Adapting to a new way of living requires patience. Replacing old habits with new ones to accommodate changes can be challenging at times. Finding new ways to live more comfortably after experiencing something life-altering or noticing a decline in mobility due to age.
For instance, living with a disability does come with limitations, some of which are regarding mobility. Recent reports have revealed that 14.6 million people in the UK have a disability, some of who are adapting to life with a disability and the impact it has on their mobility. One area they are learning about is what equipment is available to help them live more comfortably.
The market has various equipment and resources available designed to help those with limited mobility, whether they have a disability or if they are elderly. However, there is one piece of apparatus that can help to have a positive impact in an individual’s life, that helps them to gain independence – assisted baths.
In 2023, the assisted baths market is anticipated to undergo some changes, which could have an impact on the quality of care carers can provide individuals. Before we dive into that, here’s a quick refresher on what an assisted bath is.
Assisted Bath Summary
In short, an assisted bath features a door on the side of the tub. This feature is ideal for those with limited mobility issues who are unable to climb in and out of a standard bath. Some refer to assisted baths as an easy-access bath as it is accommodating to those with mobility issues. Assisted baths can help to offer a sense of independence. The easy access using the door means that an individual could get in and out of the bath without assistance. Whilst it might seem that no major changes could occur within the assisted bath market, a few developments could make a difference.
Changes In The Market
It is almost impossible not to acknowledge the advancements technology has made throughout the years. Technology has influenced and altered the way countless businesses, regardless of the sector or industry they operate. Within healthcare, technology has certainly altered how care is delivered, the medicines available, treatment options and making things more accessible — for instance, the development of assisted baths.
As manufacturers become more innovative with assisted baths, thanks to technology, it is helping to shift the market, and here’s how.
Accommodating Different Budgets
In previous years, assisted baths were considered a costly investment as there were only a few options available on the market. As technology has advanced and innovation has altered the market, there is a greater choice of assisted baths available for people to choose from. Each one ranges in size and features that could help those with limited mobility.
However, the most noticeable difference is the variation in costs. Thanks to the vaster range of options, the price range has also expanded, with more affordable choices available to choose from. This expansive choice helps accommodate various budgets, allowing individuals the opportunity the chance to get an assisted bath to help them.
Styles Are Changing
Along with a variety of costs, there is also a diverse range of styles available. Some assisted baths feature a reclining powered seat, allowing individuals to recline into a relaxing position comfortably. This effortless recline helps individuals to enjoy soaking in the bath, knowing that they have the support of the reclining seat to sit them back up when they are ready to get out.
Along with a reclining seat, some assisted baths feature bright colours on the handles and doors instead of the classic white colour scheme many bathroom appliances come in. These brightly coloured handles and features are designed to help those who are visually impaired. Many companies offer a selection of colours to choose from for assisted baths, handles, taps and so on. Individuals can choose the ones they feel will be both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
Rise And Lower Takeover
In the UK, there is one assisted bath manufacturer that some will know of, the Rise and Lower Company. The business is a specialist in assisted baths, having helped countless individuals throughout the years. Their product portfolio features plenty of options to help individuals that need an assisted bath find one that makes bathing safe, practical, and therapeutic. Each one could make the ideal fit in the bathroom of an individual with mobility issues.
However, the Rise and Lower Company was recently taken over by NHC, which offers a selection of assisted baths. This takeover could help expand the reach of their products, helping more people with limited mobility find an assisted bath to fit into their homes. The independence it can provide and being able to enjoy the benefits of soaking in the bath, many believe, is worth the investment.
A Growing Demand
With an ageing population, the demand for assisted baths is growing simultaneously. Those with mobility issues want the support and independence an assisted bath can provide. Of course, they also want an assisted bath to fit into the space they have available. Hence why, they will likely scour the market, comparing options till they find the choice for them.
From people turning their bathrooms into wet rooms and wanting assisted baths, or care homes looking to update some of the resident’s bathrooms, the demand for assisted baths is rising. Manufacturers are working to meet this demand and offer innovative products to customers to help them bathe more comfortably with an assisted bath.
Noticeable Equipment Trends
As you can see, there are many changes in the assisted baths market occurring. These changes are also influencing the supportive equipment trends in the bathroom. For instance, many assisted baths have seats for an individual to use. This enables them to sit in a position most comfortable for them and one that is easier for them to stand up from. Having a seat in the bath has also influenced the trend of shower seats. Similar to assisted bath seats, a shower seat has the same purpose. It allows an individual the independence to shower on their own from a position that they are most comfortable in.
Of course, standing up from a shower seat or bath seat can be a little tricky. As such, many will use the handles or support from a loved one to help them stand. Although an assisted bath can help an individual potentially get into and out of a bath without support, there is still the risk of slipping. Slipping in the bath can be a painful experience, one with serious consequences depending on the fall. To combat this issue, slip-resistant surfaces are worth considering. Slip-resistant surfaces are becoming increasingly popular for understandable reasons. It helps with reducing the risk of a slip occurring, one that could limit a person’s capabilities. Investing in slip-resistant surfaces for an assisted bath is something that the market will likely see a greater interest in.
What The Future Holds
The points mentioned above only scratch the surface of how the assisted market is changing this year. As the year progresses and new technology is released, there will likely be more changes made a few months from now. Each new development made and change implemented further helps those with mobility issues to gain a little more independence in their lives. The assisted baths market is in an exciting period, and we cannot wait to see where it takes us next!
