Best Bath Lifts For The Elderly

Updated: Jul 16, 2022

AgingInPlace.org keeps our resources free by working as an affiliate partner with some companies mentioned on our site. These partnerships or the commission we may earn do not affect our opinions or evaluations of the products we mention. Our reviews are solely based on our research methodology and from input from our AgingInPlace.org Advisory Board. Learn more about our ad policies.

Bathroom lifts or tub lift chairs are an excellent medical device for the disabled, recovering, or aging individuals, as well as caretakers, assisting in the process of bathing. Personal hygiene is not only vital to prevent bed sores but can reduce pain if done while soaking in a bath with warm water and Epsom salts.

Bath lifts offer an exceptionally safe option to bathe in an already existing tub without having to completely redo your bathroom with a full renovation—therefore saving you money. Bath lifts are an excellent way to ensure a reduced-risk bathing experience.

If you’re looking for a quality bath lift for the elderly as a caregiver or for yourself, we’ve done our homework and picked seven of the best bathtub lift options you can find.

How We Found the Best Bathroom Lifts

8 Reviewers
50 Products Considered
12 Hours of Research
7 Products Reviewed
3 Top Picks

Best Floor-Mounted

Drive Medical 477150312 Whisper Bath Lift Chair, Blue

$435.99

Features and Specifications

  • Bath Lift Chair: Designed to fit just about any style of bathtub, the Whisper shower chair for bathroom is easy to install and can support up to 300 pounds
  • Quality Construction: The ultimate in shower accessories for daily living, our bath lift chair for seniors, disabled, and injured individuals is made of durable plastic and is comfortable thanks to an ergonomically designed padded seat and backrest
  • Height Adjustable: Designed to fit your unique needs, our bathtub patient lift can be adjusted to raise, lower, and recline the lift up to 50 degrees
  • Floating Hand Controls: The bath chair’s unique controls feature large, color-coded buttons for easy use; control floats in water for easy accessibility
  • Dimensions: Width: 13.7 inches; Height: 18.8 inches; Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Pros

  • Highly-rated by hundreds of users

  • Multi-position adjustable

  • Bright, easy-to-see remote buttons

  • Padded seat and backrest

  • Tool-free installation

  • Easy to charge

  • Works in most smaller tubs

  • Reclinable up to 50° for relaxation

Cons

  • “Wings” of armrests can break under excessive weight

The Drive Medical Whisper Ultra Quiet Bath Lift is specifically designed to offer greater independence to the elderly or disabled while bathing. With a quick-release (when needed) four-cup suction base, the feeling of stability helps when getting in and out of the tub or shower.

The two-piece, tool-free assembly is straightforward and simple. We love that you can raise, lower, or even recline the seat for added comfort. With a weight capacity of 300 pounds, it’s sturdy enough for most individuals. With hundreds of five-star reviews, this comes in as our favorite for a floor-mounted bath lift.

Our Verdict

Outstanding ratings, a sturdy suction bottom, as well as easy care and installation make this a winner.

Best With A Swivel Seat

Swiveling and Sliding Bathtub Transfer Bench and Shower Chair. Swiveling and Sliding system

$225.00

Features and Specifications

  • SAFE & RELIABLE: Our innovative Swivel Sliding Transfer Bench (77662) by Eagle Health Supplies makes getting into and out of the bathtub easier, safer, and will give you or your loved ones a sense of confidence, safety, and steadiness in the bathroom. It…
  • INNOVATIVE & CONVENIENT: Easily swivel and glide into the bathtub or shower without having to scoot across the seat like a conventional transfer bench. And our swivel sliding bench can help you save money by costing thousands $$$ less than installing an…
  • SWIVEL SEAT: Our swivel seat turns 360° and locks every 90°. SLIDING: Seat glides over durable, polished aluminum-tube sliding rails. LOCKS SECURELY: Seat locks at each end of the sliding rails. COMFORTABLE FIT: Comfortable molded plastic seat and back…
  • SPECIFICATIONS: Seat Size: 17.75″ x 14.75″. Seat Height: 18.75″ – 23″. Base Length: 39″ – 40″ (Regular) (From outside-leg tip to outside-leg tip). Base Depth: 18.5″ – 20.5″. Max Tub Clearance: 18.5″. Back Height from Floor: 32.5″ – 36.75″. Sliding…
  • Please measure your bathroom and bathtub carefully to make sure this product will fit your specific needs. This is a non-returnable hygiene item and cannot be returned once opened. OPTIONAL ARMREST AVAILABLE: #75003 (Single) – (NOTE: Armrests are not…

