One of the most dangerous rooms in your home is the bathroom. It’s where surfaces are slick and slippery – and when you take a bath or shower, your risk of falling is even greater. And the risk is serious for senior citizens. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults. But you can potentially prevent falls if you get a walk-in bathtub, which you can find by searching online.
Every 11 seconds, an older adult heads to the emergency room because of a fall. If you don’t want to risk a fall causing you serious injuries or death, you need to consider a walk-in bathtub. These unique tubs make bathing easier, and you can find many different styles with an online search.
Here’s what you need to know about walk-in bathtubs so you can increase your safety at home.
What is a Walk-In Bathtub?
A walk-in bathtub is a tub that functions a bit differently from your traditional bathtub. These tubs feature higher walls and a door so you can easily walk in and out. There’s no need to climb over the side of the bathtub – a walk-in tub features a low lip so you won’t have to struggle or put your balance at risk.
Walk-in bathtubs also offer a number of features for individuals with limited mobility, like seniors. Many of these tubs feature seats so you can bathe while sitting down. Some may even include hydrotherapy features so you can enjoy a whirlpool or air bath, or perhaps massaging jets. Other walk-in tubs include chromatherapy, which allows you to light your bath with color.
There are many different types of walk-in bathtubs. You can choose from:
- Walk-in air baths, which massage with tiny air bubbles.
- Deep soaking tubs, which allow for a full body soak.
- Combo massage tubs, which include whirlpool air bath and whirlpool jets.
- Walk-in whirlpool tubs, which feature adjustable water jets.
Make sure to shop around online and compare different walk-in bathtubs. You can find a number of different styles of these safety-focused tubs. And you can find tub options that offer the features you’ll benefit most from.
Benefits of a Walk-In Bathtub
A walk-in bathtub offers significant benefits and advantages over a traditional tub. Of course, the biggest benefit these unique tubs offer is increased safety.
A walk-in bathtub is safer than a traditional bathtub. It allows you to keep both feet on the floor and grip onto the side while you enter and exit. And with seating inside, you can bathe in a way that’s stable and comfortable. It’s particularly safe for those who have limited mobility and struggle with traditional tubs. Many walk-in bathtubs include slip-resistant flooring, grab bars, and more features that’ll keep anyone safe.
But safety isn’t the only benefit you’ll get if you switch to a walk-in bathtub. There are a number of other benefits for your health, safety, and even your daily routine. These benefits include:
- Providing symptom relief for those suffering from conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, or general muscle and joint pain or stiffness.
- Improving circulation, which can help increase mobility and lessen pain.
- Relaxation and stress relief, with soothing features like hydrotherapy, massage, or chromatherapy.
If you’re interested in getting more than a mere bathtub, a walk-in tub is an excellent choice. These tubs will help lessen your risk of falling and provide plenty of other advantages that may be a significant help to seniors and those with limited mobility. Make sure to compare the features available on different styles of walk-in bathtubs to see just how much your tub could do for you.
The Cost of a Walk-In Bathtub
Adding a walk-in bathtub to your bathroom does come with a cost. There are two expenses that you should expect: the cost of the tub itself and the installation cost.
Walk-in bathtubs are available at just about every price point. They start at $1,500 and can get as expensive as $20,000, depending on the features and customizations you purchase with your tub. A soaking walk-in tub costs between $2,000 and $5,000 typically. If you’re looking for hydrotherapy, walk-in tubs average between $5,000 and $7,000. However, if you’d like a more specialized model, your walk-in bathtub can be much more expensive.
Because most bathrooms are built for a traditional bathtub, installing a walk-in tub requires a professional. Installation costs can range anywhere from $700 to $3,000 – most average around $1,500. However, if installing your new walk-in tub requires construction, new pipes, or other renovations and changes, your cost may be much higher.
No matter what your budget may be, nothing can replace the peace of mind a walk-in bathtub provides. You’ll be less at risk of slips and falls – as well as serious injuries and even death – with one of these tubs that suit seniors and individuals with limited mobility. And you can search online, compare tubs and options, and find a walk-in bathtub that works for your needs.