Bathtubs are a luxury that many of us enjoy on a regular basis but can be extremely difficult and even harmful for seniors to enjoy due to the high walls of typical bathtubs. Thankfully, many companies have become aware of the difficulties seniors face with typical bathtubs and have created walk-in bathtubs that help solve this prevalent problem many elderly people face.
1. Freedom
This is a big priority for many seniors. Regardless of who you are, bathing is typically something you’d like to do alone. Unfortunately, with a typical bathtub, the wall of the tub is too high for most seniors to get their legs over and increases risk of falls or injury. Thankfully, with a walk-in bathtub, older individuals can have the freedom of independent living. A walk-in bathtub has a door on the side of the tub that makes it easy to step into and sit down.
2. Hydrotherapy
“Hydrotherapy” may be a foreign word to many but has several benefits to seniors. “Hydrotherapy relies on its mechanical and thermal effects, in order to induce healing. It takes advantage of the body’s reaction to cold or hot stimuli, the pressure exerted by water the protracted application of heat as well as the sensation of the water.” Most walk-in bathtubs have built-in heaters that regulate the water temperature to make sure the water stays a certain temperature. They also have jets that can help stimulate the muscles and help with things like arthritis and sore muscles.
3. Cost Effective
Walk-in bathtubs can be a very cost-effective option when you weigh the costs against those of other bathing alternatives or live-in facilities. These walk-in bathtubs can take as little as a day to install and will last for years. When you weigh the safety features of this tub against the cost, you’ll quickly realize that these tubs are worth the money.
4. Reduces Risk
This is one of the biggest “pros” of walk-in bathtubs; their inherent safety compared to a standard tub. The walk-in bathtub has a tall, watertight door attached to the side of the tub that opens with a door handle. The user steps into the tub and sits down in the built-in luxurious tub seat. This is important because most elders have difficulty with getting their legs over the tall walls of a typical bathtub. The walk-in bathtub enables unstable walkers to safely get in and out of the tub, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
5. Luxury
What’s better than a fabulous, molded built-in seat for your bathing experience? With features like water jets and a re-circulation heater that maintains the water temperature, these amenities will make your bath a relaxing and rewarding one. Models for walk-in bathtubs can range from a basic package to packages with a plethora of luxurious features. You won’t want to miss out on the luxury and comfort these walk-in tubs offer.
With the many benefits walk-in bathtubs offer for senior citizens, it seems like an easy choice to get one installed in your home today! Call the experts at Granite City Interiors today to get your FREE bathroom remodel consultation. They’ll be happy to install a new walk-in bathtub and make your home a far safer place for you or the people you love.
