Has the bathing situation at your home started to worry you? Whether you’re looking for safe bathing solutions for yourself or a loved one, a walk-in bathtub is often the best choice for keeping up with bathing and hygiene without concerns about preventable slips and falls. How do you know it’s time to start thinking seriously about installing a walk-in tub? Here’s a look at some signs that an update might be needed.
1. Fear of Falls as You Age
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are especially common among Americans age 65 and older. An adult over age 65 falls every second of the day in the United States. Sadly, falling is the top cause of injury and death for the 65-and-up age group. Falls in this age group tend to be serious. In fact, one out of every five falls will cause a head injury, broken bone, or another serious injury. Research shows that 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls.
The CDC points out that falls are preventable. A walk-in bathtub can play an important role in preventing dangerous falls at home. However, it’s important to consider a tub upgrade before the fall risk becomes so severe that it is inevitable.
2. Mobility Issues
If someone is experiencing mobility issues, getting in and out of the tub can become difficult. As a result, a person may begin to avoid bathing out of fear of injury or discomfort. The effort that it takes to get into the tub can be exhausting for both the person who is bathing and the caregiver involved. Lack of bathing can lead to skin rashes, skin infections, parasites, and other serious illnesses. If bathing has become infrequent because getting in and out of a standard tub has become challenging due to mobility issues, it’s time to consider a walk-in tub.
3. A Desire for Pain Relief or Stress Relief
A walk-in bathtub is extremely relaxing compared to a standard tub or shower. Most models feature built-in seating that allows a person to sit at couch height while bathing. This provides a big advantage when you’re dealing with fatigue, soreness, or instability of muscles and joints. Showering can become impossible when a person is dealing with aches and pains. While a traditional tub does allow a person to sit, a hard surface mixed with low positioning can create discomfort. A walk-in bathtub combines the benefits of shower and tub by allowing you to remain seated while using nozzles that gently and thoroughly clean your body.
A built-in bathtub isn’t necessarily just for people over age 65. Many athletes actually utilize walk-in tubs for hydrotherapy as part of muscle recovery. Of course, the therapeutic benefits of sitting in the tub can certainly be beneficial for senior citizens looking for their own muscle recovery!
4. A Desire to Stay in the Home as Long as Possible
A walk-in bathtub is a feature that everyone of post-retirement age should consider if they currently live in a home that they have no intention of leaving. Bathing difficulty is one of the leading reasons why people feel that they need to leave home to live in a facility or with family caretakers. A walk-in tub dramatically improves a person’s ability to maintain independence by taking the common hassles and risks out of routine bathing.
