Accessible tubs are special tubs which are designed to make bathing a safe and pleasant experience for those with physical disabilities. It offers an alternative to the bathtub, allowing the user to have a private therapeutic experience in the comfort of their own home. The accessibility of these special bath tubs depends on several factors including the structure of the bathroom, the size and type of the tub, and the layout design. A well-constructed accessible tub can be installed by the added of grab handles or handholdsholds, or via the installation of ramps which raise and lower the user into the tub. These are made from durable materials to ensure that they do not crack or break as a result of weight or pressure.
There are three different types of accessible tubs; walk-in tubs, walk-in showers, and hand held shower aides. Walk-in tubs, also called freestanding bathtubs, are designed for the placement of individuals in an upright position. This type of tub has a seat which can either be manually pushed back into the flatter body of the bathtub or can be pulled into the body of the tub using a slight pull. It is sometimes possible to install a hand held shower aide which is a small, fully accessible tub having a seat, handle and shower attachment located at one end of the tub. Some of these have a seat with two sides, and the other has a long side with a seat and separate shower attachment.
Walk-in baths, also known as shower baths, are specially designed for the regular handicapped or elderly person. In this type of walk-in tub, the user must step up onto a board which is raised into the water over his or her feet. This board allows the person to step into the tub and, while standing in the bath, make bathing and other similar activities possible. Handheld showers, on the other hand, are smaller than walk-in baths and provide the user with a more comfortable way to get in and out of the tub. Handheld showers are also available in larger sizes, some measuring three feet wide and more, and can be purchased with seat, or without a seat, making them suitable for use by people confined to wheelchairs.
Another style of walk-in tubs is the soaker tub. Sauna-style walk-in tubs are designed with a door which can either be manually or electronically opened and closed. Some types of accessible tubs feature overhead, swing, or console doors which can be opened and closed like a door to a shower. Sauna-style therapeutic options include steam kits, whirlpools, and saunas, providing a variety of therapeutic experiences. Some of these features are available in walk-in tubs, which are designed for individuals with less severe mobility disabilities.
Walk-in tubs with safety features are especially popular with consumers with more limited mobility. Newer models of accessible tubs feature safety barriers along the perimeter of the rim or edge of the tub. These safety barriers can either be manually lifted or electronically operated. There are also safety features which are part of the tub’s exterior design. Some models of wheelchair accessible tubs feature elongated bottoms, flared sides, rounded curves and other outward appearances which make them less noticeable when they are positioned next to walls or furniture. This type of tub is sometimes referred to as a “wheelchair bubble bathtub”, due to its similar appearance to a bubble bathtub.
The availability and versatility of accessible tubs mean that there is a model of the tub for virtually any type of situation. If you’re considering a new tub because of the increased accessibility to and freedom from traditional tubs, consider stepping up to a step-in bathtub you may get it from different bathroom remodeling company in Staford. As more Americans live with the limitations of their mobility, more modifications will become available to the marketplace. Wheelchair accessible tubs offer consumers and caregivers an affordable option for bathing.
