As we age, it’s normal for activities of daily living (ADLs) to become more challenging, but it can be difficult to know when it’s time to make changes that will make life easier. Some adjustments are minor and easy to make, like using nonslip mats or suction grab bars, while others, like installing a walk-in tub, require a greater investment of time and money. Still, there are many benefits to using a walk-in tub, and it might well be worth the time, money, and effort it takes to install. The question is, how do you know if upgrading to a walk-in tub is right for you? Here are four signs it might be time to upgrade to a walk-in tub in your bathroom.
You’re afraid of falling in the bathroom
Falling is a common fear among seniors and their families, and for good reason. Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults who are 65 years of age or older. Those injuries can lead to hospital stays, cause long-lasting medical conditions that make it difficult or impossible to live independently, and even result in death. Fortunately, there are many fall prevention strategies that you can use in your home to prevent falls. Installing a walk-in tub could be part of this strategy.
Instead of a deep basin tub, walk-in tubs feature a swinging door with a built-in seat, removing the need to climb over the tub wall and stand while showering. Most thresholds are only a few inches off the ground, making them much easier to walk in and out of, and with the built-in seat, you don’t have to get up and down from the tub floor or deal with a slippery seat you’ve placed in the shower. Most walk-in tubs also feature strategically placed grab bars and antislip flooring, helping to keep you steady so you don’t fall in the bathroom.
You have mobility issues or worry about future mobility
Maybe you can manage to get into and out of the bathtub now, but you notice it’s getting progressively more difficult. You might worry about your future mobility, especially if you think you may end up needing to use a walker or a wheelchair.
It’s a great idea to be prepared by installing a walk-in tub now instead of waiting until it becomes absolutely necessary. Doing so may help you maintain independence while avoiding injury or greater difficulty with bathing. These tubs’ low entry thresholds and built-in seats make bathing much easier for people with mobility problems.
If you anticipate needing a wheelchair in the future, a wheelchair-accessible tub may be a good choice for the present. Wheelchair-accessible tubs feature oversized swinging doors that enable you to slide into the tub from a seated position. They expose both the footwell and the seat, which also makes it easier for a caregiver to help you into and out of the tub should you ever require help.
You struggle to maintain good hygiene with a regular tub
Personal hygiene can be a challenge as we age. A lack of mobility and energy can make it difficult to bathe as often or as well as you’d like, as can conditions like depression, dementia, and medication side effects. Still, personal hygiene is essential for physical and mental well-being. Uncleanliness can result in bacteria, fungi, infections, body odor, and self-esteem issues.
Walk-in tubs can be an excellent solution to this problem. Sitting while bathing can mitigate mobility, strength, and endurance issues. Soaking in a bath enables you to clean areas of your body that you otherwise might have difficulty reaching. Walk-in tub-and-shower combos make it even easier to stay clean. They include handheld showerheads that enable you to wash your hair and shoulders from a seated position. Also, because bathing in a walk-in tub is easier and more efficient than in a traditional tub, you’re more likely to do it frequently.
You want the luxurious bathing experience of a walk-in tub
While walk-in tubs make it easier to bathe, they aren’t just about utility. If you want to upgrade your bathing experience, you should consider a walk-in bathtub.
There are a lot of feature-rich walk-in tubs that make bathing a downright luxurious experience. They can include features like:
- Air, whirlpool, and bidet jets to ease tired muscles and keep you clean.
- Aromatherapy and chromotherapy to promote a sense of relaxation.
- Heated seats to keep you warm.
- Ozone sterilization that helps keep your tub clean.
- Headrests that make relaxing in a bath more comfortable.
Most are specially designed to fit into your existing tub’s space, but you can also find oversized walk-in tubs if you want to be able to stretch out while you bathe. You can even find two-seater walk-in tubs if you want a romantic bathing experience with your partner.
Which walk-in tub is right for you?
If you think it’s time for a walk-in tub, it’s important to find the one that’s right for you. Think about the reasons you’re looking for a walk-in tub and make a list of your must-have features. Then, check out our top five favorite walk-in tubs that will make bathing safer, easier, and more luxurious.
