Many elderly and disabled people who suffer from mobility problems have mastered the use of disability accommodations to enter a building or cross a street. In contrast, they may find lifting themselves in and out of a place to be a troublesome task, so cannot handle a challenging task like bathing. The worst part is that they have to suffer in the comfort of their own homes.
Handicap bath tubs are specially designed to accommodate these needs and put power back into these people’s hands. For new owners, bathing in these tubs becomes an easier, more pleasant experience that does not involve any extra effort. Most importantly, they can bathe safely with no stressful worries. Even for the non-disabled, dangers like a watery, soapy floor can cause slips or falls.
As disabilities vary, so do the bath designs. The most common disability for those who use the tubs is problems with walking and standing, so the walk-in door is an essential feature.
Entering a walk-in bath tub requires a few steps with the assistance of handlebars. Controls like the shower faucet and tub filler are within arm’s reach and simple to pick up and maneuver for those who are restricted in the use of their hands or arms. Those who have trouble managing the water temperature will benefit from a thermostatic valve that works against scalding.
The integral seat of the tubs provides less hassle for lowering and lifting the body. The seat also provides less strain to those with back problems.
A handicap shower or bath tub is a necessity and not a luxury since regular tubs pose numerous hazards for people with limited movement. Today, owning these tubs has become more realistic, although the prices can still be steep for most homeowners. The average cost adds up to thousands of dollars, which rivals that of owning a whirlpool tub. Regardless of the cost, the wide selection of safety designs and accessories that a handicapped bath tub boasts makes it a worthy investment to consider for those who need it the most.
