The Benefits of a Walk-In Tub
A walk-in tub can offer many benefits for senior citizens and those with reduced mobility or disabilities that make bathing difficult. But what exactly makes a walk-in tub or shower-tub combo better than a traditional bathtub?
Greater Accessibility
By far, the main reason that people purchase a walk-in bathtub is for improved accessibility and bath-time safety. Standard tubs require you to climb over a high wall, which can be strenuous and dangerous for those with reduced mobility. And shower stalls, which usually only have a low step, require you to stand on a slippery surface while bending and twisting to get clean.
Walk-in tubs address these accessibility issues by providing a low-step entry with a watertight door, allowing you to step easily into the tub and enjoy a relaxing soak. Walk-in tubs also feature a comfortable upright seat, anti-slip surfaces and conveniently placed grab bars to help bathers maintain their balance and prevent muscle fatigue.
Aging in Place
Seniors with declining mobility have to address the uncomfortable topic of long-term care and the possibility of moving to an assisted living facility. While it remains a necessity for some, many senior citizens have found they can stay in their own homes by simply making some accessibility improvements. A walk-in tub offers a safe bathing upgrade that can allow you to age in place, living comfortably and safely in your home for years to come.
Healing Benefits
Many walk-in tubs include therapeutic features that transform a standard bath into a healing, restorative time to unwind. Hydrotherapy massage jets target sore muscles and aches and pains, while an air therapy system, like Safe Step’s MicroSoothe®, improves circulation and nourishes skin. Coupled with the power of aromatherapy and a tension-melting heated seat, these features can help keep your body more limber and energized.
At Safe Step, all of our walk-in tubs come with hydrotherapy massage jets, so you can enjoy the healing benefits of a massage every time you take a bath.
Bathe or Shower
But what if you don’t want to take a bath every night? Standard walk-in tubs often come with a handheld shower wand, so you can sit in the tub seat and use the sprayer to “shower” instead of filling the tub. For added versatility, consider the walk-in tub-shower combo, also called a hybrid tub.
Tub-shower combos feature an overhead shower head and a tub design similar to a walk-in tub, so you can choose between bathing or showering while still enjoying the same safety and comfort features as a walk-in tub.
Better Hygiene
As bathing independently becomes more difficult, you might find yourself putting it off or dreading the experience. You might even bathe and shower less frequently because of the struggle it poses each time. When bathing is easier and more accessible, you’re less likely to avoid it so that you can enjoy better hygiene daily—and better health as a result.
Choose Safe Step for Your Walk-In Tub Needs
Regardless of your mobility or age, a stress-free bathing experience is in reach with Safe Step. Our walk-in tubs and showers help individuals across North America enjoy greater bathing independence and peace of mind, alongside symptom relief from conditions like arthritis, diabetes and joint pain. For more information about how our safe bathing solutions can transform lives, read about the Safe Step difference or visit our blog.
