Top 8 Features to Look For in Tubs for Seniors

Falls are some of the biggest dangers facing the aging population, and around 80% of them happen in the bathroom. That’s predictable since there are so many slick and unstable surfaces in that space, not to mention the necessary movements of bathroom activities. Unfortunately, you can’t keep seniors out of the bathroom to try to keep them safe!

Instead, it’s a much better idea to try to outfit your facility bathroom to be safer for daily use. The first place to start is finding the best tubs for seniors. A large, safe bathtub will allow seniors to have the ability to bathe while avoiding a lot of the potential fall risks.

Choosing the right setup for your facility will make everyone happier, with more independence for the seniors and less worry for the caretakers. We’ve outlined eight features to look for when making your decision.

1. Ease of Entrance

Obviously, one of the first things you should consider is how easy the bathing systems are to use. Each tub will have a shorter clearance than a traditional tub, but the step-in height can vary between models.

Often, the most critical aspect of easy entrance on bathing systems is the door. For easier access, on side entry models, a large full-size door is best. It can eliminate twisting or turning in the tub, providing a safer experience. And, this option is more manageable for caregivers to transfer individuals into the tub.

Another door consideration is the direction in which it swings, right or left and inward or outward. Which swing direction will it need to have to clear other room fixtures? Or, is an internal electronic door most effective for your use?

Another consideration for side entry style systems is clearance height; how big of a “step” is there for entrance into the bathing system. This height can vary significantly among models and from traditional bathtubs.

At Apollo Bath, we design bathing systems with safety in mind. It is a good idea to assess a bather’s level of mobility for which style of system you may need.

2. Seating Options

Choosing a bathing system for seniors is an excellent way of eliminating the fall risk that comes from standing in a slick shower and trying to bathe. But not all seats are created equally across all tub options, so you’ll want to check out the differences to find the one that fits your needs best.

For end-entry style bathing systems, you should consider what type of transfer is needed to get into the tub. Does it come with a transfer chair? Or does it require separate lifts? Transfer chairs typically reduce the number of accidents and provide a smoother, more comfortable experience for the bather.

These chairs often don’t come standard, so it’s something you have to keep a close eye on.

Seat height can also impact safety and comfort.

For example, if the seat height is too low, it can be difficult and dangerous to bend low enough to get seated. Plus, getting back up can be a challenge. If the seat is too high, the amount of water submersion will likely be suboptimal. Make sure that whatever seat option you choose is ADA compliant and comfortable for the user.

3. Safety Extras

A key point of a bathing system is to reduce danger in the bathroom. Therefore, you want your tub selection to be as safe as possible.

Pay attention to the location of grab bars and how those can aid in movement.

Check on the texture of the bottom of the tub to make sure it’s anti-slip. Is the seat contoured to help you from slipping forward? Is the door strong enough to lean on? A weak or cheap door can be a safety risk. All of these little details can add up to take the tub from semi-safe to incredibly fool-proof.

You should also consider purchasing a bathing system with internal thermostatic water temperature control to eliminate the risk of skin scalding. Regulated temperature control is a feature that ensures every bath is safe and comfortable.

In addition to temperature control, you can purchase a tub with a built-in ultraviolet light disinfection system. UV systems kill pathogens and are scientifically proven to purify bathwater and reduce infections.

4. Fill and Drain Times

With a traditional tub, the filling and draining times don’t matter much since you can just do other things while that’s happening. With a walk-in tub, you have to sit inside the tub until it’s done with both of those tasks before leaving. This is why it’s so important to find a model that does both quickly.

First of all, you don’t want your seniors to have to sit in the cold waiting for their hot bath or warm towel! But secondly, and more importantly, you want to be able to remove them quickly in case of an emergency, so choosing a fast-draining tub is of the utmost importance.

One option to consider is a tub with a holding tank or rapid-fill reservoir.

5. Therapeutic Resources

Speaking of a warm bath, the water temperature can have substantial impacts on how comfortable your seniors feel. Especially since seniors often feel colder than those younger than them.

To get the most out of your bathing system, you’ll want to choose a model that can keep water warm and has added whirlpool or air spa jets for a more therapeutic experience. These things can help your senior recover from soreness or injury, relax, and even act as a type of therapy. Some whirlpool models are FDA Class II medical devices for therapy.

6. Available Accessories

 

When you’re looking to add this kind of system to your home or facility, you’re looking to make a real impact on your daily routines and make life better for your senior. That’s why investing in added accessories can make such a difference.

Working with your experts at Apollo Bath, you can find the right comfortable seating options, water jets, bathing product dispensers, water reservoirs, and other additions that can take your new tub to the next level. If you’re investing in a bathing system, you might as well get exactly what you’re looking for that will bring the most joy to patients!

7. Simplicity of Cleaning

Chances are, if you’re the caregiver of a senior, your responsibilities include tidying and keeping the bathroom clean. That can be a large task even in a traditional bathroom, then add on a more complicated bath situation, and you can be looking at hours of additional work!

Before committing to a new bathing system model for your care facility, consider what cleaning it will be like, especially when jets are involved. Many companies understand this issue and have developed ways for the tubs to make your job easier. Thankfully!

8. Guarantees and Support

 

There are issues the average person can’t fix. Support starts before the purchase. Apollo will help identify the right tub for you based on understanding your specific needs. The best thing you can do is make sure you purchase from a company that offers support and has a long history of supporting guarantees for their systems.

This will give you the confidence that if something goes wrong, you’ll have the tools necessary to fix it and get your bathroom back up and running.

Finding the Best Tubs for Seniors

When you’re working with seniors, it’s important to do all you can to make their and your lives easier overall. Installing specially designed tubs for seniors can help achieve all of those goals.

The most important step in finding safe tubs for seniors is to work with a reputable company that has years of experience. Apollo Bath has worked hard to develop systems, products, and tools to help keep your senior safe while making it convenient for caregivers as well.

Our professionals are also available to help answer any questions, give advice, and get you set up with the perfect tub. Contact us today to get recommendations for your facility!