Times Colonist

BATHTUBS WITH BENEFITS

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Approximat­ely 80 per cent of falls occur in the bathroom, and oftentimes they happen when entering or exiting the bathtub. Walk-in bathtubs for seniors have proven to be one of the safest alternativ­es to assure their safety. Here’s how walk-in bathtubs are beneficial for seniors.

WHAT ARE WALK-IN BATHTUBS, AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

Walk-in bathtubs are equipped with doors that open, so you don’t have to step over the edge like a convention­al bathtub. Walk-in tubs are safer options for seniors and for those who are disabled, and they lower the risk of falling. The doors on the bathtubs are sealed so water remains in the tub and does not flood the floor. Usually, profession­al installati­on is needed for walk-in bathtubs.

THE BENEFITS OF WALK-IN BATHTUBS FOR THE ELDERLY

You can shower more easily with a walk-in bathtub. These tubs are designed to prevent falling incidents. The bathtubs have doors that allow you to enter and exit easily. They come equipped with seats, handrails and other accessorie­s to assist you in keeping your head above the water.

There are a variety of bathtubs equipped with a hydrothera­py feature; this can aid in relieving pain. Other therapeuti­c features include light therapy, aromathera­py, soothing air therapy and hydro-jet therapy.

Anti-slip floors and seating allow for better balance balance and safeguard you from injury while bathing.

WALK-IN BATHTUB RISKS

There are some risks associated with a walk-in bathtub:

Walk-in bathtubs have high walls

The walls on a walk-in tub are high and the doorways are narrow. Under these circumstan­ces, there could be a concern if a medical episode or fall should occur. This could present a challenge for family members or caregivers to get the door open to help you out of the tub for emergency assistance.

Long waiting period for drainage of water

Due to the amount of time waiting for the tub to fill and drain with water, it could be difficult for you to remain inside the tub while wet and after a shower.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A WALK-IN BATHTUB Pricing:

A walk-in bathtub can cost from $2,500 up to $10,000. The amount you pay depends on the features included.

Door Design

Make note of the bathtubs’ door designs. The size and shape can impact how easily you can enter and exit the bathtub, and can also impact how your room looks.

Portable Walk-In Bathtub

Consider purchasing a portable model bathtub. This is an option if it’s not in your budget for a profession­al installati­on.

WALK-IN BATHTUB ALTERNATIV­ES Bath Chair Lift

If you’re a person who enjoys soaking in the bathtub, then a bath chair lift is a great option. A bath chair lift is a motorized bath chair that lowers into your tub. It has a button affixed to it. When you push the button, the seat lowers you into the water, and once you’re done, you can raise the bath chair back up.

Slide-In Style Bathtub

These are similar to traditiona­l style walk-in bathtubs. With the slide-in style bathtub, one side of the bath seat is attached to the door which allows you to simply back up and sit down.

For a free quote, call Safe Step Tubs: 1-888-960-5401. Visit: safesteptu­bs.ca

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