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Why Walk-in Tubs are Safe
Wheelchair Accessible Walk-in Tubs
Feb 11, 2016
Wheelchair accessibility and walk-in tubs are inseparable, carrying on a tradition of helping disabled users help themselves into and out of an enjoyable bath whenever they need it, so much so that leading walk-in tub companies have earned recognition and partnerships from caregivers' foundations and senior communities alike.
Independence
Wheelchair accessible models of walk-in tubs give users the opportunity to bathe without the help of a guardian. Accessible bathtubs all have built-in features that give the wheelchair user that little bit of help they need to bathe independently, enhancing their sense of self-determination. Besides the physical therapeutic benefit that walk-in tubs provide, a senior or disabled veteran that once could not bathe on their terms is now able to create their own routine system.
Without the help of a caregiver or guardian, a senior can now sit in a meditative, relaxing atmosphere with some space and peace of mind. With a walk-in tub of a certain height, where the tub’s seat is the same level as that of the wheelchair, the user can slide into the tub with minimal effort. Wheelchair accessible models of walk-in tubs have outwardly swinging doors so the design can position the seat closer to the user and, in the process, sustain comfortable legroom within the tub.
Safety
Safety precautions taken in walk-in tub design involves an attention to detail that pays off in the form of confidence from the user. A step-in height as low as 2” can be measured by leading walk-in tubs and are meant to help people exhibiting arthritis or other inflammations to be as comfortable and as safe as possible. Bathroom accidents are mostly common with seniors over 65 years of age, and the numbers peak at 85 years of age. That’s why anti-slip surfaces characterize walk-in tubs, as well as slide-in tubs with angled grab bars placed inside them.
Always make sure your measurements matches those of the walk-in tub so you can get the optimum use out of it. Wheelchair access walk-in tubs have wide entryways, typically between 30 and 34 inches. Bliss Tubs’ wheelchair accessible slide-in tubs measure 30” – 32” in width, 52” in length, and 40” in height. The width of their standard slide-in is 22” while their extra wide slide-in tub consists of a 23” wide seat.
For more information on safety features, click here.
Prices
Walk-in tubs typically run from $1,800 to $10,000. The cheapest models often only have the standard safety features and none of the hydrotherapeutic or bariatric ones. Wheelchair accessible bathtubs cost double those of your standard models - $2,600-$5,000. Catch Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards in the middle of a sale and you will find yourself a bargain, followed by professional service.
For a brief cost comparison using real examples, click here.
