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Table could not be displayed.Taking a bath is something people either love or dislike intensely, a little like marmite, but we can all agree that it’s something that needs to be done. Some are lazy, some don’t have the time to waste spending hours drenched in their tub, but there are people who simply can’t do what they need without help – our elders.
Elderly people often rely on their kids (or sometimes grandkids) to lend a hand when they need to take a shower, but there are situations when that help isn’t available. Instead of being forced to rely on external help, our dear granddads and grandmotherss can now rest at ease knowing that convenient contraptions – or better yet alternatives – have been invented.
We’re talking, of course, about bath seats for the elderly, though these bath seats are also meant for the disabled or handicapped people. In essence, these seats provide the means to enjoy a bath without having to struggle with uncomfortable tub edges or bottom. Here we review the best bath seats for the elderly, so if you’ve a loved one who is in need of assistance with their bathing, read on.
Best bath seats for the elderly reviews
Drive DeVillbiss Healthcare Bellavita Lightweight Reclining Bath Lift
A brief overview of key features and specs:
The first bath seat we’re reviewing is the Drive DeVilbiss’ Healthcare Bellavita – we’ll call it the “Bellavita” from now on. Essentially, this is a plain bath seat which comes supplied with a modest seat of easy to use features.
The seat is lightweight, and operates on an integrated (built-in) Li-Ion battery. It’s perfect for shallower baths as it features a very low seat.
Lastly, the Bellavita comes with a washable cover which is fairly easy to maintain. This bath seat can support up to 140 kilograms of weight.
Exceptional features:
This particular model features an incredibly low seat which happens to be one of the most sought after features in a bath seat. If you’ve been researching bathroom seats for elderly people, you’ll notice that most people are complaining about “medium” or “high” seats – such seats are uncomfortable to use, to say the least.
With the Bellavita, you’ll be able to take your bath and feel at ease at the same time. The long battery lifetime also means that you won’t have to worry about the contraption dying out on you when you need it the most.
What we liked about this bath seat:
Despite it’s somewhat slender appearance, the Bellavita is actually very robust and strong. It’s built of premium-quality materials which will last for years to come. On top of that, it’s very easy to assemble it, as well as easy to use.
On a side note, the Bellavita is also very light in terms of weight. It’s easy to transport it, and it could be your best travel companion if you’re travelling with your elderly family on a trip. The huge weight support (140 kilograms) makes it suitable for virtually everyone.
What we thought could be improved:
The only minor negative about the Bellavita is that it’s not exactly perfect for tall elderly people. Namely, straightening out your legs will be hard if you’re approximately (or over) 6-feet tall, so using this bath seat might not be as comfortable as for other, shorter people.
Price & price point category:
Simply put, the Bellavita is neither too expensive or cheap. It stands on the middle of the “moderately expensive” price point category which means that most quality bath seats are more expensive, but exceptions are possible. It does, however, offer great value for money.
Our verdict:
Even though the Bellavita might not be suitable for the tallest of people, it’s among the most comfortable and lightweight bath seats for elderly people. It’ great value, comes outfitted with easy to use features, and it’s supplied with a long lasting Li-Ion battery. Overall, it’s great, handy, and remarkably useful.
Pros:
- Robust construction.
- Lightweight and easy to assemble.
- Incredibly low seat.
- Washable cover.
- Great supportive strength.
- Superb comfort.
Cons:
- Not ideal for very tall people.
NRS Healthcare Orca Bath Lift
A brief overview of key features and specs:
Next up in our reviews of the best bath seats for the elderly is NRS Healthcare’s Orca bath lift. Truth be told, it resembles the Bellavita a lot, but there are crucial differences between them which are the reason why we’re putting it in the second spot in our reviews.
First of all, this is a little more affordable when compared to our top pick: it’s in the same price range, but costs slightly less. It’s incredibly comfortable and provides plenty of room for legs (more than the Bellavita offers).
The Orca bath lift comes fitted with a high back rest which provides excellent postural and lumbar support, regardless of whether it’s positioned upright or reclined. The two-part foldaway design makes it very easy to assemble and use.
Exceptional features:
Most bath seats for elderly people come with suction cups. The Orca is no exception but the ones it boasts are extra large. That means they provide even more security on dimpled surfaces.
The other difference between the Bellavita and the Orca can be seen in the side flaps which the latter comes supplied with. They provide even more space to sit on and ensure easier re-positioning and use.
What we liked about this bath seat:
Plenty of space, very comfortable to use, not at all expensive – those would be our first remarks after using the Orca bath seat. It also comes fitted with exclusive features such as side flaps and big suction cups which make it one of the safest and most practical bath seats for the elderly.
Furthermore, the Orca features a two-part foldaway design – it’s very transportable and lightweight, and assembling it is a breeze.
What we thought could be improved:
While the durability of the Orca is not an issue per se, it’s a bit flimsier when compared to the Bellavita. That doesn’t mean that it’s not as robust as it should be though, only that it might not last you as long as the slightly more expensive Bellavita.
