Walk-in Showers are No Accident
Falls can be dangerous for anyone at any age. But for older Americans,
they can be not just dangerous – but deadly, as well. And they are frequent
occurrences for the elderly.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that one in
four Americans 65 years old and older fall every year. And one older adult is
treated in the ER every 11 seconds, while every 19 minutes an older adult dies
from injuries sustained in a fall. The CDC says falls are the leading cause of
fatal injury among senior adults.
One of the most dangerous places for a fall is the bathroom as a person
is trying to get in or out of the tub. One way to eliminate that threat is to
have a have a walk-in shower. There are many places that sell and install
walk-in showers, but you should find one that has a good reputation and fully
stands behind their product and installation.
Benefits
of a Walk-in Shower
One of the benefits is a low-entry, which is especially helpful for
people with mobility issues who might otherwise find it difficult to step over
and into a standard tub. Many walk-in showers also have built-in and/or fold-down
seating. If you’d prefer to stand while showering, that option is available,
too. Either way, anti-slip flooring is available.
If you’re worried about whether a walk-in shower would fit in your
existing space, no need to worry. Professional installers can ensure that
whatever space you have in your existing bathroom, it can accommodate a walk-in
shower.
And today’s options can fit most any budget with easy, low-cost
financing.
What
if You Like to Take an Occasional Bath?
If you enjoy a nice, warm relaxing bath to soothe aching muscle and sore
joints, you needn’t worry because you can always look at a walk-in shower and
tub combination.
Just be sure to research products carefully and go with a name-brand
product that has been around for a long time, has a solid reputation, is
installed by professionals who know their business and will take care to not
damage any of your existing floors, walls, cabinets, or bathroom fixtures, and
that is backed by an extensive warranty.
Features
of a Shower/Tub Combination
Some of the safety features available today include anti-scald
technology, so you can’t accidentally burn yourself; a quick-release drain in
case you need to empty the tub in a hurry; an adjustable headrest; a heated
seat and back; and a locking handle that is easy to use no matter a person’s
strength or weakness.
There are therapeutic benefits of a shower/tub combination including
hydro-jets helping with aches and pains; foot massaging jets; aromatherapy and
chromotherapy.
To find the best option for you, visit a showroom of someone who sells
and installs walk-in showers to learn the advantages and cost of each.
If mobility is an issue, visit their website or ask if they can come to your
home.
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