Many adults usually fall each year in the bathrooms because of slippery floors and step over threshold that combines bathtub and shower. The good news is that there are various ways you can mitigate your injuries after a fall. This includes getting help through a medical alert system. But it makes sense to avoid a fall by preventing one from happening.
One of the ways you can prevent these falls is by installing non-slip mats, grab bars, and ventilation systems that can reduce your bathroom’s surface moisture. Even better, you can install a walk-in bathtub that you can find at Virginia Shower & Bath. This post discusses what you need to know about walk-in bathtubs.
Understanding a walk-in bathtub
A walk-in tub refers to a bathtub that has a seat and door that can allow you to bathe safely at home. In most cases, it has a low threshold that is a few inches high. This product allows you to walk into your bathtub rather than navigating the high edge that is common in a traditional bathtub.
A walk-in bathtub is also unique because it has a molded seat that enables you to enjoy a bath while you are in a seated and upright position. You just need to be submerged in water to enjoy therapeutic soak.
This bathtub has twice the depth of a conventional bathtub. And, while you can usually lie down in a regular bathtub, walk-in bathtubs are crucial for any person who has limited mobility or who struggles to get up easily from slippery bathtubs.
It’s worth mentioning that walk-in bathtubs come in various sizes and shapes. There are several types of walk-in bathtubs that you can find on the market. One of them is called a soaker bathtub which is a basic walk-in bathtub. This bathtub doesn’t have hydrotherapy jets and is usually less expensive than other types of bathtubs. It is regarded as an entry-level unit. Remember that a soaker bathtub has a leak-proof door, and often comes with a handheld shower accessory and a grab bar.
Another type of a bathtub is known as a hydrotherapy tub. This one has a leak-proof door and other extra options that assist with water circulation. This bathtub with air jets or water jets designed to agitate the water. It helps you feel good, and it can assist loosed up your muscles and joints.
You can also find a walk-in, though the name may sound redundant. A walk-in shower is a good option for a person who likes to bathe in a shower. Aside from this, some manufacturers make a walk-in shower with seats.
A bariatric bathtub refers to a walk-in tub that is made suitable for larger people. You can buy a bariatric bathtub that has minimal soaker features or even with all the extra features, such as removable showerheads and water jets.
Lastly, there is a wheelchair-accessible walk-in bathtub that often comes with an outward opening door frame. This allows you to easily come out of the wheelchair to the bathtub. Another good option is a wheelchair-accessible shower.
The safety features of walk-in bathtubs
A walk-in bathtub comes in various colors, sizes, and shapes. They also usually have advanced features, especially in the recent models. Regardless of the type of a walk-in bathtub you intend to purchase, they often share some common safety features.
One of the most crucial features of walk-in bathtubs is a low entry threshold the makes it easy to enter and exit the bathtub. Traditional bathtubs need a high step for you to enter while a walk-in bathtub has a step and a door that you cannot even notice.
There is a good chance that you know the non-slip mat that fits in most existing showers. Many walk-in bathtubs tend to have something similar to this. The bathtub has grooved flooring that can prevent you from falling when you stand up inside the bathtub.
Unlike traditional bathtubs that need entry over their walls, walk-in bathtubs use gated door mechanisms. They have seals that are often made up of rubber to prevent water from getting out of the bathtub. Further, most companies tend to offer lifetime warranties on these components.
Every walk-in manufacturer usually has a different name for their product drain technology, but most of them have some sort of drain. This drain can work quicker than those of a traditional bathtub. Because you cannot open the tub’s door and get out of the walk-in bathtub until there is no water, this technology can prevent you from sitting for quite long on completion of your bath.
Also, like a walker or a cane, a grab bar can protect you by getting some of the balance and weight off your feet. Remember that almost all walk-in bathtubs have grab bars, which are designed for your safety while entering and exiting the tub.
That said, most companies that make walk-in bathtubs usually have a wide range of models and sizes to accommodate any installation application. This includes compact tubs, large bariatric versions, and wheelchair models. As you can see, the manufacturers make sure that they provide custom tubs that are based on your specific needs.
Bathtubs can range between 26 and 35 inches wide. You can also find other ranges that are 35 inches short and 60 inches long. Some specialty manufacturers often offer taller walk-in bathtubs that can reach 47 inches tall. You should note that standard walk-in bathtubs can range between 38 and 40 inches high. Since every bathroom space is usually structured differently, the size tends to vary for each user, so you need to find a company that provides various models.
In conclusion, there is a significant difference between a walk-in bathtub and a traditional bathtub, especially when it comes to less mobile people or older adults. These furnishings may not come cheap, but you can find a variety of pricing options, safety should be your top priority. This is also especially true for older adults who live alone. You need to make sure that your loved one is safe when they bathe, so it’s a good idea to buy a walk-in bathtub.