One of the concerns aging loved ones have is the likelihood of falling and injuring themselves. According to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, more than one out of every four elderly people will fall every year, even though many of them won’t tell anyone, including their doctor. A common place in the home where falls occur is in the bathroom. A walk-in tub can enhance safety in the bathroom. Here are some pros and cons to consider before investing in one.

Walk-In Tub Pros

With built-in safety features to prevent slipping and falling while in the bath, as well as getting in and out this makes these tubs extremely popular. Some of the features include handrails, non-slip surfaces, built-in seating, a low-profile step for entering and exiting, and more. Another luxury feature a walk-in tub can offer is hydrotherapy jets to target areas of pains or aches, similar to what outdoor hot tubs provide. These tubs are typically not as wide as a standard bathtub, but they are taller, making it easier to cover your upper body with water without increasing water consumption.

Walk-In Tub Cons

Something to consider with this type of tub is you can’t fill it to the perfect temperature while you’re waiting outside of it. Since the door is on the side of the tub, you have to be inside the tub with the door closed while it fills, which could take several minutes in some situations. The same goes for draining the tub since you’ll have to sit inside until it has finished draining. The problem with this is your skin could get cold as you wait, depending on the inside temperature of the home. Keeping your towel close to the tub could help you stay warm.

Safety Should Be A Top Priority

Most people with a physical disability can benefit from a walk-in tub because of how much safer they are compared to a traditional bathtub. When deciding if a walk-in tub is right for you, consider your current bathroom setup. If you feel nervous or anxious getting in or out of the bathtub, it may be worth looking into investing in a walk-in tub. If it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get in or out of your current bathtub, a walk-in tub can help tremendously. Slipping and falling can be detrimental to your efforts at independent living. A walk-in tub can go a long way in preventing a devastating fall from happening.

Our goal at Next Day Access is to make your bathroom experience as safe as possible. From walk-in tubs to grab bars and anything else you may need to improve your stability, we have you covered. Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time if you’ve been thinking about investing in a walk-in tub. We would be happy to provide you with a free assessment to determine which one is right for you.