What are low-level baths, and what are their benefits?

Enjoying a long soak in the bath is one of life’s great pleasures. There are many health benefits associated with having a hot bath, but for older adults, the bathroom is often considered the most hazardous part of the home.

For older adults and people with limited mobility, finding a bathing solution that blends accessibility with comfort can be difficult. This is why low-level baths have emerged as a solution, as they not only address any mobility needs but also provide a relaxing and stress-free bathing experience.

This guide takes a look at what low-level baths are, the features of this type of bathing solution and what benefits they provide.

What are low-level baths?

As the name suggests, these are baths which are lower in height than standard baths.

The height of the tub for low-level baths is usually between 36 and 43cm (around 14 and 17 inches), whereas the height for a standard bathtub is 51cm. If the tub is 38 cm high, low-level baths can hold around 130 litres of water, which is less than standard-sized baths, which hold around 192 litres of water (based on tubs with a height between 42 and 46 cm).

In terms of length, the most common size for bathtubs is around 170cm and 70cm wide.

ALSO READ: A guide to different kinds of walk-in baths and showers

What are the main benefits of low baths?

• They are easier to step in and out of.
• Low baths can fit into small bathrooms.
• They could save you money on water.
• They can increase independence.
• They provide comfortable seating.
• They are safer than standard high-sided baths.
• Low baths can reduce stress.

They are easier to step in and out of

Low baths for the elderly and those with limited mobility feature a step-in height that is lower than standard tubs, but unlike walk-in baths, they do not have doors that people can use to walk into the tub.

The lower step-in height means that users do not need to worry about lifting their legs over the side of the tub, making it easier and safer to enter and exit the bath.

A walk-in bath not only boasts easy access and a lower step-in height but what differentiates it from low baths are its doors, which are located on the side of the bath. This means that users can just open the door on the bathtub when it is empty and walk into it, and then close the door and start to fill the bath up with water. It also includes anti-slip features as standard, and these features minimise the risk of trips, slips, and falls.

Low baths can fit into small bathrooms

Making a bathroom more accessible can mean reconfiguring it, which can be tricky. If you are trying to plan the space in a small bathroom, it is essential that you choose a bathtub that will fit into the room.

There are plenty of low baths, which have a compact design ideal for small bathrooms, are available in different sizes, and feature an inward-opening door.

These compact baths come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common are straight baths, although you can get L-shaped baths too.

They could save you money on water

As low baths have a smaller capacity and hold less water than regular bathtubs, this can help you save money on your water and energy bills.

Increased independence

With low-level baths, you or someone with limited mobility may not have to rely as much on getting help when getting in and out of the bath.

The accessible design and the safety features of these baths mean users can enjoy their bathing routine.

ALSO READ: What are the top bathroom safety tips?

Comfortable seating

These types of baths are not just designed for their accessibility; they are created with comfort in mind.

Low-level baths often include contoured seating that supports a more natural sitting position which reduces a strain on joints and improves the bathing experience.

They are safer than standard high-sided baths

Low-level baths come with a variety of safety features such as safety handholds, low entry points, and temperature-controlled mixer taps.

With extra safety features in-built, those with limited mobility can manoeuvre more easily, which can help reduce the risk of falls.

ALSO READ: How to make a home safe for older people with limited mobility

Reduce stress

Bathing is known to reduce stress, and for people with limited mobility, the security provided by low baths creates an environment that helps promote mental well-being.

Better Sleep, a leading wellness app, says that taking a bath has many benefits: “They’re said to improve mental and emotional health. And there’s evidence that a 30-minute warm bath could help with depression. It’s also shown to decrease stress hormones and balance serotonin levels—serotonin is a brain chemical that helps to regulate your mood.”

“It’s also said that similar to how the sun’s warmth helps release endorphins, your skin does the same in response to the warm water against your skin. Endorphins can help improve mood, reduce stress, and relieve pain.”

This article was brought to you by Handicare, working with Age Co, who provide a range of home mobility products such as stairlifts, homelifts and bathing solutions. For more information about how they can help make your home more accessible, please get in touch.

For more informative guides and accessibility information, visit our news page.