The bathroom can be a dangerous place for the elderly. According to the CDC, about 235,000 individuals over the age of 15 end up in emergency rooms because of bathroom-related injuries yearly. Of that number, about 14% end up being hospitalized. Fortunately, the risk of injury can be decreased by installing walk in bathtubs. Read on to find out how walk in bathtubs save lives.

Low Step-in

Getting into a normal tub presents a risk of falling if someone is not fully in control of their mobility. Fortunately, unlike the traditional tub which has a wall that you have to step over, a walk in bathtub has a door instead. This door allows access without the user having to climb over a wall. This also eliminates a huge risk of falling. The wall you find in a regular tub is one of the reasons why people with mobility issues end up slipping and falling in the bathroom.

Fixed Grab Bars

As you might imagine, people with mobility issues might not find it easy to move their bodies inside a bathtub. Fortunately, walk in bathtubs come with fixed grab bars that provide additional grip. This aids maneuverability. The grab bars are also a thoughtful safety feature since they make it easy for someone to get into position and move out of the bathtub.

Hand-held Shower Wand.

It can be quite dangerous for an elderly person to be fully submerged in water. This can cause drowning accidents. Instead of users having to submerge themselves in water, walk in bathtubs feature a handheld shower. This makes it possible for the person who is bathing to clean their body safely and efficiently, without risking drowning in water.

Anti-slip flooring.

One of the things you have to think about when making the home elderly-friendly is the flooring. You must make sure that the floors have enough grip for someone who has mobility issues to walk without falling. This risk extends to the bathroom. The walls and floor of a regular tub can be quite slippery, and this is a serious falling risk. Walk in bathtubs increase safety by making it easier for users to move around on their feet. The floor is anti-slip, meaning grip is easier. This prevents slipping accidents.

A walk in bathtub is a thoughtful addition if you want to make your home elderly-friendly. This will ensure that your loved one can bathe safely. If you are looking to install a walk in bathtub in your home, contact us today.