Have you ever slipped and fell trying to get in or out of your bathtub? It is definitely not the best (and far from the safest) bathroom experience, so you might consider getting a walk-in bathtub. Of course, wanting to avoid such accidents might be enough reason for most people to get a walk-in bathtub, but there are some of us who actually need to have this specific feature in their bathrooms.

For people with disability and the elderly, walk-in bathtubs are a necessity. Conventional tubs and showers make it very difficult for these people to take a bath, especially those who have trouble standing for extended periods or getting up from sitting on the bathroom floor. To make matters worse, the slippery surface of a wet shower areas or bathtubs can pose as a safety hazard, even with shower mats in place.

A SAFER, HASSLE-FREE BATHTUB

All these things that make conventional showers and tubs problematic for our loved ones with mobility issues, you would not find in walk-in bathtubs! These specialized tubs are designed for those who have difficulty bathing independently and have trouble getting in and out of the shower space or tub.

PART 1 - WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT WALK-IN BATHTUBS?

Here are some of its key advantages:

• Safer access and exit; no need to climb into the tub• Helps prevent slip and fall accidents• Handrails on the sides of the bathtub keep users’ heads above water• Raises the value of a home, especially if located in or near a retirement community• Decreases dependence on others when bathing• Consistent water temperature that prevents injuries from water burns or body shock• Design is similar to a bathtub but also has a shower option• Perfect for families who need to share the bath area with a loved one with mobility issues

While the aforementioned benefits of walk-in bathtubs are generally present regardless of the type, there are still a broad array of features that are unique to each brand or model available.

PART 1 - WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT WALK-IN BATHTUBS?

We now know that a walk-in bathtub is great for people having trouble moving around, but what makes them amazing in the first place? We are now going to explain the parts that make it up and how it works. Basic Parts and Features

Here are some of the key parts that make up a typical walk-in bathtub.

SEAT – Molded seats are a staple in any walk-in bathtub; they provide optimal support and comfort for the user.

ARM SUPPORT – Sides also offer additional support for added comfort.

GRAB BARS – Multiple grab bars are installed for better mobility so users have something to grab on as they enter or exit the tub.

NON-SLIP SURFACE – The slip-resistant surface adds traction to a user’s footing and helps prevent nasty bumps and falls. This feature combined with the grab bar lets the user walk in and out of the bathtub without having to fear losing balance or slipping.

SHOWER HEAD – Handheld shower units are part of the walk-in bathtub and are provided to give users the option to shower when desired, making it a shower area and a bathtub in one. Also eliminates the need for the user to stand in the first place just for a shower.

PART 2 TITLE:HOW DOES A WALK-IN BATHTUB WORK?

DOOR – This is the defining feature of a walk-in bathtub. Easy to open doors that swing outward makes access even safer and more manageable. The door is wide enough to allow users to go in and out without much struggle, and there’s no need to bring a leg up when trying to get in or out of the tub. When shut, rubber or vinyl lining forms a perfect seal and keeps the water from seeping through the door seams.

HEATER – Keeps the water that flows out of the tub’s faucet warm.

ANTI-SCALD VALVE – Ensures the water does not become hot enough to cause scalding or burns.

HYDRO-THERAPY JETS – Uses soft water current to further relax and calm the user while bathing.

Learn about basic shopping considerations for the walk-in bathtub, such as what key functions and features to look for in part 3 of this e-book.

PART 2 TITLE:HOW DOES A WALK-IN BATHTUB WORK?

For families living with a person with disability or is taking care of an elderly relative, a walk-in bathtub becomes a necessity and not an option. And like many necessities, proper planning and consideration must be taken in order to get the best ones for you and your family. Here are the things you need to consider when looking for a walk-in bathtub for your home.

WALL HEIGHT

You can choose tubs ranging from 37 to 47 inches tall at the side. The higher the tub, the more difficult it may be for smaller users to access it.

WIDTH

The general width is somewhere between 28 to 32 inches wide, although there are trim kits that can be used to ensure the tub fits your bathroom space. Make sure you get a tub that is wide enough to allow the users to move freely.

SHOWER SEAT

The shower seat is usually the same height as a standard chair and has an anti-slip surface. However, you still have to make sure the seat design would feel comfortable to your loved one, especially those with back problems.

FLOOR TEXTURE

While walk-in bathtubs always have a non-slip floor surface, some surfaces provide better traction than others. Check if the tub’s floor is safe for your foot; if possible, have the surface tested while wet.

PART 3 TITLE:WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WALK-IN BATHTUB

GRAB BARS

There should be more than one grab bar in the tub. The location of these bars will depend on whether the user is left- or right-handed, but everything must be easy to reach from a sitting position.

ANTI-SCALD VALVE

If you’re using water heaters when bathing, there’s always the risk of scalding or burns. An anti-scald valve prevents the water from getting too hot.

CLEANING FUNCTION

You cannot leave an elderly individual or a person with disability too long inside a tub, so you should look for a tub that can easily be drained after use. Good walk-in bath tubs can be fully drained in around 2-3 minutes although some tubs can drain in as little as 1 1/2 minutes.

PART 3 TITLE:WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WALK-IN BATHTUB

Rainbow Bath and ShowerALANSON/PETOSKEY

7406 Keystone Park Dr, Alanson, MI49706Phone: 231-548-7246

TRAVERSE CITY4107 Manor Wood Dr S, Traverse City, MI 49685

Phone: 231-933-8888

GRAND RAPIDS2311 Lee St. SW Wyoming, MI 49519

Phone: 616-233-0077

GAYLORDPhone: 989-705-2141

TOLL FREE: 888-775-1888

RainbowBathAndShower.com