If you still prefer to bathe rather than shower, the right equipment makes all the difference between a safe, enjoyable experience and a hazardous one. Bath boards and bath lifts are both designed to help you get in and out of the bath safely, but they work very differently and suit different levels of ability. Here is a clear comparison so you can make the right call.
Key takeaways
- A bath board lets you sit on the edge of the bath and swing your legs in; it suits people who can still lower and raise themselves independently
- A bath lift lowers you into the water and raises you back out; it suits people who need more support or have limited strength
- Bath boards cost $80 to $200 and are simpler to use; bath lifts cost $400 to $1,200 and require charging
- Bath lifts often qualify as Assistive Technology under NDIS
- Both should be used with a grab rail and a non-slip mat inside the bath
In this article
What Is a Bath Board?
A bath board is a rigid board that bridges the width of your bath, resting on the bath rim. You sit on the board, swing your legs over the side and into the bath, then slide across to lower yourself down. It removes the need to step over the bath rim entirely, which is where most bath falls happen.
How a bath board works
Most bath boards are made from durable plastic, are height-adjustable to fit different bath widths, and support 130 to 150 kg. Some models include a swivel seat that rotates to help you turn and lower more easily. They require no power and no installation beyond placing them on the bath rim.
Who a bath board suits
A bath board is the right choice if you can still lower yourself from a seated position to the bath floor and rise back to seated without significant assistance. The test is simple: can you sit on the edge of the bath and push yourself down and back up under your own strength? If yes, a bath board gives you a safer and more comfortable way to do that. If the answer is no, a bath lift is a more appropriate option.
What Is a Bath Lift?
A bath lift is a battery-powered device that sits inside the bath. You lower yourself onto the seat while it is at its highest position, then use a controller to lower yourself into the water at a comfortable depth. When you are done, the lift raises you back to a height from which you can step or swing out easily.
How a bath lift works
Most bath lifts are battery-powered and suction-cup to the base of the bath. They lower and raise using a simple hand-held controller. Battery life typically allows several uses per charge. Some models include a reclining backrest for a more comfortable bathing position. Weight capacity is typically 120 to 150 kg. The lift must be charged before use, which is a key practical consideration for daily bathing.
Who a bath lift suits
A bath lift is appropriate for anyone who has difficulty lowering themselves to the bath floor and pushing back up. This includes people with limited leg strength, recovering from surgery on a hip or knee, managing significant arthritis, or anyone for whom getting up from a low position is genuinely difficult. It is also a good option for carers who are assisting with bathing, as it significantly reduces the manual effort required.
Which One Is Right for You?
The simplest decision guide is this: if you can lower yourself to the floor and get back up without significant effort, a bath board will work well for you. If getting up from a low position is difficult or requires help, a bath lift is the safer choice.
A simple decision guide
| Bath board | Bath lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $80 to $200 | $400 to $1,200 |
| Power required | No | Yes (battery) |
| Who it suits | Can lower and raise independently | Needs support raising from a low position |
| NDIS-eligible | Often as Low Cost AT | Yes, commonly as Mid Cost AT |
Both products should be used alongside a wall-mounted grab rail at the side of the bath and a non-slip mat inside the bath.
NDIS and Home Care Package funding
Bath lifts are commonly funded under NDIS as Assistive Technology, typically at the Mid Cost tier (over $1,500). Bath boards may qualify as Low Cost AT. In both cases, you will usually need a recommendation from an occupational therapist or AT advisor in your plan. Home Care Package holders can request bathing aids through their care coordinator as part of the assistive technology or personal care budget.
Browse our range of bath boards and bathroom aids. We can provide NDIS and HCP-compatible quotes on request.