Price & price point category:
Just like we mentioned earlier, the Orca bath lift isn’t really expensive. It isn’t, however, cheap: it belongs to the same price point category as the Bellavita (moderately expensive), and, in our objective opinion, it offers good value for the money.
Our verdict:
It doesn’t get much better than the Orca bath lift if you’re looking for a quality bath seat for the elderly. If you’re capable of looking past its small imperfections (the mediocre durability), you’ll agree with us on that this is one of the best bath seats you could get for the price.
Pros:
- Moderately affordable.
- Very comfortable with plenty of leg space.
- High backrest with great postural support.
- Foldaway design.
- Huge suction cups.
- Easy transfer side flaps.
Cons:
- Mediocre durability.
Bath Lift Bathmaster Deltis
A brief overview of key features and specs:
Next up is Patterson Medical’s Bathmaster Deltis – a beautiful, convenient bath seat for the elderly which is fantastic value for money.
The full set of features include the Bathmaster Deltis bath lift, a set of blue covers, and an easy-to-use floating remote. Now, it goes without saying that each feature is completely waterproof, which means they’ll remain intact and functional even if drenched or submersed.
Just like the Orca, the Bathmaster Deltis bath lift features a two-way design. It’s foldable and very simple to construct, although you’ll have to do the latter yourself when the package arrives.
The entire bath seat is made of plastic materials. They’re not flimsy though, and the main benefits they bring to the table is easy construction, a modern appearance, and they’re completely corrosion free.
Exceptional features:
The modern-looking blue covers aren’t all that exceptional, but if you’re looking for a good bath seat, why not search for one that looks good too? The two-part design isn’t perfect, but it’s quite adequate.
What really makes this bath seat unique is the plastic construction. Most quality seats feature only a few plastic parts while the majority of construction is either ABS, metal or such. The hard plastic used to manufacture this seat, however, promises a lot in terms of durability and practicality. It’s easy to clean, and on the plus side, it won’t rust after years of usage.
What we liked about this bath seat:
The best part about the Bathmaster Deltis is that it’s completely waterproof – even the remote can be submersed. This makes Bathmaster one of the most convenient bath seat models we’ve come across.
Furthermore, the corrosion-free materials, as well as the two-part design additionally contribute to the convenience. This bath seat features big side flaps and offers plenty of back support, as well as enough room for your legs.
What we thought could be improved:
Now, hard plastic isn’t exactly everyone’s idea of “comfortable”. Sure enough, you’ll find cosier seats on the market, but nevertheless this seat is comfortable enough.
Price & price point category:
The Bathmaster costs a little bit more than our previous two picks. It belongs to a slightly higher price point category (the upper bracket of the “moderately expensive” price range). Regardless, it’s durability and ease of use means it’s still great value for money.
Our verdict:
Truth be told, most people would choose the Bellavita over the Bathmaster if the price is the sole factor. In essence, these two bath seats do the same thing and come fitted with relatively similar features, only this one costs a bit more.
On the other hand, the amount of convenience this bath seat offers can’t be matched by the other models we’ve reviewed so far. It’s even easier to use than the Bellavita or the Orca, and it’s decently comfortable for a plastic bath seat.
Pros:
- Comfortable to use.
- Comes with a pair of modern-looking blue covers.
- Completely waterproof features.
- Two-part foldable design.
- Corrosion-free materials.
Cons:
- Plastic materials.
- A bit flimsy.
Aqua Joy Lightweight Reclining Bath Lift
A brief overview of key features and specs:
The Aqua Joy reclining bath lift is next in our review, and if you liked what you’ve seen so far, you’ll love this model. Essentially, it’s a wide reclining bath “lift” (not a seat per se) which offers superior back, leg, and lumbar support.
The seat is pretty big, being some 14 inches in diameter, and the backrest is suitable for people of all heights. On top of that, the maximum supportive strength matches that of the Bellavita (140 kilograms).
The Aqua Joy reclining bath lift features a neat waterproof remote and a pair of side flaps, but it doesn’t come with any additional features such as covers, for example.
Exceptional features:
Both the Aqua Joy and the Bellavita are made by the same brand – Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare. That means that you can expect the same level of craftsmanship and similar technologies: great support, recognizable side flaps, quality suction unit, and waterproof features. The Bellavita, however, has slightly better features.
What we liked about this bath seat:
The look of the Aqua Joy is something you can’t miss – this bath lift looks amazing (as far as any bath seat can!).
On top of that, it offers the most comfortable backrest you’ll find, and it’s quite spacious too.
Lastly, it’s made of premium quality robust materials, making this an extremely durable bath lift.
What we thought could be improved:
The only thing we didn’t like as much about Aqua Joy is the price tag. Namely, it’s quite expensive. Apart from that, however, there are no major flaws or deal-breakers.
