What is a walk in bath?
Walk in baths usually feature a small door which allows people to walk into the bath by stepping over a small lip. They can then close the door behind them and fill the bath and then bathe as normal. Walk in baths are designed to make bathing an easier and more comfortable experience for people with mobility problems.
What are the main features of walk in baths?
The main feature of a walk in bath is the door which allows access to the bath. The door has a sealant around it to prevent any bath water from leaking out of the bath during bathing and the door can be fitted to open inwards or outwards depending on the room available. The other features of walk in baths vary depending on the level of mobility a person has and the amount of support they may need getting in and out of the bath. Usually the walk in bath will be fitted with grab rails to help avoid falls and slipping and also a bath seat so it’s easier to exit the bath from a sitting position rather than from a reclined position. Most walk in baths feature slip resistant surfaces to further increase safety during bathing.
What are the main benefits of walk in baths?
The main benefit of walk in baths is that they allow a person to walk into the bath rather than having to step over the side of a bath. If someone has back or leg trouble then lifting their legs high enough to step over the side of the bath can be difficult and dangerous. Walk in baths can give people with mobility issues the independence to bathe safely and confidently without the help of another person. Increased safety is a key benefit of walk in baths as these baths are designed to allow people to bathe unaided and feature safety extras such as slip proof surfaces and grab rails to help avoid accidents. Another great benefit is that even if a bathroom is compact, a walk in bath can still be fitted as there are many designs which have a smaller floor surface but which are actually deeper so a person can still be fully immersed when they bathe. The extras available for walk in baths also have their own benefits such as hydrotherapy systems which can relax muscles and increase circulation.
What are the drawbacks of walk in baths?
Some walk in baths take a long time to fill and drain and the person bathing will need to sit in the bath during these processes. There are quick fill and quick drain baths available which can help to speed the processes up. Walk in baths with outward opening doors can sometimes be prone to leaking and require more room in the bathroom than doors which open inwards.
Summary
Walk in baths are a great way for people with mobility issues to regain independence when bathing. The huge range of features available means that the baths can be tailored to people’s individual requirements for a safe bathing experience.