Walk in tubs eliminate the dangerous practice of having to step over the side of a traditional tub.
Walk in tubs make it safe and simple for people of all ages with mobility issues to maintain proper hygiene.
The following are the biggest benefits of walk in tubs as determined by our health experts.
12 Benefits Of Walk In Tubs
If you or a loved one has difficulty getting in and out of the shower or tub consider the following benefits of installing a walk in tub.
1: Walk in tubs help prevent slips and falls.
This is one of the main reasons, if not the main reason, why people buy this type of bathtub. Hip fractures from slipping and falling are a huge problem for older Americans. And of the hundreds of thousands of hip fractures that occur in the US every year, it’s estimated that about a quarter wind up ultimately being fatal (1). That’s simply unacceptable. Walk in tubs can drastically reduce the odds of a slipping incident in the bathroom. That alone makes them worth the investment.
2: Walk in tubs let you stay in your own home.
There are many reasons why older folks ultimately wind up in assisted living facilities. One of them is that they no longer feel they can safely navigate the bathroom without some degree of help. By greatly reducing the risk of slipping and falling, walk in tubs make the bathroom much less foreboding a place and allow some older folks to maintain their independence longer. That’s a win-win not just for the elderly person but for their family as well. Since assisted living facilities are not cheap (2).
3: Walk in tubs help offset limited mobility.
Many people, and not just seniors (3), have to deal with limited mobility on a daily basis. As a result, they have a hard time stepping in and out of tubs, and they are none too comfortable in a shower stall either. A walk in tub can help balance the scales and provide someone with limited mobility a simple and effective way to transcend their limitation.
4: Walk in tubs help alleviate skin conditions.
Older folks often suffer from skin conditions related to their more sedentary lifestyle (4). With psoriasis and eczema being the most common. Soaking in a tub is an effective way to reduce the symptoms of eczema (5). If you suffer from eczema and can find a walk in tub that offers microbubble jets, you should spend a few extra bucks and pick it up. This type of therapeutic jet will help remove deep-seated dirt and oil. In addition, it will remove dead skin cells and leave your skin smoother and more supple.
5: Walk in tubs help alleviate the pain of arthritis.
One of the things that makes getting older particularly difficult is that when problems like arthritis arise, they tend to intensify rather than subside as time passes. This can have an enervating effect on a person both physically and emotionally. Taking a warm bath, however, can help alleviate arthritis symptoms (6). While it’s not a cure for arthritis, people often emerge from such sessions feeling better than they have in years.
6: Walk in tubs may help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Seems far fetched but it’s likely true. Research indicates that soaking in a hot bath may actually help stabilize blood glucose levels in people with type II diabetes (7). The exact mechanism by which the hot bath works its blood sugar magic is not fully understood. But it’s thought it may have something to do with the ability of hot water to generate certain proteins that play a role in regulating insulin. It may also be that the hot water increases the rate at which we burn calories. And this helps prevent blood sugar spikes.
7: Walk in tubs improve personal hygiene.
As people age, the very act of bathing slowly transforms into a scary thing. One slip, after all, could mean a broken leg or hip. As such, seniors often let personal hygiene slide simply out of a sense of self-preservation. Having a walk in tub can get a person back to taking regular baths, and this will pay all sorts of dividends for their overall health and hygiene.
8: Walk in tubs help you sleep better.
There’s nothing like a nice relaxing bath to help you get a good night’s sleep. That’s more than an old wive’s tale. It’s a fact. Mental health professionals often prescribe a hot bath before bedtime (8) to help people relax physically, mentally and emotionally. This, in turn, helps them drift off to slumberland easier than if they just climbed into bed without taking a bath. You may also want to get a walk in tub that has air jets as these can be used in conjunction with essential oils to produce aromatherapy (9).
9: Walk in tubs with water jets provide hydrotherapy.
And hydrotherapy is known to provide a variety of benefits. As we mentioned, a bit earlier hydrotherapy can help alleviate the pain and stiffness of arthritis and reduce the symptoms of skin conditions like eczema. And as we’ve just seen, it can help you get to sleep faster and sleep better. It does this at least in part by releasing endorphins (10) that work as natural painkillers. The deeper the tub, the more comprehensive the effect. And since walk in tubs are typically twice as deep as standard tubs (or deeper), they’re the perfect platform for hydrotherapy.
10: Walk in tubs have safety features normal tubs don’t.
That includes textured surfaces that help prevent slips and security handles (sometimes called ‘grab bars’) that make sure you get in and out safely. In addition, the seat ensures you never find yourself in a position where standing up is too difficult.
11: Walk in tubs are not just for seniors.
While most senior citizens will find lots of reasons to enjoy a walk in tub, they’re not the only ones. Anyone who wishes to sleep better, recover from strenuous workouts faster, or get relief from a chronic skin condition will find a walk in tub will help. Some walk in tubs produce an effect that is virtually identical to a hot tub. And who doesn’t enjoy a spell in the hot tub?
12: Walk in tubs are good for your heart.
There is compelling evidence that suggests a hot bath can be better for your heart than running (11). And this is apparently true regardless of your age. It seems the hot water raises the level of nitric oxide in the blood, and this helps dilate blood vessels, relieving high blood pressure. At least for a while. Not only that, but the effect seems cumulative as well. That is, the more time you spend soaking in a hot bath, the better your blood pressure over the long term.
Conclusion
Older folks often stop bathing and showering as frequently as they used to because they feel they can’t do so safely. As a result their overall health suffers. Walk in tubs eliminate the dangerous process of having to step over the side of the tub when getting in and out. They’re a must for older folks or anyone with mobility issues.