If you are worried about bathroom safety, consider installing a walk-in tub during your next bathroom remodeling project.

How do walk-in bathtubs work?

Walk-in tubs typically come equipped with a door that opens and closes on the front or side of the bathtub. The door allows the user to enter the tub without having to lift their legs over the threshold, as with traditional bathtubs.

Thanks to the sealing on these doors, water stays in the tub without flooding the floor. Walk-in bathtubs are have fast draining capabilities that are included with many of these tubs. This means that users don’t need to sit in the tub too long for it to drain all the water.

Walk-in tubs usually require professional installation. The tubs can include a variety of features, including adjustable bubble jets, handrails, adjustable shower heads and inside-the-tub seating.

Most walk-in bathtub vendors offer a variety of models. Look around for door designs, as the shape and size can affect access and the look of a room.

You can expect to pay roughly R25 000 for a lower-end model and up to R100 000 for one with extra features.

If you cannot hire a professional to install a walk-in bathtub, you might need to consider a portable model. These models hook up to an existing faucet, but do not require the installation and remodeling involved in installing a permanent walk-in tub.

What is good about walk-in tubs?

If a walk-in bathtub is on your wish list, a quick review of the advantages and disadvantages will be in order. The first and most obvious advantage is that a walk-in bathtub makes bathing easier for people with mobility issues.

In addition to the door, these bathtubs are design to prevent slipping. They feature handrails, seats and textured pads that help users keep their heads above water.

Walk-in tubs also remove the need for a sliding shower door, which is a danger to seniors.

Installing a walk-in bath is not only safer but it also raises the value of your home, especially if it is located in a retirement community.

What is the bad side of walk-in bathtubs?

There are some disadvantages to using walk-in tubs. First, you must enter the tub and shut the door before you can turn on the water.
It could be difficult to get the right temperature while you are getting impatient and even chilly.

Waiting for the tub to drain before you get out, is another factor to consider. Even though many of the walk-in bathtub manufacturers have addressed these problems with fast-filling faucets, fast-moving drains and temperature controls, these features add a lot to the total cost of the project.

Due to the size of the tubs,some people require new, powerful water heaters in order to use the tub properly.

If that applies to you, you need to add the expense of a new water heater to the total cost of your project.

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Those who have slipped in a tub would know the truth. The bathroom is not the safest place is the house. Especially not for the elderly. Please keep in mind that the elderly do have problems with their vision, coordination, balance and they are a bit frail.

When the bathroom area is slippery, it increases the likelihood of an accident. The maneuvering required to shower and bathe requires lots of bending and lifting actions. To us, it might not be a problem but for the elderly, it is. All of the motion can actually raise the risk for a slip and fall. The elderly are at increased risk for death following a fall. So tub and shower safety must always be a priority.

Nowadays you don’t have to renovate your whole bathroom. That’ll cost you an arm and a leg, right? So why don’t you go for a budget-friendly option. In the list below, some of these options will be explained.Unfortunately we can’t provide you with the costs or specific manufacturer.

Bathroom flooring.

• Non-skid mat or coating in the shower to reduce slipping.
• Install a shower seat that is mounted securely.
• Shower doors that are made of safety glass or plastic
• Install grab bars inside the shower and outside the shower for safe exit. Also, install near toilet area for assistance standing and sitting.
• Use a non-glare finish on your bathroom floor or install textured tiles..
• If you want to use carpet, only use low-pile carpet.. Never use a bath mat or throw rug.

Lighting.

• Install ample, non-glare lighting.
• Make sure there is a light in the tub or shower area, too.
• Ensure the light switch is next to the door.
• Place a night light or automatic lighting for safety reasons.

Bathing safety.

• Install a walk-in tub, walk-in shower to help reduce elderly falls.
• Make sure the toilet paper holder is easily reached from a sitting position on the toilet.
• Make sure towels, soap, shampoo, etc. are easily accessible from inside the shower.
• Dry off before you exit the shower to reduce the risk of slipping.

Easier bathroom use.

• Install a lever handled faucet and shower control that is near the entrance of the shower.
• Have a phone installed in the bathroom that is accessible from the toilet and the tub.
• Install a raised toilet

Other bathroom safety tips.

• Install a pressure control and anti-scald controls.
• Keep counters and shelve clear of clutter.
• Bathroom doors should be unlockable from the outside and should open out.
• Install GFCI outlets to protect from shock.

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