Did you know that 26% of all Americans have some kind of disability and that around 13% of that percentage have problems with mobility? Limitations with mobility only become more and more common as people age, and these limitations can quickly become a problem when it comes to completing daily tasks such as bathing. 

However, with a walk in bathtub, personal hygiene doesn't have to be a chore. But how is this kind of tub different from any other and what are the walk in bathtub benefits? Here, you'll find all the answers to these questions. 

Let's get right into it and explore what walk in bathtubs have to offer. 

What Is a Walk in Bathtub

If you're asking yourself, "What is a walk in bathtub exactly?" the answer is right in the name. You can walk into a walk in bathtub rather than having to climb over a ledge to get into it. To accommodate this design and make it functional, walk in bathtubs are usually more vertical rather than horizontal as other types of tubs are.

To get into the tub, there is a door on the side which you can swing open. Once the door is closed, the tub can fill up as any other tub and there is no risk of leaking. In addition to the door, there are almost always handrails on the bathtub for even easier access for those who have limited mobility. 

Walk in bathtubs don't have to be only for disabled people either. They can be for the elderly who might not have the strength or the balance to climb into an ordinary bathtub. More than that, because walk in bathtub designs usually include seats, it is easy to get out of the tub as it is to get in. 

Some walk in bathtubs even have jets built in. This is great for those who enjoy hydrotherapy. But besides the convenience of the walk in bathtub, what are the benefits?

1. Keep Your Independence 

One of the big benefits of a walk in bathtub is that it can be an important investment for your future. As you're getting older and don't plan on moving out of your house anytime soon, you can expect that you might not be a strong as you were in your youth. Many people, as they get older, need someone to help them complete daily tasks such as going to the bathroom or bathing. 

However, with a walk in bathtub, you can retain some of your independence due to the ease of use of this kind of bathtub. There is no climbing into this kind of bathtub and no need to strain yourself getting in or out of it. So, you'll be able to wash yourself with little to no problems, and you won't need to bother anyone to help you. 

2. Avoid Slips and Falls

The elderly and the disabled are much more likely to slip and fall in ordinary bathtubs and showers. This is because of various reasons: they might not have good balance, they might not have the strength, or they might not have adequate mobility. Once an elderly or disabled person falls in the bathtub, it can cause injury and it can take a long time to get them out of the tub.

If they don't have help, they might not be able to get out of the tub at all. Walk in bathtubs are designed in a special way that minimizes the risk of slipping and falling. This is because walk in tubs, as mentioned earlier, are more vertical instead of horizontal. 

This allows less space to slip and fall. More than that, because of the addition of the seat, there is almost no way a person could fall in the first place. If a person were to lose their balance in a walk in tub, there are always the many handrails available. 

3. Hydrotherapy 

Hydrotherapy is a great way to reduce any aches and pains a person might have. It involves warm water and water jets that melt away muscle and joint pain and massage the body. 

Walk in tubs also offer buoyancy when fully filled. This can take the weight off of your bones and give your spine, hips, and legs an opportunity to relax. 

4. Age in Place

More and more elderly people are preferring to stay in their homes rather than go to an assisted living or nursing home. After all, wouldn't you prefer to stay in the comfort of your own home rather than move someplace where you don't want to be?

Walk in bathtubs allow you to stay in your home for as long as possible since you most likely need any help bathing. Even if you have a worsening condition or are simply getting weaker with age, you will be able to use a walk in bathtub for a long time to come. 

5. Walk in Bathtubs Are Also Showers

Many people forget that walk in bathtubs usually have a shower head attached. This shower head is usually extendable, so it can give you plenty of mobility. 

The shower option is great for those who don't want to spend a lot of time bathing or who don't want to wait for the tub to fill up. 

The Benefits of Walk in Bathtubs

By the end of this article, you should know all about the 5 main benefits of having a walk in bathtub. Walk in bathtubs are easy to get into, they can provide all the benefits of hydrotherapy, and you can keep your independence when using them. 

If you're interested in walk in bathtub installation for your home, don't hesitate to contact us here to learn more.