The home should serve as a haven of safety, security, comfort, and independence as we attempt to age in place. Maintaining independence and the ability to remain in your home as you age are two goals that we all have. Unfortunately, there are certain areas of the home that pose significant safety risks. One of these areas include the bathroom or bathrooms of the home. This is especially true if these spaces in your home include a traditional bathtub.
In this guide, you will be introduced to the dangers of having these types of bathtubs in the home while trying to age in place.
- High Side Rim – The traditional bathtub typically includes a high rim. This is a standard component. The ability to move safely over this rim when getting in and out of the bathtub requires good balance and strength. Unfortunately, as we age, we experience detrimental impacts to both the balance and the strength. As a result, this activity puts us at risk for trips, slips, and falls.
- No Support – When you analyze standard bathtubs, you are sure to find that most offer no support. Examples include non-slip surfaces, grab bars, and products that are similar in nature. Not only does this lack of support negatively impact entering and exiting the bathtub, it negatively impacts our ability to safely bathe and shower within the unit. The lack of support features increases the risk of an injury occurring.
- Increased Risk of Accidents – Traditional bathtubs result in an increased risk of accidents such as trips, slips, and falls. These types of accidents are so common that they are considered to be a leading cause of injury and a leading cause of death among adults that are older. Accidents that occur as a result of the usage of a traditional bathtub may result in bruises, open wounds, fractures, sprains, strains, and broken bones. Naturally, all of these complications could result in highly severe consequences for an older adult.
Safer Alternatives
If you want to age in place and remain in your home, there are safer alternatives to the traditional bathtub. These include the walk-in bathtub, walk-in shower unit, roll-in shower, and products that are similar in nature. By having your traditional bathtub replaced with one of these alternatives, you are taking steps to mitigate the hazards that you may experience, otherwise. These products offer the following:
- Low Thresholds for Entering and Exiting
- Seating That is Built-In
- Support Features such as Grab Barsd and Non-Slip Flooring
- Hydrotherapy Solutions
- Wider Entryways
- Advanced Faucet Systems
- Preset Faucet Units
- More Space
Contact Us Today
If you want to reduce the possibility of experience an injury or death as a result of your traditional bathtub and trying to age in place in your home, contact us here atSouthern Industries Home Improvements today. We have a large product line consisting of both walk-in showers and walk-in bathtubs. Our products will help you maintain your independence longer. Contact us today to learn more at (833) 240-4900