4 Reasons Walk-In Tubs Are Better Than Regular Tubs for the Elderly

Posted by Safety Bath Walk in Tubs on April 28th, 2017

As more healthcare providers recommend walk-in tubs in homes with elderly residents, family members may wonder why this distinct upgrade is so strongly flavoured. Although meant to serve the same general purpose as a regular tub, walk-in models have features that make them especially beneficial for people as they age.

Walk-in tubs stand apart from their traditional counterparts due to a specific design difference. Rather than require people to make a potentially perilous 20-inch step over to get in, these tubs feature swing-in or swing-out doors. The doors enable people to get in by only making a step that’s a few inches off the ground. Once a bather is inside, the door is shut to seal up tightly, preventing water drips and leaks.

Although walk-in bathtubs may vary in the features offered, most deliver these benefits that make them superior to regular fixtures in homes with elderly residents:

• Easier access –Bathroom-related accidents are implicated in thousands of emergency room visits each year for people of all ages. The elderly are especially prone to trips, slips and falls, making this style of tub rather beneficial for preventing accidents that could lead to broken hips or other serious injuries. The simple design of a walk-in tub is also favoured by people of any age that are simply trying to reduce bathroom hazards.
• Additional safety features – Door access isn’t the only safety feature in most walk-in tubs. Additional safety items generally include grab bars to steady bathers as necessary, slip resistant flooring and seats that enable people to bathe without fully submerging in water. All of these can combine with the doors to make the bathing experience much safer for elderly people who may not be as steady on their feet as they once were.
• Therapeutic benefits – Upgrades meant to transform walk-in tubs into relaxing spas can also have tremendous therapeutic benefits for elderly users who suffer from arthritis and other related concerns. Hot water jets, massage features, heated seating and so on can all aid in pain management and help users get the most from their bathing experience.
• Independence –One of the biggest reasons elderly people prefer walk-in tubs is the independence they provide. When these tubs are installed in a home, users often find they can regain their independence while bathing and avoid the embarrassment and loss of dignity that may come from having to ask for help. In some cases, the installation of this type of tub can add to other safety features around a home to help an elderly person stay in their home longer.

Walk-in bathtubs offer features that are simply superior for elderly people who may face mobility issues. By making it safer for users to bathe, these tubs provide peace of mind along with a host of other benefits that go beyond typical bathroom fixtures.

About the Author:

Safety Bath Walk in Tubs has been manufacturing tubs since 1992. Our tubs are made with the highest quality materials, from one piece Fiberglass backed acrylic to aluminum door systems with auto locks. We have Walk in Tubs to fit all applications and it is our duty to ensure that we fit the right tub to the individual clients needs without any high pressure or intrusive sales people.