Today, everyday tasks can be made easier and safer with the right tools and modifications. For instance, to take a bath or a shower, walk-in bathtubs or showers are the perfect modern solutions for reducing the risk of slips. They are also ideal for seniors or those who have trouble accessing regular bathtubs with high thresholds. While more expensive than regular tub-shower combinations, walk-in variants have a few benefits that make them worth considering.

Benefits for seniors

1. Greater independence
Walk-in tubs and showers are a great addition to any home, as people of all ages can use them. That said, they are specifically beneficial for seniors and those with mobility issues. Traditional bathtubs require users to climb in and sit at the base of the tub to enjoy a relaxing soak. That is not the case with most walk-in tubs. They come with easy-access doors that can be used to walk in and out of the bathtub. The doors can be opened from either side and come with handlebars to support the users while in the tub. So, users can just walk in and sit down without requiring someone else to assist them. This key feature enables seniors to bathe or shower independently, promoting their sense of autonomy and self-care in maintaining hygiene.

2. Easy access and comfort
The biggest advantage of walk-in showers and bathtubs is that they make it easy for seniors and people with mobility issues or injuries to take showers and baths whenever they want. As these tubs are equipped with doors and low thresholds, one can get in and out of them with ease. Regular tub-shower combinations do not have this feature. Additionally, walk-in variants often come with handles or bars to grab for support. They typically also have seats to help users sit and take a shower. With regular tubs, users might have to either stand or bend too low to sit down. This can be uncomfortable. Users might also need to be extremely careful not to strain their joints while getting up after soaking in regular bathtubs. Walk-in tub-shower combinations do away with these issues. Additional things one can look for when installing a walk-in tub are water jets and air jets. These attachments can elevate the bath experience for users, providing a spa-like feel.

3. Enhanced safety
Bathrooms and bath fixtures can be quite slippery, making users vulnerable to slips and falls. These accidents can be avoided with certain senior-friendly bath fixtures, like walk-in tubs. By lowering the entry point, they already reduce the risk of falling while stepping into the tubs. Additionally, walk-in bathtubs and showers for seniors can be made with anti-skid materials and equipped with safety measures like grab rails and bath seats. These features enhance the overall safety of users. Finally, all walk-in tubs and showers are sealed at the doors to ensure water doesn’t get out of the fixtures and make the bathroom floors wet. This also reduces the risk of falls.

4. Stress and pain relief
A bath is a relaxing experience that is known to relieve stress and reduce physical pain and pressure on joints. Warm baths particularly help relax the blood vessels and joints, reducing any pain, stiffness, and soreness. Baths can also boost circulation. While regular bathtubs might help certain users experience these effects on the body, walk-in tubs also allow seniors and those with mobility issues to enjoy these health benefits. By easing access, enhancing safety, and improving overall comfort, walk-in variants can allow these users to take warm water showers or baths and relieve fatigue, physical stress, and pain.

Cost
Walk-in tubs can cost anywhere between £1,500 and £7,000. The price varies depending on the size, features, labour and installation fees, brand or manufacturer, and if additional plumbing changes are required. Adding mobility aids or safety features can also increase the cost of walk-in bathtubs and showers. That said, the government might offer assistance to seniors or those with disabilities via grants to install walk-in baths and showers or convert regular tub-shower combinations into walk-in variants. This can help reduce the overall cost of remodelling the bathroom for seniors. To know if one qualifies for these grants, it is vital to thoroughly check the eligibility criteria on government websites and reach out using the given contact numbers and email addresses for more information.

While walk-in tub-shower combinations can have several benefits for seniors and other users, before investing in one, it is crucial to review all the available features, value for money, and personal requirements. The chosen tub should fit comfortably in the bathroom. It should also come with features that enhance the ease of access and safety. To ensure one chooses the right option, one should seek recommendations from family members and friends who have installed walk-in tubs. One can also look up online reviews for popular bathtub variants available online.