Disability comes in different ways, but the bottom line is that the affected person cannot perform like the everyday person would perform in physical activities. Even when taking a bath, a disabled person cannot act like someone without a disability. To help people with disability take their bath without much ado, walk in bathtubs for disabled are made to provide needed support to have their bath.
So many walk-in bathtubs for disabled are in the market to provide help to get regular bathing and enjoy an excellent hot bath in the comfort of their homes. The challenge for most people, however, is how to choose the best walk in bathtubs for disabled to meet the everyday need of bathing.
This article’s primary objective is helping you decide the best walk in bathtubs for disabled to tap from the immense benefits of using modern and ergonomically designed walk in tub to meet your needs. Find our guide below:
What to consider when choosing the right walk in bathtubs for disabled
There are two things you need to consider when selecting the bathtub that is perfect for you.
- Your level of mobility challenge. There are varying degrees of mobility problems that may hinder your free movement into the bath. If you need help raising your leg or lifting it, you need to consider getting a walk in bathtub for disabled that has the facility to meet your need.
- Privacy issue. If you value doing things yourself, find the bathtub with fixtures and facilities to help you do that. There is walk in bathtubs for disabled with an installed seat with the right height for your comfort. They also come with fixtures close enough to help you use the bath freely yourself. Your soap and cosmetics are close by including the towel, without needing a second person to help you get them.
Having talked about the basic things to consider, let’s look at the types of walk in bathtubs for disabled you may need to find. We believe knowing what is right for you is a matter of knowledge about a walk in bathtubs for disabled. We discuss some of the essential ergonomics and features of a disabled compliant walk in bathtubs, some of which you will find apt for your need.
Types of walk in bathtubs for disabled
The essence of walk in bathtubs for disabled is to provide essential features that will help a person with mobility challenge to bath with ease either with caregiver assistance or alone. Therefore, the various types of walk in tubs for disabled are according to the features they have and the assistance provided to the user. Here are some of the consideration to determine a good walk in tubs for mobility challenged person.
- Outward swing door. For the disabled, the level of maneuvering is limited, and when a walk in door swings inward; it could create some difficulty for adjustment once inside. But an outward swing door is perfect as the room for maneuvering is provided, and the user can move freely without hindrance. Some people believe the outward swing door walk in are prone to leaking; it is not correct, no record of leakage from outer swing walk-in tub we have ever come across.
- One benefit of outward swing walk in tub is the need for an emergency. It can be opened during an emergency to evacuate the occupant for immediate medical assistance, which is not so with the inward swing door type.
- Construction material. Although, there are no differences in the type of materials used for walk in tubs in general and the one for disabled. The conventional materials used for walk in bathtubs are fiberglass due to cost. Although other materials such as Steel and Cast Iron and Marbles or acrylic are used as well, fiberglass is common because it offers a cheaper manufacturing option than all others.
- The space you have mean a lot in choosing your walk in bathtubs for disabled. You need to factor in the following to determine what is best for you.
- The positioning of your bathroom or place to install the walk in bathtub
- Consider your home frame width for the installation
- Do you have a concrete or wooden floor
- Where are your tub fixes and pipes located
- The place you installed the current bathroom, how accommodating is it for walk in tubs
- What is your size or the size of the user, is it on the average side or heavy side
- how accessible is the current location for you considering your limited mobility
- Goal/objective of walk in bathtub. Why do you need a walk-in bathtub? I agree its safe than the most bathing system, but you need to have other reasons, especially, the health reasons to want a walk in tub. Having hydrotherapy is beneficial for elderly people for addressing aches and pains. Soaking helps the body to relax and tune it for optimum performance. Whirlpool massage is helpful for general body health. Aromatherapy is a great therapy for mind and soul as well as body health. Each of these needs has answers in various types of walk in bathtubs for disabled that you can choose from different manufacturers.
- Of course, a walk in bathtub is not what you can install as a DIY project, but when locating your installer, you need experienced workman who understands the purpose and need of a mobility challenged person. Unless you are settling for a portable walk in tub, a remodeling activity will take place in your home to reconstruct your bathroom or location area to accommodate the walk-in bathtubs for disabled. You will expect installation to take about two days to complete. This may include the cleaning of the remodeling areas after work is complete.
Other things you must take note
Many walk-in bathtub sellers offer warranty for buying their products. But you need to note that the warranty or guarantee benefits may be subject to them being the installer. You may lose your advantage if you contract a third party to do the installation. Therefore, it is wise to contract the selling company to take care of installation to benefit from the warranty or guarantee offer.