Soaking in a warm bath is a heavenly experience, especially as we grow older and need relief from aches and pains. Unfortunately, many older people believe that experience is beyond their reach, because of mobility and balance concerns. Walk-in baths solve this problem, offering an accessible bathing experience at home, facilitating comfort and independence. Their lowered thresholds are ideal for those struggling to step into a traditional bath or shower, and they are designed to be leakproof and easy to use. If you have considered a walk-in bath but are worried that it might be cost prohibitive, bulky, unsightly, or impractical for your bathroom, we offer this guide to walk in bathtubs, to answer your questions and ease your mind.
Benefits of Walk-In Bathtubs
The benefits provided by walk in bathtubs are extensive. In fact, installing a walk-in bathtub can be a lifechanging decision.
- Soaking in a tub relieves aches and pains. It is well-known that a warm bath can soothe sore muscles and alleviate joint pain. For people who have pain conditions like arthritis, or who are simply suffering the aches and pains of ageing, a good soak can be extremely therapeutic.
- Walk in bathtubs offer a deeper, more therapeutic bath. Walk in bathtubs are deeper than traditional bathtubs, and there is no high wall making it difficult to enter the bath. This deep soaking is wonderful for aches and tension, especially for taller people. Further, many walk-in tubs have built-in hydrotherapy jets, further improving their therapeutic capabilities. Pain relief, improved circulation, and reduced anxiety are all benefits of a therapeutic soak in a bathtub.
- Improved accessibility offers increased independence. No one wants to have to rely on others for assistance with the most personal self-care activities. With a walk-in bathtub, people with limited mobility can regain their independence, because it is easy to step in and out of the bath. There are even safety features like non-slip flooring, to prevent falls.
- Getting into a walk-in bathtub does not strain the body. Particularly for someone with limited mobility, the process of lowering oneself into a traditional bathtub can be uncomfortable or even painful. Walk in bathtubs are easy to enter, and some even have motorised seats, to make it even easier. Rather than dreading the strain that getting into the bathtub puts on muscles and joints, you can focus on the relief that will be provided by the soak.
- A hot soak can reduce your risk of illness. Research shows that hot baths can kill bacteria and give the immune system a boost. That means that people who take hot baths can expect fewer illnesses, even as they age. Additionally, a nice, hot soak can alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
- You will sleep better after a soak in your tub. Taking a warm, relaxing bath an hour or two before going to bed can lead to a better night of sleep.
- Walk in bathtubs are easy to clean. Traditional bathtubs can be difficult to clean and may develop a slick or unsightly residue after a bath. Walk in baths are easy to keep clean, with a rinse and a wipe, so bath time can be safer and more hygienic and enjoyable.
Types of Walk-In Bathtubs
If you are worried that you will be limiting yourself to an unattractive, awkward bathtub by choosing a walk in, allow us to set your mind at ease. Walk in bathtubs can be quite attractive, designed to fit both your space and your aesthetic sensibilities. Many walk-in baths have the same footprint as a traditional bath, so they are easy to install during a bathroom refit, without requiring extensive home remodelling. For small bathrooms, a compact design bath may be recommended, as it takes up less floor space. It does not skimp on comfort, however, but is designed to be taller, with a built-in seat. Most walk-in bathtubs have safety features like grab bars and non-slip flooring, and some are outfitted with hydrotherapy spa jets. There are also walk in bathtubs with powered seats, so that you can comfortably lower yourself into the bath. Working with professional designers and installers, you will be able to choose the features that suit you, and create a bathroom that is stylish, attractive, and practical.
Understanding Walk-In Bathtub Costs
When you look at a walk-in bathtub website page, you are unlikely to see any prices listed. You might feel concerned about this, imagining that the cost is so high that the company is hiding it to avoid frightening away their customers. In fact, the pricing is not listed because there is such a wide variation, and it is very subjective, based on your home and your needs. The best way to get an accurate estimate of walk-in bathtub costs is to schedule a free in-home consultation. Walk in bathtubs vary in pricing because the selection is so diverse and there are so many customisation options. Once you have chosen the style of bathtub you prefer, you will have the option of personalising it with extras like shower screens, seat belts, hydrotherapy jets, safety features, and more. The different extras will come into play when the price is calculated, as will the cost of installation. Some installations are straightforward, while others are more extensive and may incur extra cost. Still, walk in bathtubs are more reasonably priced than you might expect, and working with expert installers ensures that your installation is done correctly, to avoid issues down the line.
Trust the Experts in Walk-In Bathtubs
When you are ready for a safer, more practical bathroom, Bathing Mobility Advisory Service is here to help. We are specialists in accessible bathroom design and installation, offering walk in baths, showers, and wet rooms. Begun as a family business in Edinburgh, BMAS still operates from the family values and service on which our company was built. Our bathrooms are not only practical, but also beautiful, and our team is committed to helping people bathe safely and independently in their homes. We will work with you to create a bathroom design that suits you, and most bathrooms are completed within a working week. From design to completion, BMAS is with you every step of the way, and we will only sign off on a project when both you and the installation manager are pleased with the results. We hold ourselves to a high standard, and are proud of the work we do, providing quality workmanship backed by dedicated service. Visit one of our showrooms to learn more, or contact us for a free home visit and quotation.