What Are the Advantages of Walk-in Tubs?

Getting in and out of a bathtub can be difficult, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility. As such, you should consider investing in a walk-in tub. A walk-in tub has a watertight door that swings either in or out with a built-in seat that allows you to bathe in a seated position. With a walk-in tub, you don’t have to sacrifice your long, relaxing baths. 

Today, we talk about the many advantages of upgrading your ordinary bath to a walk-in tub. 

Ideal for Aging-in-Place Homes

These days, more and more senior homeowners prefer living in their own homes as they age. However, three million older adults are treated in emergency rooms yearly for falls – many of which occur inside the bathroom. For this reason, a walk-in tub is an ideal solution for aging-in-place homes. In fact, one of the first modifications of an aging-in-place home is installing a walk-in tub. Walk-in tubs feature a low threshold for entry and grab bars, allowing older adults to lower themselves in the tub carefully. 

Accessible Bathing Experience

Senior citizens are not the only ones who may have difficulty with bathing. Homeowners with limited mobility can turn to an accessible walk-in tub to meet their daily hygiene needs. This way, bathing can be as simple and enjoyable as possible. Many leading manufacturers offer wheelchair-accessible bathtubs with an outward swinging door or bariatric-sized tubs for larger bathers. These tubs also include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant seating, safety grab rails and non-skid floors to ensure a safe bathing experience. 

Available in a Tub-Shower Combo

One of the most overlooked advantages of walk-in tubs is that they can be a stand-up or sit-down shower in addition to a deep soaking tub. This is highly recommended for households with different generations under one roof. A walk-in tub can fit where your existing tub does, which means the shower portion can stay intact. Additionally, your bathroom contractor can supply a faucet set with an extendable showerhead. This can be hung on a riser rod so you can use it as a stand-up or seated shower. 

Hydrotherapy Benefits

Hydrotherapy is an effective way to relieve the aches and pains of chronic diseases, and provide overall wellness through relaxation. Walk-in tubs can be configured with advanced hydrotherapy features, from therapeutic air to whirlpool jets. The warm water stream during your bathing experience relaxes tight muscles and stimulates the release of endorphins. Walk-in tubs are also twice the depth of regular tubs, allowing the bather to take a fully submerged soak instead of being limited to the showerhead flow. 

Count on the experienced team at Bath Planet of Boston to remodel your bathroom to meet the needs of any person in any walk of life. For homeowners in Shrewsbury, call us today at (508) 372-8831; in Pembroke, at (781) 332-4423; and in Woburn, at (781) 932-4805. You can also fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.