accessible bathrooms
Walk-in baths for easier independent access and specialist Renaissance care baths for powered, hoist-assisted and height-adjustable bathing.
Start with how the person enters the bath
For someone who can walk and step independently but finds a conventional bath edge difficult, a walk-in bath can preserve a familiar bathing experience while substantially reducing the entry threshold.
Where bathing involves a hoist, powered transfer seat or support from another person, the bath itself becomes part of a wider care system. The Renaissance Excel range includes fixed-height and height-adjustable configurations designed around those different transfer methods.
The right decision therefore starts with mobility and transfer rather than simply choosing the bath that looks most familiar.
Which route fits the user?
If yes, compare the threshold and door arrangement of the walk-in range.
Excel 300 and 600 systems can provide powered swing-seat transfer.
Choose the bath and panel arrangement around mobile or ceiling-track hoist access.
Height-adjustable Excel 400 and 600 systems can improve the working position during assisted bathing.
Start here
The current range is divided into two clear routes: easy-access walk-in baths for lower step-in entry, and specialist care baths designed around powered seating, hoists and assisted bathing.
Full-length Renaissance baths with watertight doors that reduce the step required to enter and leave the bath. Choose between manual and electronically operated doors, rectangular and P-shaped designs, and selected shower-bath configurations.
Renaissance Excel baths for more complex transfer and care requirements, including fixed-height hoist baths, powered swing seats, detachable transporter seats and electrically height-adjustable systems.
Compare the two routes
The deciding factor is normally the way the user transfers into and out of the bath, followed by the amount of assistance required during bathing.
| Consideration | Walk-in Bath | Static / Powered Care Bath |
|---|---|---|
| Typical user | Someone able to enter through a lower doorway and sit in the bath with limited or no physical assistance. | Someone requiring powered transfer, hoist access or regular assistance during bathing. |
| Entry method | Step through a watertight side door rather than over the full bath rim. | Hoist, powered swing seat or detachable transporter seat, depending on the model. |
| Bath height | Fixed once installed. | Fixed on Excel 100/300 or electrically adjustable on Excel 400/600. |
| Carer working height | Conventional bath height. | Excel 400 and 600 can raise the bath during assisted care. |
| Space considerations | Door swing, approach area and bathroom circulation. | Hoist movement, swing-seat envelope, transporter access and working space around the bath. |
| Best starting point | Required step-in height and preferred bath / shower format. | Transfer method and the amount of carer assistance required. |
Renaissance Easy Access Collection
Lenis, Talis and Valens each provide door access into a full-length bath, but differ in threshold height, door operation, shape and showering options.
Lenis A 1700 × 750mm walk-in bath with a manually operated inward opening door. Choose a straightforward bathing configuration or a complete shower-bath version with glass screen and integrated shower system.
Talis An electronically controlled 1700 × 800mm bath with a low standard threshold and selected configurations capable of achieving an approximately 80mm ultra-low entry.
Valens A P-shaped easy-access bath with an electronically operated tempered-glass door and optional folding glass shower screen, giving additional width at the showering end.
Living with a walk-in bath
A walk-in door makes physical entry easier, but it also changes the way the bath is filled and emptied. The whole routine should suit the user comfortably.
Renaissance Excel Assisted Bathing
The Excel range progresses from a straightforward fixed bath for hoist transfer through to powered seating and electrically height-adjustable systems designed to support both the bather and the person assisting them.
Excel 100 The simplest Excel approach where the user enters using a mobile or ceiling-track hoist and an integrated powered seat is not required.
Bath: fixed height Transfer: hoist, sling or cradle
Excel 300 Adds a powered swing seat to a fixed-height bath, helping the user transfer into the water without requiring the complete bath to raise and lower.
Bath: fixed height Transfer: powered swing seat
Excel 400 Designed where the transfer is handled separately by a hoist, sling or cradle but the bath should raise for a more suitable assisted working position.
Movement: 340mm electric height adjustment Seat: no integrated seat
Excel 600 Combines a powered swing seat with an electrically adjustable bath, bringing transfer and assisted working-height adjustment into one coordinated system.
Movement: 340mm bath height adjustment Transfer: powered swing seatExcel Transporter configurations
Selected Excel 300 and Excel 600 systems are available with a detachable powered seat and wheeled transporter. This changes the transfer sequence by allowing the same seat to be used for movement to the bath and for bathing.
Bathing can still be enjoyable
Selected Renaissance configurations can be customised with additional bathing, showering and sensory features. Availability depends on the exact bath model.
Selected bath tap and shower packages can incorporate thermostatic temperature-control options.
Selected baths can be specified with a multi-jet heated-air spa system for a more relaxing bathing experience.
Optional colour-changing underwater lighting is available on selected Renaissance configurations.
Selected products can incorporate a Bluetooth audio system for music during bathing.
Before ordering
Accessible baths are substantial pieces of equipment. Door clearance, hoist movement, plumbing, power and circulation should be resolved before the bathroom is finished.
Decide whether the user will step through a door, use a powered seat, transfer with a hoist or arrive on a transporter seat.
Confirm length, width, left or right handing, door or seat swing and waste position against the room.
Allow enough space for the user, carer, mobile hoist, transporter or powered seat throughout the full movement.
Coordinate water supply, thermostatic controls and the exact end or centre waste position before installation.
Powered doors, seats, height adjustment and selected optional features require appropriate electrical provision.
Consider whether the room may later need hoist access, additional carer space or a different transfer method.
These baths are highly configuration-specific: dimensions, handing, panel type, waste position, powered functions, safe working loads and service requirements vary by model. Confirm the exact technical specification and room preparation information before placing services or beginning installation.
Accessibility School
Our practical guide compares walk-in baths, power-assisted care baths and bath lifts, explaining how mobility, transfer method, available space and the level of assistance required affect the final decision.
Read the accessible baths guide →Keep the bathing experience—change the access
Explore Renaissance walk-in baths for easier step-in access or compare Excel assisted bathing systems for hoist transfers, powered seating and height-adjustable care.
We accept the following payment methods
Independent 4 Life Limited
Address: Bellamy House, Winton Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3HA
Freephone: 0800 500 3001 | Tel: 023 92755992
Email: info@independent4life.co.uk
Showroom / Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Showroom by appointment: evenings and Saturdays
Registered Company Number: 06294300 | VAT Number: 942 4477 11
