Q: My husband is in his late 70s and I’m interested in getting a walk-in bathtub for our home as he is having mobility issues with getting in and out of the tub. We have lived in our home for over 50 years and would like to stay here as long as possible. Can you let me know why a walk-in tub would be a good choice for us and what I need to know about purchasing one?
A: For many of us, a bath has been one of life’s simple pleasures until the day comes along when the tub becomes unsafe and instills a fear of falling. As we age, many individuals worry about losing their balance while getting in and out of the tub and also about slipping on a wet surface. You may have heard or experienced that 1/3 of Americans over the age 65 fall at some point during the year and sometimes even break a wrist or hip.
You can now open the door to peace of mind for you and your family.
Walk-in bathtubs are ideal for:
- Seniors or disabled people with mobility problems getting in and out of the tub
- People with aliments such as stress, arthritis or diabetes who would be helped by a hydrotherapy system
- Elderly that have a fear of falling and breaking a bone
People often look at walk-in tubs for these reasons:
- Safety & Security
- Independence
- Therapy
It seems that the issues you are facing are in regards to mobility, safety, security and independence. There are many options out there today and choosing one for your needs can be challenging. Here are some things to consider when choosing a walk-in tub as they can prolong the time you are able to remain in your own home and foster independence with a focus on safety.
Bathtub Basics
Walk-in bathtubs are specialty watertight products formulated with a front hinged door that provides a much lower threshold, such as 3.5 inches compared to a standard tub which is around 15 inches.
Walk-in tubs should have these features: contoured heated seating (to keep warm between filling and emptying), safety grab bars, slip-resistant floors, easy to operate drain release and door lock, quiet regulated heat pump, built-in bidet, and handheld shower head.
Tub sizes can vary with at least 15 different sizes to accommodate any shape and size.
Quality
Our durable American made walk-in tubs are made with marine-grade fiberglass, triple gel coat shells, manufactured utilizing premium materials with a high gloss finish that is easy to maintain and clean. Choose a company that offers a lifetime warranty from chipping, peeling, cracking or fading as well as a leak-proof door seal warranty.
Open The Door To Safety and Security
Seeing that peace of mind is a #1 priority for you and your husband, these are the features you should keep in mind when looking at walk-in tubs:
- Guaranteed to drain in 90 seconds
- Thermostat built-in to prevent burns
- Self-purging air jets that prevent mold & mildew
- Ozone disinfects while you bathe
Open The Door To Independence
The greatest benefit comes with the peace of mind that you will have the ability to take care of your own personal hygiene needs, maintain your independent living status, and stay in the home that you love while keeping your privacy. You will no longer have to live with the fear of falling or the fear of needing to move to an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Open The Door To Therapy
4 Types of Therapy
Hydrotherapy can help with circulation to your limbs and help muscles to heal faster as well as help the flow of endorphins. Just like a cup of tea or a warm cup of milk, a warm bath can be the perfect end to the day for a good night’s sleep. Our walk-in tubs have these therapeutic features which are great for seniors with arthritis and other ailments. Hydrotherapy provides relief with the pain associated with many common conditions that come with aging.
- Air Message – 20 jets send air bubbles that cling to the skin to promote circulation
- Hydro Massage – Massages neck, shoulders, back, arms, hips, legs & feet
- Chromotherapy – 21 color combination can help improve a person’s mood, physical, stress & mental health
- Aromatherapy – improve physical, mental and emotional well-being of your central nervous system
Open The Door To Savings
A walk-in tub is a serious investment in your home and you need to also consider that the savings start with living independently in your own home as opposed to an assisted living facility. You can avoid the cost of these expensive “elder homes” by using a walk-in tub. You also have the savings associated with the transferrable, lifetime guarantee. Our installation team can install your walk-in tub in less than two days. No need to hire additional plumbers or carpenters.
There are no hidden costs. Our sales representatives can come to your home, assess your needs and give you a quote to start living independently and safely in your own home while easing the fear of falling. Absolutely everything is included in the cost, including carrying away and disposing of your old tub at one affordable price.
Coastal Windows & Exteriors can open the door to an independent, fear-free, safe, therapeutic spa bathing experience. Call TODAY for your no obligation FREE walk-in tub estimate at 978-304-0495. We can answer all your questions and help you see how easy and affordable it is to get in your own safe walk-in bathtub today!
