When it comes to bathing experiences, everyone has different needs. For some, those needs far outweigh what they can do for themselves. Installing walk-in bathtubs can make bathing more accessible for people of all ages.
Walk-in bathtubs add stability, providing more independence for seniors, people with disabilities, and kids, when bathing. There are many great reasons to upgrade your bathtub to a walk-in tub. Read on to learn more!
Safety features commonly seen in walk-in baths
The most popular reason people decide to install walk-in baths is that they provide more safety features than regular tubs. High walls, non-slip flooring, seats, and grab bars make it safer for people with mobility issues to bathe with less injury risk.
Wall height: Walk-in tubs have a wall that ranges between 37 and 47 inches in height. This wall reduces the risk of a person with reduced mobility toppling out of the bathtub.
Built-in shower seat: Walk-in tubs have shower seats that are approximately 17 inches long. These seats feature a textured surface to prevent you from sliding off, making for a more comfortable and safe bathing experience. It is also much easier to get up from a seat than from the floor of a tub.
Textured floor: Almost all models have a textured floor surface to avoid sliding. If you’re considering a walk-in tub for someone with mobility issues, a textured floor is crucial.
Grab bars: Most tubs have at least two grip bars. They have usually mounted them where they can get the most use. The grab bars are optional in certain situations but should be purchased if the individual has restricted mobility.
Anti-scald valve: The anti-scald valve compensates for sudden changes in pressure in both cold and hot water lines to maintain the water’s temperature from unexpected changes. Since fast spikes or drops in temperature can cause the user to leap and hurt themselves, anti-scald valves in walk-in bathrooms are standard safety features.
Hydrotherapy jets: The majority of walk-in tub designs have calming hydrotherapy jets that provide you with a spa experience right at home. These jets can be used to soothe and relax sore muscles and joints. But unlike a regular hot tub, there is no chlorine, no cleaning or repairs, and no need to go outside to enjoy the jets, which means you can enjoy a great soak all year round!
Benefits of a walk-in tub
Even if you already have a bathtub, it is still worth upgrading to a walk-in tub. Here are just some of the benefits of a walk-in tub.
A safer bathing experience. Walk-in tubs reduce the need for a sliding shower door, which presents a significant risk to seniors. Some seniors use these doors for stability or balance, which is a bad idea since the doors were not built to withstand their weight. Walk-in tubs have a door so that you don’t have to lift your legs over the threshold, and the seat is usually a comfortable high to allow you to get up again when the bath is full.
Your physical independence. As you get older, you may be concerned about your ability to continue living alone. A walk-in bath may be a solution that lets you live in your own home without the need for home care or family members who can help with your personal hygiene.
Upgrade your home value. If you live in an area where many people are close to retirement age, adding a walk-in tub can be an excellent selling point for your house. Generally speaking, these tubs need skilled construction. Still, if anyone looks at two homes — one with the tub already installed and the other with a shower or conventional bathroom — the one with the walk-in tub is preferable.
Home Forever Baths
Walk-in tubs can be a great addition to any bathroom and are of particular benefit to people with mobility problems. There are many walk-in bathroom models, and they’re full of different features for a variety of needs. Learn about which one is best for your home with a free quote from Home Forever Baths. Contact us today for a chat.
