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Anno Domini increases our dependency on others and our physical weakness restricts our activities. We look for support and prefer to do the routine activities usually while sitting. Undue or even necessary exertion can cause injuries and the danger of injury, falling and slipping are particularly more in washrooms. Bathing is a tedious task for elderly, people with mobility issues, disabled and seniors. Traditional bath tubs can be more risky for them and can be potential cause of fall and slip.
To avoid these types of accidents with aged, inactive or elderly people, walk-in bathtubs have been designed which allow walking into, rather than steeping over the bathtub. This type of arrangement decreases the chances of falling. Walk-in bathtubs with anti-slip flooring, safety grab bar and seat are safer and include features like chromatherapy, aromatherapy and hydrotherapy.
But everything has advantages and disadvantages side by side. Though these bathtubs are extremely helpful for the seniors to make their bathing their bathing experience, yet they have some negatives associated with them.
The biggest drawback associated with walk-in bathtubs is that whenever you intend to use it, you must go in before filling it. It can take usually 15 to 20 minutes and that is a long sitting time for elderly causing chills. The same chilling experience can be felt when you want to drain the water after bathing. Drainage also requires time and this prolongs bathing time.
Walk-in bathtubs are expensive and require proper investment. Expanse of the cost and construction or installation costs are high.
One disadvantage is the complexity of the walk-in bathtubs. Their functioning look confusing for elderly and especially the people with dementia like diseases. The door handles and button controls can be confusing for many people. It has been noticed that people with brain diseases like dementia and forgetfulness do not understand the process and create mess. Further, with this mess, they also create a chance of more slipping and falling.
Close faucet and showerhead can make bathing experience bit terrible because of the less space of bathing as the seat occupies most of the place. In any extension requirement, the bathing experience can be claustrophobic as the shower curtain must reside inside the tub. One must remember to drain all the water before the door is opened. Even the small amount of water can be a clutter. One more thing is to ensure the right temperature to warm the water while filling the tub. As most of the walk-in bathtubs are large and require abundant water to get filled, some homes may also need to go for additional supply of heated water.
Though fast filling faucets and drain systems are there, but more sophisticated features also raise the costs of walk-in bathtubs. Installations costs are separate. Some of the walk-in bathtubs adjust in the space but sometimes, modifications are required which results in more cost.
Moreover, the dynamics of these tubs reduce the chances of any helper. If some elderly or handicapped is requiring help in bathing, helper cannot do it properly. Further, in case of any emergency such as chest pain, cramps or anything else, you have to wait for drainage of all water and then you will be able to be out.
Besides all cons, these walk-in bathtubs have been of vital importance for many people. Majority can use it at their own and above all, these tubs reduce the risk of slip and fall which can be more fatal and can cause fractures and other pains. Features like therapies, walk-in bathtubs provide, have been helpful in reducing pains and arthritis. Whenever switching for a walk-in bathtub, a watchful choice must be made.
