Walk In Tubs: Making Independent Living Possible for Seniors

Making simple upgrades to a home, such as the addition of a walk-in tub, can be all that is necessary to help independent seniors remain so longer. While most elders are adamant about maintaining their independence by living in the comfort and privacy of their own homes, a single slip-and-fall accident that results in serious injury can rob them of their freedom in the blink of an eye. The unique design of a walk in tub lends itself very well to helping seniors avoid accidents so they can enjoy the benefits of independent living for a long as possible.

Walk in or step in tub designs are different than traditional models. Although they may measure out at roughly the same size as a standard tub, the two types of models are quite unique. Whereas a traditional tub requires people to make a step over to gain access, a walk in model will have a door that swings in or swings out to allow entry. This design variation removes a potentially perilous 20-inch step over that is par for the course with a standard tub design. With a walk in tub, users only need to step over a few small inches to get inside. Once they do, the door can be closed so the tub may be filled. Since the doors on walk in tubs seal watertight, concerns about pooling or puddles that may cause slips after bathing are removed, as well.

While eliminating the big step over that can create a host of problems for people who are unsteady on their feet is a big plus for seniors, walk in tubs often offer other safety enhancements. They may include:

• Slip-resistant flooring – Soap scum and water can combine on standard bathtub floors to create a very slippery and potentially dangerous surface. To address this hazard, many walk-in tubs feature flooring that is designed to be slip resistant.
• Seating – Seniors may find that submerging within a bathtub creates problems for them, especially when it is time to get out. With that in mind, many models offer seating that can be used on conjunction with shower hose heads for safer bathing.
• Grab bars – These built-in bars are meant to help seniors steady themselves as they get into and out of a tub. They can also help those who prefer to soak in the tub when it is time to get out.

Thousands of emergency room visits each year are chalked up to accidents that occur in home bathrooms. For seniors, a single slip and fall can take precious independence away. The addition of a walk in tub can reduce and/or eliminate some of the biggest hazards seniors face in their own environments. In doing so, a walk in tub may help seniors enjoy their independence longer.

Safety Bath Walk in Tubs has been manufacturing tubs since 1992. Our tubs are made with the highest quality materials, from one piece Fiberglass backed acrylic to aluminum door systems with auto locks.