How low access doors can open up a new bathing experience

How low access doors can open up a new bathing experience

As you get older, you may start to face mobility challenges which can mean everyday tasks, such as bathing, become more difficult.

One way that bathing can become more of a struggle is entering and exiting the bath. Stepping into and out of the bath can become more and more difficult with time.

However, there are solutions to this, and you shouldn’t feel that you are facing a daily obstacle to overcome when bathing.

walk in bath with door

The benefits of low doors

If you’re facing difficulty getting in and out of the bathtub, you should really consider a walk-in bath. Walk-in baths allow you to altogether remove the difficulty of having to navigate any high sides to the bath.

Walk-in baths have a door on the side that allows you to walk into and out of the bath, much like the name suggests. This means that there will no longer be any high sides to negotiate. Instead, there is usually a much smaller step underneath the door.

If you have low doors for your bath or shower, make sure that you do not lean on them. They are not designed to take your weight and could result in an accident.

If you find that you are relying on the edge of the bath to help support yourself, consider an alternative way to get into the bath. Transfer benches, leg lifters, or bath lifts can all help to combat the difficulty in getting your legs over the edge of the bath rim. This way you do not have to lean on the doors to support yourself.

What about no doors?

Of course, having low doors is one option. But what about if there were no doors? Swapping out your bath for a walk-in shower might be the solution that you were missing all along.

A walk-in shower might seem like a silly name, but these showers are designed so that there is a very low edge to the shower tray, as small as a few millimetres. You can freely walk in and out of the shower without worrying about an edge to the tray.

If you’re looking for a truly step free entrance to your shower, you should try a wet room. Wet rooms can be especially helpful for those that have limited mobility, or those in wheelchairs, as there is no lip at all to the shower tray.

If you are worried about having to support yourself whilst showering, you should consider something like a shower seat or grab rails to ensure that you are safe whilst showering.

Of course, not every bathroom is the right size and shape for a walk-in shower, so a walk-in bath might be more appropriate. If you’re not sure whether your bathroom is appropriate, why not arrange for us to come and give you a free no obligation consultation? Our experts are always on hand to give you the advice you need.

Why Dr Hilary Jones Recommends Walk in Baths for the Elderly

Why Dr Hilary Jones Recommends Walk in Baths for the Elderly

The hampton elite walk in bath

Unfortunately, as we get older, daily routines can become more difficult and maintaining our independence can become more challenging. Cleanliness and hygiene is a basic fact of life for most, but as we get older, washing can become a major strain. Whereas bathrooms used to be something we took for granted, they can quickly become a place of risk.

When we find it difficult to stand up or maintain our balance, not only does the idea of standing in a shower become incredibly daunting, but if we do happen to fall, getting up becomes even harder, and this is a terrifying prospect when we have no one to look after us. Thankfully, we now have anti-slip bathrooms, walk-in showers and baths, making it easier for us to maintain our independence.

The great thing about walk-in baths for the elderly, is they make movement in and out of the bath easier. Mobility Plus walk-in baths are packed with safety features and have comfortable integral seats to make bathing an easy and relaxing pleasure again, meaning that we can simply walk in, sit down and clean, instead of struggling to get back out again.

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One of the reasons I recommend Mobility Plus walk-in baths in particular is because their baths are manufactured to the highest standards, come in a variety of sizes and models to choose from, and they all come complete with an extensive product guarantee for your peace-of-mind.

Our Hampton Elite bath is one of the lowest entry walk-in baths available in the UK, making it a practical bath for those with limited mobility. It offers a stylish, modern design with low, easy-entry and a comfortable integral seat for comfort, safety and ease of mobility when getting in and out of the bath.

The Hampton Elite also features some great additional benefits, including the Chromo therapy light system which promotes balance and healing, and a luxury hydrotherapy spa system which is known to help you unwind, relax, aid arthritic discomfort and soothe away those aches and pains. The Hampton Elite by Mobility Plus is a user-friendly walk-in bath which offers relaxation and comfort.

Enjoy a long comfortable soak again.

Request your FREE brochure or quote for The Hampton Elite, here

Or take a look at our other walk in baths, here

Do I Need a Walk In Bath?

Do I Need a Walk In Bath?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a walk in bath, there are a few things to consider.

First and foremost, a walk in bath is an ideal solution for anyone who has serious mobility issues which may otherwise compromise their ability to have a bath. In addition, you may want to consider having one installed as a proactive measure if you suffer from any condition which affects your ability to move about freely, even if you do not yet need to use it on a daily basis.