Price & price point category:
The Aqua Joy belongs to the same price point category as the Bathmaster Deltis – the upper bracket of the moderately expensive price point category. It’s expensive, sure, but it’s also among the most comfortable and spacious bath seats you’ll find.
Our verdict:
It’s safe to say that if you’re looking for comfort and money is no object, then you’ll find the Aqua Joy to be one of, if not the best bath seat for the elderly. The amount of benefits it brings to the table can’t even begin to compare to similar models. It is pricey, though.
Pros:
- Exceptionally comfortable.
- Spacious and roomy.
- Plenty of back and lumbar support.
- Neat side flaps.
- Completely submersible remote controller.
- Huge supportive strength.
Cons:
- Expensive.
Mangar Bathing Cushion
A brief overview of key features and specs:
The last bath seat in our review is Mangar’s bathing cushion. It’s the first (and only) bath cushion in our review, and we’ve added it for the sake of diversity. If conventional (plastic/ABS) bath seats don’t seem so comfortable to you, Mangar’s cushion will undoubtedly be to your liking.
This model was specifically designed to provide an increased level of comfort. The Airflo technology pumps the cushion with air from underneath you, providing you with the ability to customize your bathing experience with a simple touch of a button.
It comes with a convenient carry handle which makes it easy to carry around, although that isn’t really an issue in the first place since it’s quite lightweight.
The seat is very comfortable and the seams are barely noticeable, meant to protect even the most fragile skin.
Exceptional features:
Truth be told, everything about Mangar’s bathing cushion is great. This bath “seat” features the Airflo compressor technology which is operated by a powerful, reliable battery. It’s more comfortable than any seat we’ve reviewed so far, and it leaves you to decide just how big it will be in the end.
What we liked about this bath seat:
Superior comfort is the first thing that’s worth mentioning here. Simply put, there’s not a single bath seat that offers as much cosiness as Mangar’s bathing cushion. On top of that, the portability of this model is unrivalled: it’s lightweight and comes outfitted with a neat little carry handle.
You don’t even need to assemble it. Just position it inside the tub (or shower) and press the button to start the Airflo compressor.
What we thought could be improved:
Again, we’ve recommended to you an expensive bath seat. Mangar’s bath cushion belongs to the “very expensive” price point category, and prepare for some saving up if you haven’t already if you want to purchase it.
Price & price point category:
Mangar’s bath cushion is expensive and it belongs to such price point category. It is, however, well worth the money, although most people on a tight budget would probably prefer on of the more affordable options which basically do the same thing, though admittedly not as well.
Our verdict:
Expensive as it might be, Mangar’s bath seat is well worth the money. It’s simply the most comfortable back seat we’ve seen. It’s also one of the most practical and compact models you’ll find, regardless of how hard you look.
Yeah, it’s true that it’s costly, but if you’re really in the market for the best of the best, don’t hesitate – this is the one you’ve been looking for.
Pros:
- Unmatched comfort and portability.
- Completely waterproof features.
- Lightweight cushion design.
- Comes with a convenient carry handle.
- Huge value for the money.
Cons:
- Very expensive.
Buying guide – how to pick the best bath seat for the elderly
Essentially, there are only a few things you need to pay attention to: the price of the seat is obviously important, the ease with which it can be used is mandatory, while the level of comfort the model offers is equally important – you don’t want to be uncomfortable whilst bathing.
Let’s discuss the price first. Simply put, there are budget variants that don’t exactly offer many benefits, but they do the job. On the other hand, mid-priced models are all-around great, but if you’re really looking for over-the-top quality, be prepared to pay top dollar.
Just after the price comes the ease of use. Since most elderly people can’t really handle modern contraptions, it’s important that the bath seat you’re after is convenient to use. That means that it’s easily transportable, that the instructions aren’t overly complex, and that the seat itself is portable and lightweight.
Speaking about weight, each bath seat model features a pre-determined maximum weight capacity. It’s measured in kilograms/pounds, and often represented as “supportive strength”. Note that even the most durable of seats might crack if the supportive strength isn’t adequate.
That leads us to the next point of interest – durability. Most bath seats are made of plastic materials, hard plastic in the majority of cases. Plastic, true to form, isn’t exactly comfortable, but quality models often feature special covers that aim to negate that little flaw.
Lastly, why is comfort so important? Elder people have brittle bones and value comfort more than average people. In fact, most elderly people are looking for a bath seat precisely because they want to feel comfortable while taking a bath. If plastic bath seats aren’t cutting it, there are bath cushions (such as Mangar’s bathing cushion) that might do the trick.
Conclusion
Finding a quality bath seat for seniors can be a difficult task. It’s not a market with a huge number of competitors in it, and while durability is important (hence the plastic construction of many seats) so is comfort, so it’s a difficult balancing act that manufacturers have to struggle with.
We’ve done the research for you and have compiled a list of the best bath seats for the elderly. Any of the models reviewed here will meet your needs just fine, so take your pick. We hope that you’ve found our review as helpful and wish you all the luck in finding what you’re looking for.
