As we age, simple tasks like going to the bathroom or walking around independently across the house become difficult and risky. According to the reports provided by the US CDC, known as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of older adults, particularly those 65 years of age and above, fall each year. When you fall once, your chance of falling again likely doubles. For seniors, taking a bath can become dangerous, with the risk of slipping and falling.
To avoid such situations for your elders, walk-in tubs offer a safer bathing solution, allowing easy access without stepping over a high edge. Moreover, these tubs are equipped with safety features, such as non-slip floors, grab bars, and built-in seats, enabling seniors the independence and security they deserve. In the following blog, we have discussed the reasons why walk-in tubs for the elderly are a safe bathing solution.
7 Reasons Why a Walk-In Tub Is Must Have for Elders
While alternatives like nursing homes can be a suitable option for seniors, they are not always convenient for everyone. In this case, walk-in tubs stand out as a clear winner, offering several benefits to elders, especially during bathing. Here are the top 7 reasons why this accessibility solution is a must-have for seniors:
Reduces the Risk of Falls
One of the major concerns for seniors is the risk of injuries and falling in the bathroom, particularly while bathing or when entering or exiting the bathtub. With walk-in tubs, this concern can be eliminated, as such advanced tubs reduce the risk of falling by providing a low-entry threshold. This allows seniors to step in and out of the tub easily without needing to lift over a high edge.
Many walk-in tubs for the elderly are designed with built-in seating that minimizes the risk of falling while standing. Additionally, the product comes with grab bars, providing extra stability while moving inside the tub. As a result, these tubs are a safer option for older people, reducing their chances of slips and falls during bath time.
Provides Convenient Features
Walk-in tubs come with the latest technology that makes bathing for senior people as easy and comfortable as possible, especially those with limited mobility. One of its key features is a handheld shower wand, which allows full control over the water flow without standing. Moreover, the quick-drain technology is another convenient feature that enables water to drain fast, so old people do not have to wait long to leave the tub. These features ensure a smooth and more comfortable bathing experience for seniors, making it a convenient option.
Offers Great Accessibility
For seniors with mobility issues, walk-in tubs offer enhanced accessibility, allowing them to bathe easily. These tubs are built with a low-threshold base, thus making entering into the tub much easier, especially for seniors using wheelchairs or those with mobility problems. This feature creates a safe and accessible bathing experience, which helps seniors to bathe properly with minimal discomfort and less risk of injury.
Comes with Therapeutic Features
Besides safety features, walk-in tubs offer therapeutic benefits, creating a spa-like experience at home. Many models of walk-in tubs for the elderly have features like heating pads and jets that provide gentle water therapy. These features help relieve tension and soothe sore muscles. Its warm water immersion promotes relaxation, and the jets help improve circulation and ease the discomfort associated with old age. Therefore, for seniors seeking a calming therapeutic experience, walk-in tubs offer both comfort and healing.
Great Investment For Future
While many of you may think of walk-in tubs as an expensive product, in reality, it is a single-time investment that can save you money in the long run. Unlike the ongoing costs of nursing home care, a walk-in tub provides a cost-effective solution. Over time, the savings from avoiding expensive care facilities can outweigh the initial installation costs of the tub, making it a smart financial option for seniors that provides them value for years to come.
Promote Independence
With the walk-in tub, senior people can experience independence to bathe without needing help from caregivers or family members. With features like grab bars, low entry, seating, and anti-slip floors, older individuals can confidently take a bath on their own without risk of any fall or slip. This independence promotes self-esteem and a sense of control over daily routines, essential for their mental and emotional well-being.
Promotes Health Benefits
Other than the safety and therapeutic features, walk-in tubs offer several health benefits, specifically for seniors dealing with chronic conditions like arthritis. As per research reported in the National Library of Medicine (NIH), water therapy has proved to be beneficial for pain, fatigue, and stiffness that result from arthritis and other age-related health problems. Moreover, warm baths can also uplift mood by increasing serotonin levels, promoting relaxation, and reducing stress.
Conclusion
There can be many options for seniors, but nothing can offer the extent of safety, independence, convenience, and cost-effectiveness of a walk-in tub. These advanced tubs address key concerns of seniors, like fall risks and limited mobility. Features like low-entry design combined with safety elements like grab bars and non-slip floors ensure a secure bathing experience. Not only this, walk-in tubs also offer many therapeutic and health benefits, providing a soothing relief from age-related problems, thus improving overall well-being.
Investing in a walk-in tub is an ideal option if you are a senior or have an older loved one. At HomePRO, we provide comprehensive mobility equipment for disabled elderly. For detailed information on our products, contact us today.
