Bath lifts and shower seats: a buying guide
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
If getting in and out of the bath has become difficult, you do not necessarily need a new bathroom. A bath board, a bath lift or a shower seat costs a fraction of the price, and the council may lend you one free after an assessment.
Who they suit
Bathing aids help if you struggle to step over the side of the bath, lower yourself down, get back up or stand for the length of a shower. The bathroom is one of the commonest places for falls at home, so it is worth acting before you have a fright. Because the right answer depends on your balance, strength and bathroom layout, this is an area where an occupational therapist's advice really pays off.
The main types
| Aid | What it does | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bath board | A board across the top of the bath to sit on while you wash or shower over the bath | You sit down first, then swing your legs over. No soaking in the water |
| Bath seat | A low seat inside the bath, so you do not have to get right down to the bottom | Often used together with a bath board |
| Bath step | Halves the height of the step over the side | Must be non-slip and stable; best used with a grab rail |
| Powered bath lift | A seat that lowers you into the water and raises you again | Battery powered; lets you still have a proper bath |
| Bath cushion | An inflatable cushion that lowers and raises you | Light and portable, but offers less back support |
| Shower stool or chair | Free-standing seat for a shower cubicle or wet room | A chair with a back and arms is steadier than a stool |
| Wall-mounted shower seat | Folds up against the wall when not in use | Must be fixed to a wall strong enough to take it |
What to look for
Bath lifts
- Will it fit your bath? Check the maker's size chart against the width at the bottom and top of your bath and its length. Corner baths, very narrow baths and baths with side handles can be a problem.
- How low and how high it goes. The seat should rise level with the bath rim so you can slide across.
- A reclining back if you like to lie back, or a fixed back if space is short.
- A waterproof handset that floats, with buttons you can press with wet hands.
- A safety cut-out that will not lower you unless there is enough charge to lift you again.
- Weight of the lift itself. Most split into two parts for removal. If someone else uses the bath, who will lift it out?
- Maximum user weight.
Shower seats and stools
- Rubber feet that grip, and legs you can adjust in height so your feet rest flat.
- Rust-proof materials, usually aluminium and plastic.
- Drainage holes in the seat.
- A size that fits your shower tray with room for your feet. Measure the tray before buying.
- For wall-mounted seats, drop-down legs add support, and fitting should be done by someone competent.
Measuring up
- Bath: internal width at the top and at the base, internal length, and depth. For a bath board, also the thickness of the rim and whether one side is against a tiled wall.
- Shower: the internal size of the tray and the height of any step into it.
- You: a seat height that lets you sit with feet flat and thighs level.
Rough price guide
As a rough guide only: bath boards, steps and basic shower stools usually cost tens of pounds; shower chairs and wall-mounted seats somewhat more; and powered bath lifts typically cost a few hundred pounds.
Getting one free or cheaper
- Council equipment service. The NHS says equipment and small adaptations are provided free if a needs assessment finds you need them. Bath boards, bath seats and shower chairs are among the items councils commonly lend. In England and Wales, apply for a needs assessment on GOV.UK.
- Grants for bigger changes. If equipment is not enough, a Disabled Facilities Grant can pay towards a level-access shower in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, ask your council about adaptation grants.
- VAT relief. Bath lifts and similar equipment bought for a disabled person should be free of VAT, and some fitted items qualify for a reduced rate if you are 60 or over. See VAT relief on mobility aids.
Where to try before you buy
Mobility shops often have a display bath with a lift fitted, and independent living centres let you try several types. Ask to sit on the lift and work the handset, dry, before you buy.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying before measuring. Not every lift or board fits every bath.
- Relying on suction. Aids held only by suction cups need a smooth, clean surface and should be checked every time. They are not a substitute for a properly fixed grab rail.
- Using a towel rail or the taps as a handhold. They are not made to take your weight.
- Agreeing to a full bathroom refit on a salesperson's first visit. Walk-in baths and wet rooms are expensive; get an occupational therapist's view and several quotes, and read our guide to doorstep selling rights.
Common questions
Is a bath lift better than a walk-in bath?
A bath lift is far cheaper, needs no building work and can be taken with you if you move. A walk-in bath means sitting inside while it fills and empties. Try a bath lift first unless a professional advises otherwise.
Can I fit a bath lift myself?
Most powered bath lifts simply stand in the bath on suction feet and need no tools. Follow the instructions and check the feet have gripped before each use.
How do I charge a bath lift?
The battery is normally in the handset, which you unplug and charge in another room, away from water.
What if I would feel safer with someone nearby?
Bathe when someone else is in the house if you can, and keep a waterproof personal alarm within reach.