5 Essential Bathroom Solutions for Arthritis and Joint Pain Relief

Arthritis affects over ten million people in the UK, making everyday tasks like bathing and toileting increasingly difficult. For those living with chronic joint pain and stiffness, bathroom activities can be both painful and unsafe. Fortunately, you don’t need an expensive remodel to make your bathroom arthritis-friendly. In this guide, we explore five practical and budget-conscious bath aids for arthritis, how to get out of the bath with arthritis safely, and how specialist services can tailor solutions to your unique needs.

1. Small Bathroom Gadgets to Ease Daily Routines

For individuals with arthritis, even gripping a bar of soap or twisting a toothpaste tube can be painful. Simple, low-cost tools can significantly ease these everyday activities:

• Pump-action dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and soap reduce the need for squeezing.
• Electric toothbrushes help with oral hygiene without painful wrist movements.
• Long-handled sponges and brushes reduce the need for bending or stretching.
• Tap turners or lever tap conversions make water control easier.

These affordable additions bring more independence and dignity to daily routines.

2. Showering and Bathing Aids for Maximum Safety

Walk-In Showers and Wet Rooms

Conventional showers with high trays or baths can pose a significant risk. A walk-in shower or wet room with level access is ideal for individuals with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Key features include:

• Non-slip flooring to reduce fall risk.
• Folding or wall-mounted shower seats to reduce joint pressure.
• Handheld showerheads that offer flexibility without needing to twist.
• Thermostatic shower valves to prevent scalding.

Wet rooms are fully waterproofed spaces that eliminate step-in trays, making showering safe and seamless. They’re especially beneficial for wheelchair users or those needing carers to assist them.

How to Get Out of the Bath with Arthritis

If you prefer walk-in baths, the process of getting in and out can be daunting. Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Install a grab rail on the wall and bathtub edge.
2. Use a bath lift that gently lowers and raises you.
3. Keep a non-slip mat inside and outside the bath.
4. Sit sideways on the edge first, then lift each leg over.
5. Reverse the process when exiting — use grab rails to push off.

Having these aids in place reduces reliance on others and boosts confidence.

Bath Lifts and Transfer Benches

Bath lifts are motorised seats that gently lower you into the bath and raise you back up. They’re controlled via a waterproof remote. Transfer benches, meanwhile, allow you to sit outside the tub and slide in safely, reducing the risk of falls.

3. Effortless Drying with Body Dryers

Drying off after a bath or shower can involve painful twisting and bending. Traditional towels may also leave moisture behind, causing skin irritation or even infections.

Body dryers are wall-mounted devices that provide an all-over warm air stream. Benefits include:

• No need for towels or heated towel rails — reducing burn risk.
• Even drying for hard-to-reach areas.
• Energy-efficient, with low running costs.
• Minimised laundry needs, ideal for those with fatigue.

They’re particularly useful for people with arthritis in the hands or shoulders, making drying less of a chore.

4. Smart Toilets: Hygiene and Comfort Combined

Using a standard toilet can be difficult when joint pain affects your grip, flexibility, or balance. Arthritis sufferers may find wiping especially uncomfortable or even impossible.

Smart toilets offer a hands-free, hygienic solution:

• Automatic washing and drying cycles eliminate the need for toilet paper.
• Warm air dryers ensure complete hygiene.
• Comfort-height seating reduces strain on hips and knees.
• Remote control options are ideal for people with hand arthritis.

Adding grab rails near the toilet and opting for a raised seat can further enhance safety and independence.

5. Adapted Wash Basins for Accessibility

Washing hands, brushing teeth, or shaving can be difficult without an ergonomic setup. Adapted wash basins make these activities safer and more comfortable.

Features to consider:

• Integral hand grips on the basin front for support.
• Lever-action taps that are easier to use than twist knobs.
• Height-adjustable sinks (manual or electric) to accommodate sitting or wheelchair use.

These changes improve daily hygiene routines without requiring a full renovation.

Grab Rails and Anti-Slip Flooring: Simple Yet Vital

Grab rails may seem basic, but they provide crucial support. Install them:

• Beside the toilet
• Inside the shower or bath area
• Along hallways or bathroom entryways

Always opt for professionally installed rails that support body weight. In combination with non-slip flooring, they dramatically reduce the risk of falls.

Consult with a Healthcare Professional

Before purchasing or installing any bath aids, it’s wise to consult an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. They’ll assess your unique needs and provide recommendations tailored to your home environment.

Employ a Bathroom Adaptation Specialist

Installing these aids properly is essential. It’s recommended to employ a bathroom adaptation specialist who can assess, install, and customise your bathroom to meet your specific needs.

 

EA Mobility: Your Partner in Arthritis-Friendly Bathroom Solutions

At EA Mobility, we understand that no two people experience arthritis in the same way. Our team of trained designers, surveyors, and installers create bespoke bathroom adaptations that support independence, safety, and comfort.

Why choose EA Mobility?

• Comprehensive services from consultation to completion
• Fully trained in-house team — no outsourcing
• Fast turnaround (4–6 weeks)
• Minimal disruption to your home
• Professional and unbiased advice based on your specific needs

Whether it’s a full wet room installation, adding grab bars, or upgrading to a smart toilet, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Call us at 0808 281 2665 or visit eamobility.com to request a free brochure or book your FREE home assessment today.

 

Conclusion: Comfort, Safety, and Dignity Are Within Reach

Living with arthritis doesn’t mean giving up your independence. With the right bath aids for arthritis — from walk-in showers and bath lifts to smart toilets and body dryers — you can reclaim your comfort, confidence, and safety in the bathroom.

If you’re unsure where to begin, contact an expert like EA Mobility. Together, you can design a tailored, accessible bathroom that makes everyday life easier — and a lot more dignified.