Not everyone has the mobility or balance that they used to, and this can prove to be a bit of a hazard around the house. After a surgery or accident, people can end up having a more limited range or motion or difficulty maintaining their balance. Since the bathroom is the area of the home where the majority of accidents occur, it’s a primary point of concern. The elderly have many ways to make adjustments in the bathroom that can be tremendously helpful, such as grab bars and adhesive strips. You can’t go wrong with walk-in showers for seniors, but walk-in tubs are also an option. It’s worth considering them both before you make a final decision.
Walk-In Tubs
Both walk-in tubs and walk-in showers feature low step-in entries. This is, in fact, one of their main selling points. Stepping into or out of a tub can be challenging. Additionally, stepping out of the tub is one of the easiest ways for you to fall and potentially injure yourself. An easier entry and exit make for substantially increased safety.
Every walk-in bath tub comes with a variety of added safety adjustments, but hydrotherapy and other comfort features tend to be the big selling points. Hydrotherapy can help your joints feel looser, more comfortable, and it could aid in reducing pain or swelling. For people who aren’t able to stand for long periods of time, being able to bathe in a seated position is definitely a major advantage. A walk-in tub is certainly a step in the right direction, but some people prefer a walk-in shower instead.
Walk-In Showers
A walk-in shower obviously provides a more traditional shower experience. If you don’t have a problem with standing in the shower, it’s generally a quicker and easier option. If you’re environmentally conscious, showers also typically use less water, which could be worth considering.
As noted above, a walk-in shower includes a low step-in entry. However, it doesn’t accommodate seated bathing. However, there are other features that may be desirable. There are many add-on accessories that can be used to expand storage or enhance the safety of using the shower. If you share the shower with other people in the home, this is absolutely something to keep in mind.
There are many different showerheads, which is great if you want something a bit different. Some showerheads deliver a rain-like experience, while others help with massaging sore muscles or can be detached for handheld use. If you’re concerned with boring or stock designs, you don’t need to worry about that. Walk-in showers offer numerous design selections.
Making a Choice
For most people, the choice between the shower and tub comes down to daily use. Do you typically shower, or you prefer to bathe? There’s nothing wrong with a relaxing bath, and it can be very beneficial if you tend to have sore joints or muscles. On the other hand, many people tend to shower much more than they bathe. This obviously means the walk-in shower tends to be preferable. The shower provides a wide range of options, but the tub does make hydrotherapy possible. It really comes down to your daily requirements.
Walk-in shower units are fantastic additions to most homes. If you want to remain in your home for many more years or you have difficulty with your balance or a limited range of motion, a walk-in shower or walk-in tub could be an ideal upgrade to your bathroom. Contact Safe Step Walk-In Tub Company at (800) 346-6616 if you’d like to learn about features or options.
