The vast majority of household accidents take place in the bathroom, and the likelihood of dangerous mishaps increases with age. The high, steep sides of traditional bathtubs can increase the risk of slips and falls that could have concerning long-term effects, meaning that they may no longer be the best fit for senior citizens.
Walk in and safe step bathtubs provide a simple solution to this safety problem, allowing seniors to enjoy all the benefits of a bathtub while alleviating many of the related risks and hazards. It's important for people to familiarize themselves with the features, costs, and most highly regarded brands of walk in bathtubs before making the final decision of what type of walk in tub is right for them.
Information. Getting to know the ins and outs of a walk in tub can provide some much-needed peace of mind for seniors. The primary key feature of a walk in bathtub is the watertight door that allows the user to enter and leave the tub without needing to step over a high threshold. Because the swinging doors alleviate the need for a lower threshold that can be stepped over, walk in bathtubs allow for a much greater water depth in addition to the sense of security that they provide. This also results in bath sessions taking up more time since the tub must be filled and drained with the door closed. However, plenty of models offer specialty valves and drainage systems that make this process far quicker to avoid chilling while waiting in the tub.
Safety features. Many different walk in tub variations are available on the market, and often include safety features geared towards the different needs and preferences of individual senior citizens. For example, a buyer can choose from an array of anti-slip textures to decrease the risk of falling and opt for extra grip bars for added security. Seniors who use wheelchairs can also choose a walk-in tub that allows the entire front to open for wider, easier access with their chairs. The added feature of a scald prevention valve is also important, since it prevents the user from accidentally acclimating themselves to dangerously high temperatures while they fill the tub from inside. Another good safety feature to look out for is a built-in water purification system that will ensure that the bathwater and valves stay very clean.
Installation Costs. The basic cost of the walk in bathtub itself is generally around $5,000 to begin with, although added features can increase the price to significantly more than that. However, while the price on its own might look a bit steep, well-built walk in bathtubs can save senior citizens a lot of aggravation and money by including features such as seats and gripping bars that would otherwise need to be installed separately. Alongside the cost of the walk in tub itself, the installation fees can add another several thousand dollars, sometimes adding up to totals in the area of $10,000. Installation costs can also increase depending on the complexity of the bathroom modifications necessary for proper installation of the walk in bathtub.
Safe step brand. The Safe Step brand is considered to be one of the best when it comes to walk in bathtubs. Safe Step holds higher standards for its models, requiring many of the features as basics that other brands would only include as special features or add-ons. The base prices of their walk in bathtubs tend to range around $10,000 dollars, making them a larger investment than lower-end "one size fits all" tubs. However, their consistent inclusion of key features and the fact that their tubs are all custom built to suit the individual customer's needs make them well worth the price. Safe Step walk in bathtubs are also manufactured in the United States and offer a lifetime warranty.
Best Walk in tubs. For any senior citizens looking to find the best pre-made walk in tub for their lifestyle, there are several highly-regarded bathtub types to choose from. Deep soaking tubs offer better opportunities for long soaks, which can help soothe aches and pains. Walk in air baths and whirlpool tubs grant seniors the ability to relax with underwater massages with customization options for intensity. Combo massage tubs can offer the capabilities of air and whirlpool baths in one, and often come with a wide variety of seat inclinations that make it easy to relax.