More and more seniors are buying walk-in tubs these days. If you’re not familiar, they are taller bath tubs but with sealed doors for easy entry and exits. They offer many advantages to people with mobility issues, and can even be life-saving. Many people don’t know that they are actually more affordable than they think.
If you look online, you’ll be able to find plenty of deals to get a good walk-in tub for a great price. This guide will go through all the benefits of owning a unit, and where to get the most affordable tubs.
What is a Walk-In Tub For?
The answer to this question is in the title of the product: a walk-in tub. They are designed so that you can walk directly into the tub instead of having to step over the side of it. The benefits of a design like this are immediate for anyone with mobility issues. Not only will you not have a problem getting in, but they are also designed so you can get into a comfortable bathing position easier. To top it off, making it simple to get into means it’s a lot safer to get out of as well.
The following are just some of the reasons you might want to purchase a walk-in tub.
1. Limited Mobility
As it was just mentioned, the primary reason for owning a walk-in tub is that it’s easy to get into. Units have large doors with a low step so that it’s safe and simple to get comfortable. This makes transitioning from a wheelchair or a walker into your bath much quicker. Speaking of wheelchairs, there are also models designed specifically for people who need to go directly from a seated position to another seated position.
Once inside, there are other features like rails and non-slip surfaces to enhance safety. Certain models are designed specifically for large bathers, which are also known as bariatric tubs. Whatever the situation requires, there’s probably a tub designed specifically for your needs. Of course, the features don’t just stop at the shape of the unit.
2. Hydrotherapy
Jacuzzis and hot tubs are already examples of products that employ hydrotherapy methods. Many people find that jets of warm water having a soothing, healing effect on muscle pains, and can also improve the circulatory system. To that end, many walk-in tubs are outfitted with the same features to help rejuvenate elderly customers.
If you are looking into buying a walk-in tub, you might already have a condition that can benefit from hydrotherapy. It can be a huge boon to patients suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, circulatory issues, or other problems. Even if you are relatively healthy, having those streams of warm water can stimulate your muscles and joints, helping release endorphins into your body.
3. Can Be Used as Showers
If you prefer to have a shower instead of a bath, some models come with an extendable showerhead. This allows for you to use the unit as a standing shower, or even while you are still seated. There are many reasons why you might want to use the shower instead, most of which aren’t really relevant to this conversation. Just be aware that you have the option to use your walk-in tub in this manner, in case it matters to you.
4. Can Help Against Falling or Slipping
Common sense dictates that the bathroom is the most likely place where you might lose your footing. After all, it’s going to be slippery in there, since your body will be wet. Residual water will also be on the floor, making safety as important as ever. Owning a walk-in tub will significantly reduce the likelihood of you having an accident. Most are built with features like non-slip surfaces and bars to hold onto. Seeing as a trip to the hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars, making this investment now can prevent big hospital bills later down the line.
5. Aging with Independence
The thing about many of these safety features is that they can greatly benefit a person who doesn’t always have someone to help them. Whether it’s because they have a sense of independence or that the people helping them can’t always be around, having a walk-in tub represents being able to take a bath while alone. More and more people these days are deciding against moving into assisted living communities early. It is estimated that walk-in tubs are one of the most common modifications done to help a senior citizen stay at home.
6. Good Hygiene
The easier it is to take a bath, the less likely it is that you’ll want to skip a daily cleaning. This is especially important if you have a wound or skin condition that needs regular washing. Many models are also outfitted with specific jets or bidets that can help you wash places that you can’t reach. The less taxing it is on your body to take a shower, the more likely it’ll be that you will stick to your daily hygiene routine.
7. Having Peace of Mind
With all the features mentioned above, you won’t have to constantly worry about certain things in your daily routine. Having the peace of mind that you are less likely to slip and fall in your bathroom can greatly increase your quality of life. That might seem very trivial to some people, but living our lives to the fullest without fretting about certain things should not be taken for granted.
Where do I Buy a Walk-In Tub?
If you look online, there are two main places to buy a walk-in tub. You can either buy directly from a brand through their website, or you can go onto third-party online marketplaces. There are benefits to using either, so just keep in mind what is most important to you. Another thing to check on is what installation costs might be like.
Official Brand Websites
Buying directly from an official brand website is more expensive, but comes with more benefits. Some offer free quotes to see how much an installation will cost. Others might send an employee to your home so they can see if a specific model will fit your bathroom.
That takes a lot of guesswork out of the equation entirely. Just remember to do some research ahead of time to see if a company has good customer service. Shelling out the extra cash to buy direct will be worth it if you continue to get support.
Online Marketplaces
The biggest advantage of going with an online marketplace is that you will save more money. There is a lot more competition there, so stores that are set up on websites such as Amazon or Walmart are constantly vying for an advantage.
However, you’ll get a lot less help here if you have any questions. If you speak with their customer service, you may get someone who doesn’t know anything about walk-in tubs. If you go with this option, be prepared to do a lot of research by yourself.
Warranties and returns will also not be as good here when compared to official brand websites. These are all things that you need to take into consideration when choosing where you will buy your walk-in tub.
The biggest takeaway here should be that doing research is the most important thing. You’ll be able to get better deals that way, and also learn which companies are the most trustworthy. Don’t be afraid of contacting sellers directly. They will likely be very happy to assist you in whatever you need. Once you have your walk-in tub picked out and installed, you can focus on more important things and live life to the fullest.