Pros

  • Swivel seat turns 360 degrees and locks every 90 degrees

  • Can slide 15 inches

  • Latex free

  • Molded plastic back and seat for easy cleaning

  • Anti-slip tips included

  • Tool-free assembly

  • Weight capacity of 400 pounds

  • Rust-proof, extra sturdy aluminum

Cons

  • Not for small bathrooms

The Eagle Health Supplies Swivel Sliding Bath Transfer Bench works well due to its ability to give patients independence while bathing, or in more extreme cases, assist a caregiver with the swivel seat. With several adjustable components to this bath seat, a caregiver can fine-tune it for his or her own comfort.

This bath lift also comes with options for taller legs, longer lengths, and a single armrest. The sliding seat can move into or toward the edge of the tub a full 15 inches, aiding in ease of getting in and out of the bath.

With a locking swivel system, a high weight capacity, a latex-free seat and back, and anti-slip tips we like this chair for those who prioritize safety but also more freedom of movement. The size is ideal for medium to larger bathrooms.

Our Verdict

With a 360° swivel seat, sliding side action, and substantial weight capacity this is an affordable, versatile option.

Best For Limited Dexterity

Graham-Field 5033A-1 Lumex Splash Bath Lift with Ultra-Compact Design and Remote Control

$627.03

Features and Specifications

  • Subtle, unimposing, unobtrusive design; white color blends discreetly into any bathroom environment and is barely noticeable when stored in its lowest position
  • Lightweight and ultra-compact design; weighs only 14.3 pounds and can be stored in the smallest of spaces
  • Slim and modern look; provides a fresh appearance to fit your home décor and other bath safety products
  • Fixed-back design optimizes legroom by allowing Splash to fit close to the back of the tub
  • Smooth, quiet movement with solid, stable design for a safe bathing experience

Pros

  • Well-rated by users

  • Extremely lightweight

  • Allows for optimal leg room

  • Maximum water immersion

  • Designed for those with smaller hands or limited dexterity

  • Affordable

  • Fold-in side flaps

  • Rechargeable battery

Cons

  • Not compatible most extra-wide bathtubs

The Lumex 5033A-1 Splash Bath Lift is an incredibly lightweight battery-powered lift with a decent weight capacity (280 pounds). The easy-to-use remote is simple for those with less dexterity in their hands and arms. This lift is also easier to clean than some models, which makes for an added bonus in the less nimble-fingered.

We love that this offers more freedom for those with limited movement. With full immersion, that’s a huge benefit for individuals to relax and bathe themselves on their own or with less assistance. Compared to other types of bath lifts, the Lumex 5033A-1 Splash Lift is priced reasonably for those who do not want to spend a fortune.

Our Verdict

Affordable, well-rated, lightweight, and fantastic for leg room, this lift is outstanding for those with difficulty in their joints.

