one from a mobilty specialist . I hope you sort out your shower dilemma?

pennypoop profile image
pennypoop in reply toLBenyon

The fold up chair sounds a good idea, but is there still room for you to get down to sit on the bottom of the bath?

LBenyon profile image
LBenyon in reply topennypoop

it is fixed onto a shower wall there fore I don't know if available for a bath unit?

pennypoop profile image
pennypoop in reply toLBenyon

Ok misread it

LBenyon profile image
LBenyon in reply topennypoop

do you still think it could be any good for you?

pennypoop profile image
pennypoop in reply toLBenyon

Don't think so, as I'd need grab rails to transfer as balance is my big prob, but thanks for the idea

murcia profile image
murcia

A wet room with folding chair youve got to think about how your Ataxia is going to be in a few years for me it was a good decision,

Had Ataxia since my early twenties now 57.

LBenyon profile image
LBenyon in reply tomurcia

Murcia,i got shower chair when I was 59 and I'm now 61 and so far no problems--cross fingers.your right I might have to re=think in years to come,but not yet thankfully.

xray25 profile image
xray25

Hi Pennyprop

I have a shower chair that sits over the bath and swivals, i can no longer get in a bath but do not want a wet room , this means i can sit with my back to the shower to wash my hair and swival round forward to wash myself, i still have a grab rail to stand and wash the bits and peices. hope this helps V XX

annasgonesailing profile image
annasgonesailing

I have an orca bath lift, I have a shower over the bath so during the week sit on it to shower but if I am cold or achey can use the lift function to get submerged but obviously you loose some depth in the bath.

Anna

klazien profile image
klazien

A bath gets harder and harder to get in out of. And with a slippery floor that is dangerous. I have a shower cubicle with a stool and grab bars. I would advice a shower that is big enough to fit a wheelchair for when the time comes that that is needed.

Loubie82 profile image
Loubie82

Hi I love my bath but have recently. Been advised by my ot and physio that this is no longer the safest option for me so am in the process of applying for a wet room hopefully you find a better option for you.

silkwood profile image
silkwood

I have a wet room,fixed fold down chair ,grab rail and husband/carer and still need a lot of help. i find with my Ataxia any system that does not cause any sensation of slippage could be adapted. ANon Slip mat is an essential .

barb1228 profile image
barb1228

What is a wet room?

pennypoop profile image
pennypoop

Fully titled room with drainage and wheel in shower

David2015 profile image
David2015

You must have a premier type tub! Go to tubs on your phone and there are tubs in Florida for 1/3 the cost just as good. I could not have survived w/o one. If I can give further advise. please let me know. On Line!! Get phone no. And call for details. We only have about $3,000 in what a Premier costs about $12,000 for one!! Go on line to tubs for disabled and there is more than one comp. you must figure out how to afford one.

degarmo profile image
degarmo

I have just moved to assisted living, has my property before had a wet room .

They have a well being suite whereby you can take a bath

Degarmo

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