Abacus Healthcare UK

22/07/2025

When delivering support through the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), it’s crucial local authorities consider whether bathing or showering is the better option.

Bathing may be the safer, more comfortable and dignified choice for individuals with disabilities - as well as a cost-effective option.

✔️ Improved Safety:
For people with mobility issues, standing in a shower can increase the risk of falls. Bathing offers greater stability, allowing individuals to sit and be submerged in water, reducing physical strain and the risk of accidents.

✔️ Dignity and Independence:
Accessible baths with features like adjustable seating and powered lifts can enable individuals to bathe with minimal assistance. This promotes greater independence and helps preserve dignity.

✔️ Support for Carers:
Specialist baths reduce the physical strain on carers, making the bathing process easier and safer for everyone involved.

✔️ Cost-effectiveness:
With recent rises in building costs, tanking a bathroom can often be on par with the cost of a specialist bath. And with less chance of a leak, specialist baths can also offer longevity over shower repairs.

ℹ️ To explore appropriate assisted bathing solutions or to discuss our delivery of DFG funded bathrooms, contact our Abacus Product Assessment Managers on 01527 400 024.

For further information, please visit: https://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/assistive-baths/

17/07/2025

Our award-winning Gemini MX platform bath is specifically designed for bathers with complex care needs in mind.

The Gemini MX features powered height adjustment and a secure, integrated changing, drying and bathing platform that eliminates the need for bending or lifting - and reduces the need for additional equipment such as changing tables.

A new ergonomic mattress offers anti-slip, fast-drying, folding, and easy-to-clean features.

Take a look at the Gemini MX hi-lo bath: https://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/assistive-bath/gemini-mx/

For further information and to arrange a specialist bath demonstration, please contact Abacus Product Assessment Managers on 01527 400 024.

15/07/2025

For many people with additional needs, ensuring a safe, supportive bathing environment can improve overall sleep quality and other aspects of daily life, including education, behaviour and mental health for example.

Difficulties with sleep are common in children and adults with neurodevelopmental conditions, mental health issues, sensory processing challenges, and physical disabilities. A structured bedtime routine that includes a warm bath is one simple yet effective intervention.

From an occupational therapy perspective, adaptive bathing can play a key role in supporting sleep hygiene by:

★ Thermal regulation – A warm bath helps regulate core body temperature, preparing the body for sleep
★ Sensory processing support – Water immersion can have a calming effect, reducing anxiety
★ Routine-based intervention – Predictable bedtime activities help produce melatonin, the sleep hormone

Learn more about the topic of bathing and sleep in our educational Abacus Academy webinar, ‘Bathing and Sleep – joining the dots’
https://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/abacus-academy/cpd-webinars/

For further information regarding specialist bathing solutions, contact Abacus Product Assessment Managers on 01527 400024.

10/07/2025

Why families should consider assistive bathing solutions – not just showering – for children with disabilities.

According to the Children’s Act, local authorities are required to support routines that are considered part of normal daily life. Bathing is more than just hygiene – it’s a meaningful, familiar activity and often a vital part of a child’s bedtime routine.

In this video, Adam Ferry from The Occupational Therapy Service, encourages families to explore all bathing options in partnership with their family occupational therapist and Abacus. This ensures a personalised, long-term solution that meets the unique needs of both the child and their family.

For further guidance and to arrange a specialist bath demonstration, contact Abacus on 01527 400024.

07/07/2025

Traumatic injury can be a deeply personal and quite often challenging experience. Finding the balance between adaptions and rehabilitation is key to a successful recovery.

Healthcare professionals should always work with clients to find a balance that allows them to safely and comfortably manage personal care whilst developing their functional abilities.

Including bathing as a central part of the assessment can support with sleep, pain (even if perceived) and mental health, and products such as the Gemini MX platform bath from Abacus ensure that anyone, regardless of need, and with a robust risk assessment, can safely and effectively bathe.

Read our latest blog by Occupational Therapist Lauren Hopkins, exploring the role of assistive bathing following traumatic injury ➡️ https://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/abacus-academy/blogs-and-vlogs/assistive-bathing-following-traumatic-injury/

ℹ️ Abacus is regarded as first choice for most occupational therapists, families and bathers seeking inclusive bathing solutions that are effective, dependable and sustainable. For details and to arrange a product demonstration, contact Abacus on 01527 400024.

03/07/2025

Having the correct bathing solutions for bathers with disabilities can increase support for carers and reduce manual handling.

❓What are the key manual handling challenges in the bathroom?

• Carers face physical strain, increasing the risk of back, shoulder and joint injuries, potentially leading to burnout.
• For individuals with disabilities, personal care tasks can be physically demanding. Improper handling can cause pain and discomfort, reduce dignity and make the bathing experience distressing.
• Wet surfaces heighten the risk of falls, complicating care.

❓Which bathing solutions support and improve manual handling?

Our Abacus care baths reduce risks and improve the safety and well-being of both bathers with disabilities and those with caring responsibilities.

Our specialist range includes hoist-accessible solutions which minimise physical strain during transfers; baths with an integrated bathing, drying and changing platform which reduces the number of transfers required; variable-height baths which safeguard carer posture; and features such as powered transfer seats and leg-lifts for optimal bather independence.

To view the Abacus assisted bathing range, visit:https://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/assistive-baths/

For further information, contact Abacus on 01527 400024.