Best Fast Charge

Bathmaster Deltis Bath Lift, Motorized Bath and Shower Seat with Comfortable Blue Cover, Backrest

$699.00

Features and Specifications

  • Full Deltis Bathlift with comfortable seat, transfer flaps, and back rest to make sitting and bathing easier for those with limited mobility who are unable to stand in the shower
  • Includes plastic lower seat with cover, side transfer flaps with protectors, four non-slip suction feet, plastic backrest with covor, motor and cable, hand controller, and battery charger
  • Compact, lightweight frame fits most tubs and can be separated into two parts for easy installation and portability, 309 lb. weight capacity
  • Sturdy, waterproof motor with long term durability lifts bath seat to chair height, designed for years of security against failed operation or damage
  • Includes remote controller, battery charging pack with LED low-battery light (charge for 3 hours before first use), and user instruction manual

Pros

  • Fastest charging battery in the bath lift industry

  • Includes battery charger with charging light

  • Option of swivel seat

  • Waterproof motor

  • Lightweight and portable

  • Folds up for storage

  • Suction bottom for safety

  • No tools needed

Cons

  • A few users stated it quit working after a few years

The Bathmaster Deltis Bathlift has Lithium-ion batteries in its hand-held control, and charges in only one hour—the fastest charging time in the industry. With a handy indicator light to show when the battery is charging, you can easily see when your bath lift is ready to go. The Bathmaster Deltis Lift includes a waterproof, floating remote, and the battery charging pack with a low-battery light.

We also like that the ¼ inch thick foam padding for the seat and backrest offer cushioning, yet are easy to remove and wash. The suction bottom sticks well for a firm hold. Additionally, no tools are needed for assembly, rendering setup to be particularly straightforward. It has a lightweight, compact build and fits almost any tub. This lift separates into two pieces for easy set-up, transporting or travel, and storage.

Our Verdict

With the fastest charging battery in the industry, you don’t have to wait long for this excellent bath lift to be ready.

Features & Specs

  • The device weighs 34.1 pounds.
  • Lifting range is 2.6 inches to 17 inches.
  • Measures 40 x 18 x 28 inches.
  • Backrest height is 21.5 inches.

Pros

  • Foldable for travel

  • Smart-battery prevents descending on a low charge

  • Machine washable, anti-slip mats

  • Suction cup on the back of the remote

  • Reclinable backrest up to 40 degrees for comfort

  • Weight capacity of 300 pounds

  • Suction bottom for stability

Cons

  • No armrests

The Merits Health Lightweight Bath Tub Lift makes getting in and out of the bath safe and simple—regardless of whether you’re at home or traveling. This bath lift has a backrest that can recline up to 40°, and the backrest automatically adjusts upright when returning to the start position. The hand-held remote features a convenient suction cup on the back.

What we love even more is the smart-battery monitoring system. This prevents the bath lift from lowering if it lacks enough battery charge to raise the lift again to the starting position. The base has four strong suction cup feet for added safety.

We also like the 360° rotating swivel seat option (if desired) to make getting in and out of your bath even simpler. With a no-tool installation and compact, foldable design, this is our favorite bath lift for travel.

Our Verdict

Features & Specs

  • Measures 67.2 x 36 inches.
  • Lift weighs 75 pounds.
  • Weight capacity of 300 pounds.
  • Ground clearance up to 22 inches.

Pros

  • Powder-coated stainless steel

  • Features a 360° rotating seat

  • Lifetime limited warranty

  • Floating, waterproof remote

  • Floating, waterproof remote

  • Sturdy and secure once installed properly

  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Assembly can be difficult

The Aqua Creek Aquatic Bathtub Lift Elite is a wall-mounted bathtub lift designed for optimal flexibility and independence. We love the 360° rotating seat, as it allows you to transfer from a wheelchair to the tub at a variety of angles.

The pivoting arm also lets you to easily move over a commode or other bathroom areas such as the sink or a vanity mirror. We also like that the waterproof hand control floats, and makes it easy to control the lift to get a patient in and out of the tub or help a caregiver in doing so.

Please note, this lift requires a minimum of eight-foot ceilings. There is a bit of assembly and installation needed, as well. However, the sturdy stainless steel frame and secure wall-mount design offer peace of mind with safety.

Our Verdict

Exceptionally sturdy with a 360° rotating seat and a floating, waterproof remote make this our favorite wall-mounted lift.

