Better ideas for bathtime

HAD enough of your old high-sided bath? Then why not set the ball rolling by ordering one of the latest walk-in showers, which look fabulously sleek and elegant, but conceal some clever safety features that will future-proof your bathing for years ahead. These include low entry, designer grab rails, drop-down seating, thermostatic controls and slip-resistant flooring. Another option is a bath lift, which will make for more confident bathing, without major alterations to your bathroom. A bath belt (pictured above) consists of a fabric band on a roller, which retracts into a wall-fixed unit with an integral grab bar. The band pulls out and attaches to a floor-mounted bracket. A battery-powered motor then slowly rotates the roller, letting out the band further and lowering you gently down. The big advantage is that it lowers you right to the bottom of the bath, giving the freedom to lie back and enjoy a relaxing soak. And when the band is withdrawn into the unit, the bath is clear of equipment and can be used by others in the household.