01/07/2025

Many thanks to Andy Williams, our Sales and Marketing Director, for sharing what drives him - and our dedicated team - to deliver world-class care baths and accessible bathroom innovations.

Andy says: "We're specialists in so many different areas. What sets us off from anyone else is our collective belief that we are making a difference, we're always thinking about the end customer...

Knowing our baths, especially the Gemini MX, the difference it could bring with having a platform integrated, minimising the movement and handling touch points, minimising potential injuries. We want to make a difference for these individuals, carers, parents - and that's what we strive to do here."

Part of the Gainsborough Healthcare Group, with one of the largest manufacturing facilities of its kind in Europe and over four decades of expertise, Abacus deliver every specialist bathing solution, every bathroom project, with pride and purpose.

For information, contact:
📞 01527 400024
🌐 https://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk

26/06/2025

If you're a parent of a child with disability, or an adult who wants to bathe, the Gemini MX is a fantastic option - particularly if postural support, hoisting or a changing table are required.

In this video, Adam Ferry, The Occupational Therapy Service, says:

"Occupational therapists accept that bathing is seen as a normal activity for a child and it says so in legislation as part of their daily routine... The Gemini MX from Abacus can be supported in terms of funding through a DFG (Disabled Facilities Grant) if the criteria are met."

With dual lift functionality and an extra large bathing space, the Gemini MX features a bathing, drying and changing platform with a new comfortable mattress as standard. Winged features give extra padded surface and transfer area, ideal for those with lots of movement, and a textured surface provides additional grip.

Find further Gemini MX details here: https://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/assistive-bath/gemini-mx/

Contact Abacus:
📞 01527 400024
📧 sales@abacushealthcare.co.uk

24/06/2025

Last week's Learning Disability Week was themed 'Do you see me?'.

Our latest blog covers the benefits of hi-lo baths for children and adults with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) - one of which is promoting choice and independence.

Every child and adult with PMLD is unique - their wants, wishes, and preferences should always be at the forefront of every bathing approach. This means that bathing should always be approached with insight, creativity and compassion.

Quite often, Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) provide funding for accessible showering or wet rooms - despite legislation stating that a bath or shower (or both) can be grant funded - yet there are some clear benefits of bathing using height-adjustable baths, such as the Gemini MX or the Virgo in the Abacus range, for adults and children living with PMLD.

Lauren Hopkins, Occupational Therapist, The Occupational Therapy Service, explores this topic in our Abacus Academy blog: https://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/abacus-academy/blogs-and-vlogs/raising-the-standards/

19/06/2025

For Boccia champion Tim Hayes, an accessible bath has meant more than just washing - it has eased the challenges of cerebral palsy and improved his overall well-being.

His 2-metre-long Gemini 2000 bath provides the space and support he needs for a soothing soak.

As the Gemini has an integrated changing, drying and bathing platform, Tim can be easily lowered onto this with a ceiling track hoist and then the bath sides are raised, safely immersing Tim into temperature-controlled water.

As well as competing for England and supporting Chelsea FC, Tim says he's now "just happier and more relaxed" thanks to the therapeutic benefits of his accessible Abacus bath.

Read Tim's story here: https://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/case-studies/boccia-champion-tim-benefits-from-sports-physiotherapy-at-home-with-accessible-gemini-2000-bath/

ℹ️ Abacus is regarded as first choice for most occupational therapists, families and bathers seeking inclusive bathing solutions that are effective, dependable and sustainable. For details and to arrange a product demonstration, contact Abacus on 01527 400024.

Para sportsman Tim Hayes, 29 has been able to replace the stress of being showered with the relaxing experience of soaking in an accessible bath.

17/06/2025

When delivering support through the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), it’s crucial local authorities consider whether bathing or showering is the better option for individuals with disabilities.

Bathing may be the safer, more comfortable and dignified choice - as well as a cost-effective option.

Improved Safety:
For people with mobility issues, standing in a shower can increase the risk of falls. Bathing offers greater stability, allowing individuals to sit and be submerged in water, reducing physical strain and the risk of accidents.

Dignity and Independence:
Accessible baths with features like adjustable seating and powered lifts can enable individuals to bathe with minimal assistance. This promotes greater independence and helps preserve dignity.

Support for Carers:
Specialist baths reduce the physical strain on carers, making the bathing process easier and safer for everyone involved.

Cost-effectiveness:
With recent rises in building costs, tanking a bathroom can often be on par with the cost of a specialist bath. And with less chance of a leak, specialist baths can also offer longevity over shower repairs.

ℹ️ To explore appropriate assisted bathing solutions or to discuss our delivery of DFG funded bathrooms, contact our Abacus Product Assessment Managers on 01527 400 024.

For further information, please visit: https://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/assistive-baths/

12/06/2025

With the new leg lift, the Libra specialist bath allows someone with a neurological condition such as Parkinson's or MS to continue to bathe independently with safety.

In this video, Adam Ferry, The Occupational Therapy Service, explains why the Libra bath is fantastic for families or adults making private purchases who want to maximise their independence and dignity moving forward.

If you are needing care support, whether you're an adult or a child, the Libra bath from Abacus also lifts and drops so that it supports the carer's moving and handling and postural needs

🌐 To view the Libra's full features, visit: https://www.abacushealthcare.co.uk/assistive-bath/libra/

📞 Contact Abacus for guidance and product demonstrations on 01527 400024.