Features & Specs

  • Lift weighs only 20.5 pounds. 
  • The recline feature is separate from the lift and lower function.
  • Measures 29.25 x 15.5 x 8 inches.

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight

  • Lowers to 2.3 inches for full immersion

  • Weight capacity of 300 pounds

  • Back reclines up to 50 degrees for comfort

  • Padded backrest and seat

  • Completely watertight, floating remote

  • Affordable

  • Three-year limited warranty

  • Tool-free installation

Cons

  • The seat can get slippery

  • Suction cups will only adhere to smooth tub surface

The Drive Medical Bellavita is the lightest weight tub lift on the market (currently). Don’t let the lightweight feature fool you, though. The Bellavita still has a robust weight capacity of up to 300 pounds. With no tools needed to install this lift, and at only 20 pounds, this is a fantastic option for those who can’t heft heavy weight and don’t want to deal with complicated instructions. Note: the batteries do need to be charged before first use.

Additionally, it also lowers to deepest depth in a tub, with only 2.3 inches between the seat and the bathtub floor. This provides full immersion for those who want to soak thoroughly in the tub. It also has a record lift height of 18.8 inches. We like that the back reclines, but can stay upright if you want as you lower the lift into the water.

Our Verdict

Super lightweight, low decent for full immersion, and a reasonable price make this lift an excellent lightweight option.

Before you quickly purchase a lift for your bathtub, take into consideration not just your budget, but the following features. Some models offer options for enhanced comforts, such as recline or non-recline or lightweight models. However, some specifications are crucial for safety, such as the type of bathtub floor you have and the fit of the seat for your specific tub.

Battery powered lifts are the most popular bath lift style on the market today.

Size And Fit Of Tub Lift

Measure your bathtub and the edges before deciding on a lift. The seat of your bath lift should be lined up with the side of the tub. This means the flaps of the seat (when extended) should rest roughly two to three inches on the sides of your bath for support.

If your lift seat is not correctly lined up with the side of your tub, the flaps risk breaking off, and the user (or yourself) could fall into the gap between the edge of the bathtub and your lift. Obviously, this is a dangerous risk of injury. So, it’s not a bad idea to have a tub lift expert measure your bath to make entirely sure you have the correct fit.

Recline Option

Bath lifts often have a recline option. No recline backrests will be locked in an upright position. This can be easier for some individuals to do specific tasks such as shaving legs. The backrest in an auto recline model will automatically move back to a set position when the lift is lowered into the bathtub.

A self-controlled recline option, on the other hand, will remain upright until the user pushes a button. Then the backrest will recline or come back up again depending on that day’s comfort needs.

Power Type

Battery powered lifts are the most popular bath lift style on the market today. These lifts lower and raise the bather by merely holding down a button. Hand crank style bath lifts are available in some outlets, and never need to be charged. However, a hand crank is much more work and difficult for those with limited mobility or conditions such as arthritis.

Tub Bottom And Seat

If you’re considering a model with a suctioned bottom for stability, make sure you have a completely smooth bathtub bottom. This means no ripples, textured surface, or even non-slip grips on the tub floor. Without a flat surface to adhere to, the suction cups will not be able to stick correctly and this leads to more potential accidents.

When considering slippery surfaces, you might also want to evaluate the seat of your lift. If it’s slippery once submerged, you can potentially add non-slip grip stickers on the seat portion to help prevent injury.

As mentioned with all of these considerations, your needs and bath size will determine the best lift for you or an elderly loved one. All of these bath lifts are fantastic options. Some of our favorites of the bunch are the Drive Medical Whisper Ultra Quiet Bath Lift, and the Lumex 5033A-1 Splash Bath Lift for their outstanding ratings by users, reasonable prices, and even extra leg room. Now pick the best unit for you, and let the bath take you (and your aching joints) away to relaxation.

  • Was this Article Helpful ?
  • YesNo

Do you want to cite this page? Use our ready-made cite template.