People that suffer from progressive diseases that affect mobility may find the transition easier if they already have a walk in bath installed as opposed to not having access to the bathtub for a certain period of time.

The derwent walk in bath

Let’s assume that your mobility has already been severely compromised for reasons of illness or injury. You may want to consider having a walk in bath installed as soon as possible so that you can once again have access to the bathtub. It makes it easier for you as well as for anyone that is in the role of the caregiver on your part.

It also provides you with an additional level of freedom as it may allow you to get the freedom back that you once enjoyed having a bath of your own, as opposed to relying on someone else to care for you during that time.

If you are still able to get into your existing bathtub, but you have suffered an injury, or you have a disease such as osteoporosis or muscular dystrophy, you may want to go ahead and have a walk in bath installed so that you can continue to enjoy your bathtub, without having to worry about whether or not, a day will eventually come, when you can no longer navigate getting into and out of a regular bath.

In addition, it makes the entire transition process easier when you are losing mobility if you are already accustomed to some of the changes that will be necessary inside the home as opposed to trying to get used to everything at one time.

Unfortunately, there are usually some inherent health problems that are associated with a loss of mobility. Besides being uncomfortable and even painful, a prolonged lack of mobility may mean that there is less circulation, especially in the lower extremities.

This can lead to more serious problems in some people. For instance, decreased circulation may cause swelling, loss of feeling in the legs and feet, and even blood clots. However, much of this can be successfully countered by using a walk in bath because it increases circulation.

The chance to have a bath is something that everyone enjoys. It provides valuable time to allow you to relax and unwind after a long day, and it also helps to ease the pain and stiffness associated with joint problems and sore muscles.

Therefore, a walk in bath provides much more than an opportunity to soak in a bathtub. It can provide therapeutic relaxation while simultaneously helping you to reduce pain and maintain as much mobility as possible.

The Benefits of a Walk in Bath

The Benefits of a Walk in Bath

Soothing the body and mind with a warm bath is a great way to relax after a long day. The warm water in a bath offers many health benefits. A walk in bath is great for a variety of people. It provides an experience that is luxurious and helps to improve overall health.

See how one could benefit you below.

Increased Independence

Many people who get older or have health issues may not be able to get into a traditional bath. Adding a walk in bath to a bathroom is a great option for anyone with mobility issues. Walk in baths will often have textured floors that are non-slip, safety bars, low thresholds, comfortable seating, and controls that will be easy to use.

The Hampton walk in bath

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Simply fill out a quick form and see how we can transform the way you bathe.

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Reduce Stress 

Relaxing in a warm bath is a great way to relieve stress, and with a walk in bath you can choose if you would like to sit or lie down, increasing your options and letting you choose which is more comfortable for you.

Some walk in baths may come with air jets, the circulation of tiny bubbles from them will also help to reduce stress. This reduction occurs as the action of the bubbles starts to release endorphins. These are elements that are found in the body which help to counter the unhealthy effects of stress. Headache pain is also reduced when a user is relaxing in a walk in bath. The goal is to have the body start to unwind on its own.

Improved Versatility

Soaking is not the only benefit of a walk in bath. These units can be installed with shower systems which are hand-held. This means a person can enjoy the benefits of a shower while sitting. Walking into a bath will be just like walking into a shower stall.

Sooth Muscles and Joints

Walk in baths can come equipped with water and air jets for optional relaxing techniques. Water jets can offer a deeper massage experience by targeting specific areas of the body. Air jets provide tiny bubbles, which offer a gentle massage all over the body. User preferences for the air and water jets can be set by using controls on the bath. The use of a walk in bath is a great option for people who suffer from back pain, arthritis, and other muscle or joint conditions.

Improve Circulation

Warm and soothing water coming from a walk in bath will improve circulation. This occurs by opening capillaries that are near the surface of the skin. This will result in improved oxygenation and blood flow that will help remove toxins, increase metabolic functions, and aid in digestion.

Improve Sleep Patterns

Getting a good night’s sleep is often difficult when a person’s body is not at rest. A warm bath offers the user a home remedy to help reduce muscle tension while relaxing the body. The result is getting a good night’s sleep as the increase in body temperature means most people get to sleep sooner.

Walk in baths are offered in various sizes and types. So there will certainly be one to match the design and style of your bathroom. Check out our range in the menu above. If a shower better suits your personal preference, take a look at the walk-in showers that we offer.