Domiciliary Equipment Service
Fact sheet
Bathboards and benches
February 2013
Check for latest e-version, as photocopies may be out of date: Released 06/02/2013 Phone: 1300 295 786 Fax: 1300 295 839 Email: Page 2 of 2
Dominciliary Equipment Service Bathboards and benches Fact sheet
Purpose of a Bath board / bench
There are two main reasons to use a bath board or bath bench seat:
· To provide a secure seat, so that a shower or wash can be taken safely whilst sitting.
· To enable safer, easier transfers in & out of the bath.
Installation
· Place the bath board across the width of the bath so that it rests evenly on the rim of both sides of the bath.
· Underneath the bath board are two wedges lined with rubber and secured by wing-nuts. Push each wedge firmly against the sides of the bath and tighten the wing-nuts to secure it in position. Check these wedges regularly to ensure that they remain firm.
· Once fitted securely, the bathboard can be safely used without slipping.
· The bath board can be left in position across the bath, or lifted off and replaced when needed. Ensure this is replaced onto the bath the same way that it was originally fitted, and that it fits firmly.
· A bath bench is positioned across the width of a bath, with 2 legs inside bath tub, & 2 legs sitting on bathroom floor outside bathtub. The side with the handle sits next to the wall.
Instructions for Use
· Sit on the edge of the board, so your back is to the wall, and your feet are still on the floor outside the bath.
· Slide back on the board so your bottom is in the middle, and the backs of your knees are against the edge of the bath.
· From this position, bring your legs around and into the bath one at a time. You may need to use your hands to help do this if your legs are weak.
· Hold onto any rails, if available, to steady yourself.
· It is advisable to place a non-slip mat in the bottom of the bath to prevent slipping.
· To transfer out of the bath, remain seated on the board. Swing your legs one at a time outside the bath and then stand.
General Care and Maintenance
Bath boards and bath benches are in regular contact with water, and therefore need to be monitored carefully and regularly, at least monthly, for any signs of wear and tear.
Including; Splits, cracks & breakages
· Wearing of rubber covering of wedges underneath board, or rubber ferrules/stoppers on legs.
· Rusting of bolts or wing-nuts.
· Loose wing-nuts, which do not remain tightly fastened, causing the board to move or slide during use.
Precautions
· Ensure that the board or bench is firmly secured and stable before use.
· Ensure you swing both legs completely in or out of the bath before you try to stand.
· Do not use if the wedges are loose, or the board is poor condition.
· Do not stand on the board/bench.
· Your bathboard/bench may not fit another bath. Do not use on any other bath unless it fits correctly. In particular, a standard bathboard cannot be used on square “hip” baths, spa baths, or baths with moulded arm-rests.
Weight Tolerance
Equipment is weight tested to Australian Standards and has limited weight tolerances. If you experience significant weight gain the equipment may become unsafe, please advise DES if you have significantly gained weight.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
You should receive a quality service, delivered in a safe and competent manner. Please inform us promptly of any change in your circumstances or if you experience any problems with your equipment or service so that corrective action may be taken at an early stage.
Please take care of any equipment provided to you and let us know when you no longer require it.
General Enquiries
If you experience problems with your equipment and it has been hired for you by another agency, please call your service coordinator to report the problem. Alternatively you may call DOMICILIARY EQUIPMENT SERVICE on
Ph: 1300 295 786 or Fax: 1300 295 839
For Repairs & Maintenance: Ph: 1300 130 302
Check for latest e-version, as photocopies may be out of date: Released 06/02/2013 Phone: 1300 295 786 Fax: 1300 295 839 Email: Page 2 of 2