Best Walk-In Tubs for Seniors
As we age, our vision, balance, and mobility naturally decline. Stairs that were once easy to navigate become daunting, or the bathtub that we had no trouble entering and exiting can pose a serious safety concern. Yet, oddly enough, many people seem unaware of common home improvements that can reduce the risks associated with aging in place. Nowadays, there are several good products on the market that can improve safety in the home. Assuming that not all seniors reside in homes with stairs, and therefore won’t need a stairlift, let’s examine how walk-tubs can be an easy safety solution for seniors with mobility issues or disabilities.
Features of Walk-In Tubs
As its name implies, a walk-in tub is one that you enter and exit by walking into rather than by stepping over a threshold or barrier. Typically, walk-in tubs have a low step-in basin as well as doors, which are actually part of the tub wall, that open and close to allow you to easily enter and exit. (Thanks to advanced watertight sealing, water stays inside the tub.) A walk-in tub further differs from a traditional tub in that it usually also comes with safety features, such as a sturdy grab bar, slip-resistant flooring, built-in seating, and easy-access controls that eliminate the need for bending or excessive reaching. Some walk-in tubs, such as options made by Jacuzzi®, are equipped with hydrotherapy jets to help soothe aches and pains and an in-line water heater to maintain comfortable bath temperature.
Benefits of Walk-In Tubs
Although these tubs are fundamentally designed to make bathing safe and convenient, they can improve overall health in other ways, including by:
- Promoting relaxation and stress relief – The safety of a walk-tub can eliminate any worry about accidental slips or falls, providing peace of mind and allowing you to enjoy your bathing ritual to the fullest.
- Relieving symptoms – Seniors with conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, fibromyalgia or joint pain and stiffness can benefit greatly from the soothing effects of a walk-in tub’s bubble jets.
What’s more, a walk-in tub can boost home value, particularly for homeowners who live in a retirement community.
Challenges
As handy as some homeowners are, installing a walk-in tub is decidedly not a do-it-yourself project but one that’s best left to professionals. Installation can be complex, especially in older homes where electrical and plumbing systems may need updating in order to accommodate a walk-tub. An experienced and reputable installer will be able to determine what needs to be done before installation.
Additionally, most walk-in tub vendors offer a range of models, with different door designs that impact access as well as a bathroom’s appearance. So how do you choose a vendor?
At Dreamstyle Remodeling, we make it easy for you. We install walk-in tubs made by industry leader Jacuzzi®. These tubs boast all the features that will effectively improve safety and convenience, thereby enhancing your bathing experience – features like a low step-in basin, well-placed grab bars, a comfortable raised seat, and Jacuzzi®’s renowned hydromassage jets. If you would like more information, contact us today. One of our representatives will be happy to answer any questions you may have and get you started on one of the most rewarding home improvements you’ll ever undertake.
