As people age, maintaining safety and independence becomes increasingly important. While some older adults will need to rely on others for their safety, there are options that can help them remain independent while still ensuring safety. One area to focus on when making safety updates to the home is the bathroom, which is a common location for falls and injuries, especially for older adults with limited mobility. Installing a walk-in tub can be a good solution for those who want a safer bathing experience. Walk-in tubs have several features that support people with low mobility. By choosing a walk-in tub with the right features, you can maintain your independence at home even if you use a wheelchair or you’re unsteady on your feet.
Here are the top six walk-in tub features to look for when shopping for a tub if you have low mobility.
Swinging door
All walk-in bathtubs feature a door that makes getting into and out of the tub easier, but some doors are easier to use than others. If you want to make it as easy as possible to enter and exit the bathtub, there are two things to think about:
- Choose a tub with an outward-swinging door. Unlike inward-swinging doors, which can make it difficult to sit down inside the tub, an outward-swinging door gives you plenty of room to step in and sit down before swinging the door shut behind you.
- Consider a door that exposes the entire seat when open. Some walk-in tub models, like the Ella Transfer Series, feature oversized swinging doors that allow you to transfer into the tub more easily, especially if you use a wheelchair.
Ultra-low threshold
The average height of a traditional tub wall is between 15 and 20 inches. Walk-in bathtubs have a much lower threshold, but there is a lot of variability, with some tubs featuring a threshold of up to 7 inches.
If you have low mobility, look for a tub with an ultra-low threshold of just 2 or 3 inches, like the Kohler walk-in tub and shower combo. Not only are you less likely to trip and fall with an extremely low threshold, but it can also prevent overexertion and overextension for those with mobility challenges.
Textured anti-slip flooring
Bathtubs and showers can become slippery when wet and soapy, increasing your chances of slipping and falling. Built-in textured flooring is one of the best features of a walk-in tub because it helps you keep your footing when entering, bathing in, and exiting a wet bathtub. This feature especially benefits older adults with mobility challenges by enhancing safety, confidence, and independence.
Grab bars
Built-in grab bars are another walk-in tub safety feature. They provide secure handholds for entering the tub, sitting down, adjusting positions while bathing, and standing up to exit. Look for a tub with strategically placed ADA-compliant grab bars, like the Anzzi fully loaded walk-in tub. You can also purchase and install additional grab bars around your tub to make getting in and out easier.
Handheld showerhead
Handheld showerheads are another helpful feature of walk-in tubs that benefits people with low mobility. Most walk-in tubs have a faucet to fill the bathtub as well as a handheld showerhead located on the rim of the tub where it’s easy to reach. They allow users to direct the water where needed without having to stand or bend, which can increase safety while cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
Double-check to make sure the walk-in tub you’re interested in buying has a handheld showerhead. Many models include them, but some do not or offer a choice between a single faucet or a multi-piece faucet kit with a showerhead.
Lap and shoulder harness
If you have extreme mobility issues, you may want to consider a walk-in tub with a lap and shoulder harness, like the Drive Medical Blue Spring Bathing System. This feature allows you to remain upright if you’re worried about slipping in the seat, which can also be helpful for caregivers who help with bathing.
This feature is included with some tubs, but you can also add it to an existing tub with a harness kit from Ella if you have your heart set on another walk-in bathtub but want to be able to use a harness.
Bathe comfortably and safely with the right walk-in tub features
You deserve to bathe safely, regardless of your mobility level. Choosing the right walk-in tub features can make a difference in the lives of seniors with low mobility. Each one can play a significant role in enhancing both safety and independence in the bathroom. By prioritizing these thoughtful design elements, older adults can maintain a greater level of control, comfort, and confidence in their daily routines, helping them stay safe and independent at home.
