6 Tips for Using Walk-In Bathtubs

Did you know that more than one-third of all American adults will experience a fall every year?

This results in almost 1 million annual hospital admissions in the United States.

Because falls are so prevalent, many older individuals are looking for ways to prevent their risk.

One of the more common methods of preventing falls becoming more popular is installing a walk-in bathtub.

Walk-in bathtubs offer a lot of advantages over standard bathtubs or showers.

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about walk-in tubs and offer some tips on making your purchase.

What Are Walk-In Bathtubs?

Walk-in bathtubs are tubs that have special doors that open to the side. This allows the user to simply walk in instead of having to lift the leg and step over the high edge in a traditional tub.

Oftentimes, walk-in tubs have special built-in shower seats that are molded with a rubber textured surface to help prevent slippage.

Overall, this creates a much safer experience for the user. Instead of having to put weight on the leg over an unusual ledge, you can simply walk in.

They are perfect for patients who have mobility issues or have problems with laying down and then standing up. Some patients with dementia are interested in walk-in tubs because they can simplify the entire experience in the bathroom and of course prevent falls.

Many people wonder about waiting in a tub for it to drain before getting out.

However, most modern walk-in tubs have fast-acting systems to drain the water to allow you to step out in just a short period of time. The wait is not an issue for most users.

Other safety features can include grab bars, anti-slip floors, or special faucets with lever handles.

6 Tips for Your Purchase

As a consumer, there are a few things you want to focus on when planning the purchase of a walk-in bathtub. You’ll need to think about several factors that help determine the cost of a walk-in bathtub. Here are just a few of the most important considerations:

Budget

You want to be able to have a clear budget in mind when you go to the store or shop online. This will help you narrow down your choices as there can be a wide array of pricing options for this type of installation.

You’ll also want to think about financing plans. Some companies can give special offers that drastically reduce the cost of your purchase.
When you are requesting a quote or installation plan, be very clear about what is included in that price.

There may be additional fees including installation, labor, or permitting. You want to make sure you have a good idea of what you’re in for before the process gets started.

Understanding Your Goals

You also want to think about what your goals are for the tub. Most people who purchase a walk-in tub have a clear reason for doing so. They want to improve safety and comfort.

Because of this, many companies offer a wide array of safety features that help to make your bathing experience easier and safer.

Planning for the Future

You also want to think about what you may need in the future. If you have a progressive illness, think about what features you may need in five or 10 years.

Ask other members of your household what they think. They may be able to weigh in on your decision and help you choose a top that’s right for all of you.

Are there other members in your house that would also benefit from a walk-in tub? If so, you may want to speak with them about their needs and goals two.

Features

Adding in comfort features can improve your experience in the walk-in tub. However, the cost of a walk-in tub is largely determined by these bonus features. Examine each of the features on different models, from jets to seating, to decide what is right for you.

Space Requirements

You want to make sure that you have a good sense of the amount of space you are working with. Make sure to measure the amount of space that’s currently taken up by your bathtub. You can use that as a benchmark to see if your desired brand will fit in your bathroom, or if you will need to make modifications or renovations.

There are a few things you need to specifically look into when researching.

These include the basic safety features, the speed of filling and draining, and the need for a professional installation.

There are many varieties of walk-in baths that necessitate a professional installation. In this case, you want to make sure that you are comfortable with the company doing the installation with a clear sense of their costs for doing so.

You should also consider the color scheme of the walk-in tub and whether or not the tub colors match the walls or finishes in your bathroom.

Warranty

Last, make sure to understand the warranty for your walk-in tub. There are various protection programs by brand, and you want to be sure that you know you can submit a warranty claim if you ever need to in the future.

Going With a Trusted Provider

Walk-in bathtubs can provide you significant peace of mind when you want to prevent a fall at home. For elderly individuals and those with certain medical conditions, there is no substitute for knowing that you have maximized safety in and around your home.

If you are planning an installation of a new walk-in bathtub or want to get a sense of what the walk-in bathtub cost breakdown could be, please contact us today. We will be happy to discuss the process of an installation specific to you and your home.