The History of the Parker Bath - Boats to Baths
In the late 1970s a chance conversation between then yacht builder Roy Parker and a family friend, who had commented on the lack of suitable baths for the elderly and disabled, led to the design and construction of a prototype -bath that was soon to be known as the Parker Bath. Based on the mould of a small Dinghy Roy Parker modified the shape and introduced a side opening door and placed the tub on a pivot so that the bath could be reclined backwards and forwards. By 1979 the Parker Bath was well and truly in production and looked something like this.
The Parker Bath originally worked via hand operated hydraulics. The “L” shaped handle on the far side of the bath was used to pump the bath back into a reclined position. Releasing of the pressure would bring the bath back forward. In the upright position the bath could be easily accessed by users who could either weight-bear or partially weight-bear. Carers would benefit from reduced transfers thus making the bathing process easier and safer
The Parker Bath was pre-filled prior to the user accessing the bath (unlike walk-in baths). The unique shape of the Parker Bath would provide comfort and support to users for whom excessive rotation of the hips would have been uncomfortable during bathing. When ready the bath is then reclined to the required reclined position. The water transfers from the foot-well to adequately immerse the user to approximately mid chest level. The user would also be in a good position for assisted bathing with the majority of their weight having been transferred to the right hand side of the bath so the legs would be easily moved for access to essential cleaning areas.
The Parker Bath was hugely successful through the eighties and nineties and enabled Roy Parker to develop complimentary models of assisted baths and shower cubicles such as the Freedom Bath, Solo Bath, Dignity Shower and the Madison range of Hi-Lo baths.
The Parker Bath has evolved through design modifications and requirements to suit the global market.
The company changed from Parker baths to Parker Bath Developments before The Parker Bath Company, which incorporated the Oxford Hoist Company, was sold to Sunrise Medical in 1995. In 2000 Sunrise Medical sold on the bathing division to Getinge (Parent company of Arjo).
Today the bath looks more modern with improved lines and a higher back support and thermostatic valves built into the bath to improve the aesthetics.
This style of bath forms an excellent high dependency assisted bathing facility and offers, comfort, flexibility and practicality.