One of the biggest challenges for individuals with decreased mobility is the process of bathing. The design of a traditional bathtub can present a great degree of difficulty for anyone who may have problems getting in and out of the tub itself. A shower unit, while not affected by the same challenges as a tub, still poses a variety of obstacles for individuals who have problems standing for extended periods of time or those who are unable to stand on their own at all. Thankfully, the wide variety of handicap bathtubs available on the market makes bathing a much simpler task for a variety of people with disabilities or limited mobility.
What Are Handicapped Bathtubs?
A handicapped bathtub is a unit designed specifically with the needs of a disabled, elderly, or otherwise impaired individual in mind. They come in a variety of designs and styles in order to provide a selection that best meets the needs of the user and their specific mobility challenges. While some handicap bath tubs are designed for use only by the disabled individual, others can be used by other residents in the home as needed. This dual purpose feature can greatly reduce the inconvenience a specialized handicap bath tub may cause.
Walk In Handicapped Bath Tubs
A walk in handicapped bath tub is designed for individuals whose greatest issue is getting in and out of a traditional bathtub, primarily because of the significant difference in the bathtub’s level from a standing position. On first glance, it appears to simply be a very tall and narrow bathtub, often two to three times the height of a traditional tub. Instead of having to climb in and out of the unit however, the bather opens a door that is built into the side of the tub. Once they close the door behind them, it creates a watertight seal, allowing the tub to be filled without risk of leaking onto the bathroom floor. Once they have finished bathing, they simply drain the water and step out. There is no need to change from their standing position, but they are still able to enjoy the benefits of a full bath as opposed to just a shower. Similar in concept to a soaking tub, with this type of bathtub, handicap individuals can also enjoy the therapeutic benefits of full immersion water therapy.
Lift Tubs
If a bathroom already has a traditional bathtub installed that needs to be converted for use by a handicapped individual, several models of lifts are available on the market that allow the user to be manually or mechanically lowered into and raised out of the tub on a chair or platform. These lifts are ideal for use in a bathroom that is used by several occupants and can often be moved out of the way to allow for normal bathing by others. While the automated lifts can be slightly costly, they are still far less expensive than replacing the tub with a walk in bathtub or other custom unit.
Stand Alone Showers
One of the most common options for handicapped bathtubs is simply a stand alone shower. While these do not offer the same benefits as a walk in tub with regards to full immersion, they do allow users to simply enter and exit the unit as needed with no need to get in and out of a floor tub. Stand alone showers can also be used in conjunction with shower chairs, designed to alleviate the need to stand for an extended period of time, and can also be installed with additional handicapped support bars, designed to be used as tools to assist individuals when standing or sitting, or simply to provide extra stability when needed.
Portable Units
There are also a variety of portable units for bathtubs handicap individual can take with them when traveling or visiting another home. These can be as simple as fold up chairs that can be positioned in showers or bathtubs, reducing the need to lower into a tub and then subsequently rise back out of it. The chairs are often lightweight and fairly compact, easy to set up, and easy to store when not in use. Some companies also offer portable lift devices that rely more on manual effort than automated design. While the extra effort these require to operate tend to restrict them from everyday use, they are portable and light enough to travel well when needed.
Overall, there are a wide variety of options available when it comes to bathing for individuals with challenges. The options are designed to address specific needs and are also available as additions to existing bathroom fixtures.
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