About Handicap Bathtubs

Though they can be expensive, handicap bathtubs have given countless people access to something precious: a real bath. While adaptive equipment can allow the disabled to take a shower in a tub, handicap bathtubs actually allow full submersion. Before you purchase a handicap tub of your own, however, there are a few things you should consider.

Considerations

Handicap bathtubs have doors built into their sides, allowing people with restricted mobility to take a bath just like anyone else. Because they allow access from a standing or sitting position, they are ideal for people who want to submerge fully in water even if they cannot step over the side of a standard tub. They are ideal for the elderly, people with degenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease and individuals who are wheelchair bound.

Function

Most handicap bathtubs share one common feature: access through a side panel. In other words, the bathtub has a door that swings open and seals shut. A watertight door with a secure latch ensures no bathwater leaks out as the tub is filled. After the water drains, you can be open the door again to exit. The risk of slipping while getting out of the tub is minimized, as you don't have to balance on one foot on the slippery surface.

Types

Handicap bathtubs vary in shape and size. Some look like ordinary tubs with an added door. Others look like small Jacuzzis with a single seat. Some are even raised up to wheelchair height to allow easier access from a sitting position. Before you purchase a handicap bathtub, consider your current needs as well as what you may need in the future. A tub with a small panel may be fine today, but if your mobility is likely to diminish, you should consider purchasing one with a larger opening.

Benefits

The main benefit of a handicap bathtub over a standard tub is safety. Walking through a door is much safer than stepping over a ledge, especially if you have problems with your balance. However, simply being able to submerge in water is therapeutic. For people with certain medical conditions, this is not possible without a specialized handicap tub. Warm water eases joint pain and relaxes tight muscles. A warm bath is also great for stress relief, which is important for anyone with a debilitating medical condition.

Misconceptions

Despite its obvious benefits, you must still take caution when using a handicap tub. The risk for falling is always higher when you are standing on a wet surface as opposed to a dry one, even if you don't have to step over a tub. Grab bars and built-in seats can help decrease the risk of falling. However, supervision may still be necessary if you or your loved one has a history of falls.