Why Owning A Walk-In Bathtub Is Important For Seniors

Although walk-in bathtubs are generally associated with the elderly and people with mobility problems, they can be a terrific addition to any house, regardless of a person's age or level of mobility. In this article, however, we will concentrate on the elderly and explain how a walk-in tub can make bathing more enjoyable for senior individuals.

Firstly, not all falls in and around the house can be predicted or entirely prevented, but the bathroom is the one space where most falls among senior people occur. Even seniors who are physically well, and able to care for themselves, are nonetheless at risk of falls and subsequent injuries. A concerning fact is that in America alone, a senior citizen is admitted to the emergency room every 11 seconds for treatment following a fall, and an astounding 80% of these incidents typically take place in the bathroom.

Thankfully, there are some safety precautions you can take to make bathrooms safer for everyone—not just for yourself, but also for a senior or disabled family member. The most crucial thing to consider is how to eliminate or at least reduce the potential risk that could result in a bathroom fall, and a walk-in bathtub provides the ideal solution in this regard.

Nevertheless, choosing between a walk-in tub and shower might be challenging because there are many things to take into account. While some seniors may find walk-in tubs to be a safer alternative to normal showers, others may find walk-in showers to be a superior choice. Both provide comfort and safety, but a walk-in bathtub is thought to be a more long-term alternative. This means that a walk-in bathtub offers a more comfortable, enjoyable bathing experience when seated, whereas a walk-in shower is only beneficial and functional for as long as an elderly person is able to stand for longer, without support.

What are the benefits of a walk-in bathtub for senior individuals?

All things considered; the safety a walk-in tub offer comes out on top. If you are unfamiliar with how a walk-in bathtub works, just picture a bathtub that is narrower, but deeper than a regular bathtub. One side of the tub has a seat built into it, while one of the tub's walls serves as a door.

There is no threshold, and once closed, the door seals tightly to stop any water from leaking out. Some of our walk-in tubs combine the therapeutic, practical, and safety features of both a shower and a tub to enhance your bathing experience and transform your life. They also have hydrotherapy jets, which can help with the discomfort of muscle pain and arthritis. This is a fantastic alternative for senior individuals who need joint and muscle stimulation but have limited ability to exercise.

A sanitary gel coat, anti-slip seat and floor, anti-Scald Technology, two built-in grab bars, ten hydro massage jets, a pre-installed four-inch step-in height, a handheld shower wand, as well as a safe water Ozone cleaning system are just a few of the features that come standard with every Safe Step walk-in tub.

Our walk-in tubs are equipped with textured mats to prevent slipping and are designed to prevent the bather from entirely submerging into the water and from exerting a lot of energy when entering or exiting the tub. Compared to standard showers which typically have a threshold, seniors, therefore, require less effort to use walk-in tubs.

Seniors with limited mobility as a result of aging or those who experience health problems and disorders like vertigo can definitely benefit most from a Safe Step walk-in bathtub. There is no need to cross a very high threshold because the entrance to the tub is very close to the bathroom floor when the door is open. As a result, it is easier to maintain balance and there is less chance of slipping and falling.

Most walk-in bathtub models these days are made with simple maintenance in mind because most seniors have limited mobility, and a Safe Step walk-in bathtub is no exception. Our tubs are very to maintain because self-cleaning technologies are included in the construction of our units.

The cost of a walk-in tub and the installation fees will differ greatly depending on the model and the intricacy of the construction required for such installation. While most do not, some US states do offer assistance through their Medicaid programs, so if you are looking to buy one for yourself or an elderly loved one, be sure to enquire about this before making any significant financial investments.

While Safe Step walk-in bathtubs might address many bathroom safety concerns and are considered one of the best options for seniors who wish to age in place, it is also important to understand that they might not always be the right choice for all elderly people, especially seniors that are wheelchair bound. The abilities and demands of your loved one should therefore be taken into consideration when comparing walk-in tubs and showers. Because this has been our philosophy from the beginning, we have also designed a range of walk-in showers that are suitable for almost every household, and you can find more information on these products on our website.

We also know that there are many different brands available and that walk-in bathtubs can be found from a variety of retailers, both in-store and online, but no matter which option you choose, the first step will typically be to request a home visit. If you call us today, we will set up a home visit at a date and time that works best for you, and to assist you in making an informed decision about a walk-in bathtub, we will first assess your needs, sketch out the installation strategy, and offer you a free quote.

It is only natural that you want the elderly person in your life to be safe, happy, and able to enjoy their bathing experience and having learned more about the benefits of owning a Safe Step walk-in bathtub for seniors, it may be time to address the elephant in the room. You should sit down with your elderly loved one, and have a conversation about their needs, but be mindful also of what they want. Age-related changes in physical abilities can be a touchy subject for some seniors, but if everyone in the family is involved in the discussions and decision-making process, your elderly loved one will feel empowered and know that you are not only listening to them but more importantly, that you care about their well-being.