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Contemporary walk in bathtubs, also known as handicap bathtubs, are specifically designed for elderly and disabled users. They are designed to be more easily accessible, safer, and more comfortable, making the bathroom experience more tolerable. In bathrooms designed for accessibility, all the elements, from the door entrance to bathtubs and other fixtures, are designed for safety and convenience. These usually include wider doorways, grip bars, and non-slip floor rugs.
Bathroom nightmare
Using the bathtub can be a nightmare for the elderly and disabled people. Maneuvering in such a small space can be difficult with their limited movement, which makes them more prone to slips and falls. Most of them need help getting into tubs, usually from a family member or a private nurse. Disabled people are often embarrassed at being dependent on others for such a simple task, and often end up neglecting their personal hygiene just to avoid having to ask for help.
A neat solution comes in the form of custom bathrooms designed for “independent living.” These customized bathrooms allow the disabled person to bathe and use the bathroom on their own, with little or no assistance.
Walk -in bathtub design
In a regular bathtub, one has to step over the tub walls to get in, which can be difficult for users with poor balance or weak leg muscles. Walk-in bathtubs have wide door entrances so that users can simply step through and close the door after them. This greatly lessens the pressure on the leg muscles and reduces the risk of accidents. The design is patterned after walk-in showers, which are also meant for accessibility. Most walk-in bathtubs also have built-in seats and non-slip flooring for added comfort.
Walk-in bathtubs can be freestanding or built into the wall. Built-in tubs are bulkier and harder to install, but they are far more stable than freestanding models.
Disadvantages of walk-in bathtubs
The main disadvantage of a walk-in bathtub is that the wide opening makes it impossible hold water with the entrance open. This means you can only fill them once you are inside, so you have to sit while waiting for the tub to fill. Also, once finished bathing, you may also have to wait for the tub to drain before you can get out. Some tubs have slightly raised doorways that can shorten the waiting time, but they can’t be raised too high because the user can trip over them while exiting.
Walk-in bathtub accessories
Although it is easier to enter and exit a walk-in shower, nothing beats a good bath in a hot water bathtub. Plus, there are benefits that can be very rewarding and pleasurable, such as installing whirlpool jets and massagers. This will not only make personal hygiene easier and attainable, it will also provide luxury while bathing—just like having a private spa at home. The massagers can also provide healing benefits that can help the person recuperate from a disability. Other walk-in bathtub accessories that are beneficial for the handicapped are anti-slippery mats or slip-proof flooring, railings or grab bars for helping the person balance when standing or sitting.
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