If you never think about bathroom safety, you should. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the bathroom is the most dangerous room in a home.¹ Even though it might seem like a relaxing place to relieve yourself or take a shower or bath, the bathroom can be a life-threatening maze of slips, falls and accidents—especially for seniors. The days of just having an easygoing bath can seem like a thing of the past, but: that is where walk-in tubs enter the picture.
What Are Walk-In Tubs?
Walk-in tubs are exactly what they sound like: bathtubs that you can walk-in to by opening a small, watertight door.² Bathroom slips and accidents are the number one cause of injuries for seniors, with 81 percent of their household injuries occurring in the bathroom.³ A walk-in tub can cut down the danger of this significantly and lead to a relaxing and healthy bathing experience. Luckily there are many options available when it comes to walk-in tubs.⁴
Details About Walk-In Tubs
Regular bathtubs require stepping at least several feet over the edge and are easy to slip in and fall. Even taking showers with a grip-mat can become a disaster and dangerous to your health. A walk-in tub solves this. They are made specifically with seniors in mind and those who suffer from disabilities or impaired mobility. With Jacuzzi features and grip handles, walk-in tubs combine safety and comfort. You just walk over tiny four-inch step and sit on the comfortable seat and enjoy a lovely bath.
Features To Look For In A Walk-In Tub
Walk in tubs come in a number of varieties and have many different features. In particular, making sure your tub comes with whirlpool water and air jets for a Jacuzzi experience can make a big difference. These features can help relieve any muscle aches or pains so you leave the walk-in tub feeling like a brand new person.
What About the Cost Of A Walk-In Tub?
The assumption that a walk-in tub is going to cost the world is not correct. In fact, walk-in tubs generally range from $2,000 to $5,000. Very specialized bariatric and other models for hydrotherapy can go all the way to $20,000, but there is no need to pay that unless you would like the more advanced models. In terms of the installation of a walk-in tub, it will generally run you $1,500 or under. Many walk-in tub companies will give you a free in-home consultation about how much it is going to cost to install before you decide whether or not to purchase the tub.⁵
More Walk-In Tub Advantages
Walk-in tubs can also be used to take a shower and they generally have grip-easy handrails and floors so that you won’t slip. Consider making sure that the walk-in tub you purchase meets the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In addition to the numerous health benefits and pore-cleansing joy of enjoying a steaming bath or shower, you can rest easy knowing that the ADA has given the green light to the walk-in tub and that it is safe as can be.
As always, it is a good idea to do your own research online and look at the options available for walk-in tubs in your area. Carefully consider your options and assess the pros and cons of a few different tub companies before making your final decision. The many advantages of choosing to install a walk-in tub, combined with its many health and relaxation benefits make it a great discovery that will improve life immeasurably.
[1] https://woodsinsurance.com/home-safety-dangerous-room/
[2] https://www.retirementliving.com/pros-and-cons-of-a-walk-in-tub
[3] https://showerbay.com/bathroom-slips-falls-top-causes-injuries-elderly/
[4] https://www.kohlerwalkinbath.com/video-gallery/walk-in-bath-features/
[5] https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/walk-in-tub-cost.html
