What makes a walk-in tub truly accessible? Due to the name, you probably think that the low entry step and door are the most important accessibility features on these kinds of tubs. Of course, entering and exiting the tub easily is extremely important for senior citizens with reduced mobility. But that’s just one of the main features that make these tubs accessible. The seat is also vital to safety and usability. Here are a few features that make walk-in tub seats more accessible for seniors.
Seat Height
As mobility decreases, lowering yourself into and rising out of an extremely low seat becomes more and more difficult. Bucket seats in cars, deep-seated sofas and recliners, and other kinds of low chairs can feel almost impossible to get out of on your own at times. When you’re sitting in a standard tub, you’re essentially sitting on the floor, and rising from that low, semi-reclined position can be incredibly difficult.
Bathtubs for seniors have a much higher, upright seat. A seat height of at least 17 inches is ideal for accessibility in public areas, and that’s the height you should be searching for in your walk-in tub as well. This makes it much easier for you to seat yourself and stand up unassisted.
Back Support
Mobility issues are often tied to reduced core strength. When your back and abdominal muscles weaken in your later years, proper back support becomes more important everywhere you go—including the bathtub. This is another reason why the upright, supportive backrest of a walk-in tub is so important. It helps to ensure that you can sit safely in your tub without sliding down due to weak core muscles.
Armrests and Handles
Of course, every tub has an edge where you can rest your arms, but these aren’t always at an ideal height for doing so. A walk-in tub’s edges are built at the perfect height to act as armrests for the upright seat. This gives you an easy and comfortable spot to place your hands as you lower yourself into the seat for your bath.
And, when it’s time to get out, you can use those same armrests to push yourself up or use the built-in safety handles. Every walk-in tub should have at least one easy-to-reach bar or handle that you can grip to pull yourself up out of the seat. This feature makes it safe and easy for seniors to bathe unassisted, from start to finish.
While the low entry step is what puts the “walk-in” into the name “walk-in tub,” it’s only one important accessibility feature when it comes to designing a walk-in tub for seniors. Make sure any tub you buy has an appropriately accessible seat too.