When it comes to walk-in tubs, there are many misconceptions that are commonly bandied about by those who haven’t done adequate research. While few disagree that walk-in tubs for seniors provide an excellent way for senior citizens to age in the home safely and conveniently, some simply rely on assumptions when it comes to the practice of using a walk-in tub. The many benefits of walk-in tubs aren’t just about accessibility. Walk-in tubs with jets, heated surfaces, and hydrotherapy features do more than just provide seniors with a safe bathing experience. They can be therapeutic both physically and mentally as well.
Fortunately, debunking many of the myths surrounding walk-in bathtubs is easy when you arm yourself with reliable information and facts. Despite the misconceptions that may abound, there’s no better way for mobility-restricted seniors to alleviate the dangers of one of the most hazardous rooms in the house. Keep reading to learn how you can debunk three of the most common myths that pertain to walk-in tubs.
Myth 1: The Doors Leak
One of the greatest safety features of a walk-in tub is the accessible door in the tub wall that allows the user to enter without stepping up over the tub side. It’s the most important part of a walk-in tub because it’s the component that allows users to truly walk in. The door lowers the access height for entering the tub from 18 inches to 2 or 3 inches, and it does so with a watertight seal. Many people mistakenly believe that these doors in the tub wall leak when the tub is filled with water. That’s certainly not the case with a high-quality walk-in tub. Seals and tightly closing handle mechanisms allow the doors to lock tightly into place and prevent leakage. Many doors also open inside the tub instead of outside, so there’s no chance of accidental opening once the tub is filled with water. The pressure created by the water will hold the door closed, no matter what.
Myth 2: Walk-In Tubs Are Hard to Clean
While many people focus on the usability of a walk-in tub, cleaning is also a concern for some prospective buyers. Cleaning a conventional bathtub can be difficult for those with mobility restrictions. While some believe that walk-in tubs are more difficult to clean because of the door mechanism and extra features, that’s simply not the case. In fact, the contrary is true. The same features that make walk-in tubs safer to use for those with mobility impairment also make them easier to clean by providing easy access and the ability to reach almost everywhere. Whether you’re entering the tub to take a bath or give it a good cleaning, the accessibility features of a walk-in tub make either task simple, safe, and convenient.
Myth 3: Walk-In Tubs Are Expensive
Because walk-in tubs require more parts and often include multiple amenities not available in standard bathtubs, many consumers mistakenly believe the myth that they’re prohibitively expensive to install. However, there are many reasons that this misconception doesn’t ring true. First, any household appliance that allows seniors to age at home rather than moving into senior care or assisted living communities is a cost-saving measure that will save thousands over time. In that regard, a walk-in tub is an investment in the future. It can allow seniors the ability to stay in the home for years without compromising safety or accessibility. Because many walk-in tub packages are customizable, you also can add and subtract features until you reach the desired price point. Many companies that offer walk-in tubs offer affordable financing to help seniors overcome any initial installation and purchase price pain points.
While there may be many misconceptions about walk-in tubs for seniors, those myths can easily be debunked with knowledge and understanding of the benefits such tubs provide. To learn more about walk-in tubs, contact Safe Step Walk-In Tub Company at (800) 346-6616.
