The Latest And Greatest Baths For The Disabled
Getting in and out of the tub poses many problems for the handicapped. Losing balance when trying to get into a conventional tub can result in falls and broken bones. Slipping on wet floor can pose a danger as well.
There are some products on the market that are designed to help the handicapped have a bath without worry.
The first and simplest accessory to install are grab bars or railing next to the tub to facilitate going in and out of the tub, but when those are not serving their purpose anymore there are other things to consider.
Walk in tub, or bathtub with doors is one of those things. They offer a wide opening allowing easy entry and a very low threshold. They are deep and designed with a seat to make bathtub pleasurable again. Some of them come with hydrotherapy jets, interior grab bars and heating to relax and sooth sore muscles. Hand showers, electric heaters, carpeted entry ramp are also available for safety. Most of the tubs come with a 10 year to life warranty and cost around $3000. If a longer model is required to accommodate taller person very little work has to be done to replace the regular tub. Some sitting tubs will require additional construction when removing the old and longer tub.
Seniorbathtub.com has three models of bathtubs to accommodate many needs. Walkintubdepot.com is another company that deals mainly in walk in tubs.
Accesswalkinbaths.com has many styles with explanations of the benefits of each model. Some come with heated seat cushion, some have leg massages.
One thing has to be taken into consideration when thinking about a walk-in tub. They are filled after the person has entered and the door closed. They have to be emptied before the person can exit. That is why most tubs come with heating and with special drain system that works much faster than a conventional tub.
Some walk in tubs are sealed to the floor like the conventional tubs. Others are free standing and portable. They can be placed in the bathroom and removed later. Those shorter tubs come with shelves that match the tub and fill in the remaining space. Models come with side or front doors, doors that swing in or out, swing left or right according to the unique specifications of the bathroom in which they are to be installed.