Ellas Bubbles

The walk in tub is a direct ancestor of the clawfoot tub, found as far back as 3000 B.C. on Crete. As times have evolved, so has the practice of bathing. One of the latest developments is the walk in tub.
What is a Walk-In Tub?

The chief feature of the walk in bathtub is the side door, allowing the bather easier access by simply walking into the tub. While commonly associated with the elderly, the walk-in tub is popular with anyone who has difficulty making it over the hurdle of a regular bathtub’s wall. Persons coping with disabilities and young children also can benefit from walk-in tubs.
Construction of Walk In Tubs

The walk-in tub is constructed as a solid unit. A stainless steel frame ensures a strong and durable tub and eliminates flux, a common cause of leaks.

Extra wide for added comfort, the doors swing either inward or outward and seal tightly to keep water in. Outward-swinging doors make it easier for the bather to enter. Also, door openings can either be right hand, or left hand, depending on your preference. Since walk-in bathtubs have the same dimensions as standard size bathtubs, installation is relatively painless and can be performed in short order.

Most walk-in tubs offer a grab bar, as well as a non-slip floor. One aspect that distinguishes the walk-in tub from standard tubs are the unusually deep depths, typically between 37 inches and 47 inches. This allows the bather to be fully engulfed in water, which eases joint or arthritis pain.

While most walk-in tubs come in standard white or biscuit colors, custom finishes are also available. Typically, the tubs are finished in a fiberglass, gel coat, making the tub extremely durable, and easy to clean. They are also finished with a second high-end gel coat to exude shine.
Do Walk In Tubs Leak?

Because standard bathtubs have solid sides, and walk-in tubs have a door, there is the potential for leakage. Most walk-in tub manufacturers have solved the problem, but to make sure your tub will not leak, check that the door has a double gasket and that the hinge runs the entire length of the door.
Walk-In Tub Cleaning and Extras

Most manufacturers recommend that you clean the tubs with water, but if you are looking for an extensive wash, you can use mild dish soap and water.

Some walks in bathtubs also offer heated air jet hydrotherapy, whirlpool water jet hydrotherapy with heaters, or a combination of the two.

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On average, 370 persons of all ages sustain injuries from bathtub/shower daily in the United States. The dangerous aspect of bathing is evident from the injury data reported by the Consumer Product Safety Commission: 117,230 bathtub/shower injuries in 1989; 136,616 in 1990; and 139,434 in 1991.Those between the ages of 25-64 accounted for 37 percent of all bathtub/shower injuries; the most vulnerable being those closer to the upper age limit. The elderly accounted for 17 percent of bathtub/shower injuries in 1989, 22 percent in 1990, and 20 percent in 1991. More elderly people were injured from using bathtub/shower than from other potentially dangerous equipment such as exercise equipment or cooking appliances (ranges or ovens).

No room at home poses more threats to safety than the bathroom (King, 1992; Koncelick 1982 ; Kira, 1966). The National Safety Council reports that in 1990, “7.8 percent of all injury episodes, or 4,547,000, involved persons of age 65 or older” (Accident Facts, 1992, p23). The majority of the accidents took place in and around the home. About 30 percent of all home accidents are due to falls, the sixth leading cause of death. Falls result in 200,000 hip fractures, and 25 percent of all hospital admissions for people over 65. The bathroom is the primary location where many falls take place. Confined space together with hard slippery surfaces creates great risk for all people, irrespective of their age or physical condition. The greatest danger in the bathroom is slipping and falling when entering and exiting the bathtub or shower. The hardness of the bathtub surface and sharp, protruding fixtures are the chief agent of injury in slips and falls. The lack of support surfaces for grasping in older bathtubs is the primary reason why people slip and fall. This is particularly true for older homes, a place where many of America’s elderly reside.

Inconvenience

The results of a study published by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research indicates that in 1984 more people were dependent in bathing than they were in dressing, transferring into and out of bed/chair, meal preparation or performing light house work (NIDRR, 1992). Bathing related difficulties escalate sharply with age. They vary greatly between the young-old (65-74), the old-old (75-84) and the very-old old (85+). About 40,000 young old people reported difficulty with bathing. There were twice as many old-olds and over five times as many very-old olds who had problems with bathing. Not all people experienced the same type of difficulties; some had more problems getting in and out of the bathtub, while others had difficulty adjusting the flow and temperature of water.

Bathing is a difficult task for a large number of the America’s elderly. Another study by the NIDRR indicated that in 1987, “a total of 3.6 million persons (12 percent in the community of over 65) had difficulty with at least one Activity of Daily Living or mobility (walking) . . . ADL and mobility difficulties affecting the greatest number of elderly were bathing (2.5 million or 8.9 percent)” (NIDRR,1992, p66). Not all individuals with bathing difficulties required help; about 252,000 people bathed unassisted; 1.4 million individuals required human assistance; 308,000 were dependent on the use of bathing aids and equipment; and 280,000 needed both.

Original Article By – George E. Bentley – Health & Fitness