The apprehension of a walk-in tub (and how to get around them)

A Walk-in bathtub allows seniors and disabled people to bathe independently without complications. Various types of walk-in tubs for the elderly are available in the market and come with different quality features and life spans. You can choose the right one according to your budget and preference.

If you consider buying a walk-in tub for your beloved, you also think about its usability and fear wastage of money. You are in the right place here. We discuss some challenges of bathtubs and what we can do to solve these problems. Read on!

Walk-in tub for seniors downsides and solution:

Everything has pros and cons, but you must do your best to find the solution to the downsides and make it ideal for yourself and your beloved. Here are a few problems faced after buying a bathtub, along with a tip or solution.

Installation of bathtub

Installation of a walk-in bathtub is different and more challenging than a traditional bathtub. Various complications sometimes occur during installation due to its wide range of features.

Solution: Install using a reliable installer

Please don’t waste your time or money to use an inexperienced or unskilled plumber to install the bathtub because it is not as simple as a normal bathtub. Contact a reliable installer; they can connect the wiring and plumbing properly as well as efficiently resolve potential issues during installation.

Unreachable Control

Unreachable controls are a downside of a few walk-in tubs. The main controls should be within arms reach of the seat.  Controls at the far end of the bath or even behind your shoulders become inconvenient at best and possibly a safety issue. 

Solution: Buy a tub with controls within arms reach

When purchasing a walk-in tub for the elderly, consider buying a bathtub with reachable controls.  If a Caregiver will be present for baths, also consider the ease for the caretaker when operating the controls.

Slow drainage

One of the main challenges faced by walk-in tubs is slow drainage. It takes more time to drain water after taking a bath, and due to its low step threshold, getting out of the bathtub before drainage is risky. It is hard for older people to sit and wait for the draining and then get out of the bathtub.

Solution: Use a fast-drainage bathtub 

The only solution for slow drainage is buying a fast-drainage bathtub with various features and quality. You can use these fast drainage tubs to spend less time in the bathtub after bathing, and you have to wait only for three to four minutes to drain water from the tub fully. However, most drain systems in residential and commercial settings are still a limitation in how fast the water can drain.  No matter what the tub drain itself can do.

It takes a long time to fill up the bath

The average walk-in tub for seniors is big and contains 50-90 gallons of water, so it takes at least 10 minutes to sit and wait for the bathtub to fill. It is hard to wait, especially for those with health issues. 

Solution: Make sure water heater tank is big enough

Most tubs have thermostatic valves that can make it time consuming to fill.  But one thing you can control is ensuring your hot water supply is sufficient.

Bottom line:

Are  walk-in tubs for seniors a good investment?

There are many challenges confronted with walk-in tubs. But every problem has at least one good solution. Walk-in tubs have many benefits.  Bathing in a walk-in tub is a more comfortable and safe way to enhance your hygiene and bathing experience. Come check out the wide range of features of walk-in tubs for the elderly at APOLLO BATH.