Be Safe In the Bathroom

by Kevin Smith Author

Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among people who are 65 and older, and one of the most hazardous rooms in the home is the bathroom. Cramped quarters, wet surfaces, and having to step over the side of the tub make taking a bath an unpleasant experience. If you are having trouble getting in and out of the bathtub, maybe it's time to consider an upgrade. A hybrid bathtub and shower combination is an excellent choice for persons with mobility issues. Rather than continue to stub your toes climbing over a conventional tub, or struggle to sit and then rise from a tub full of water, consider the installation of a shower bathtub combo.

Benefits of a Hybrid Design

A hybrid bathtub and shower combination gives you the best of both worlds. If you are pressed for time, you can take a shower, using an adjustable shower head. But if you need or want to sit, you can use the built-in seat and a hand-held head to get clean while being comfortable. You can combine the convenience of a shower with the spa-like luxury of a heated tub with multiple jets to soothe and stimulate your muscles and skin, leaving it soft and silky. Because these type of units are designed with the mobility-impaired in mind, they are loaded with safety features. Multiple hand rails make getting and out of the walk-in tub a breeze. The floor is anti-skid for your safety, the water intake valve has anti-scald technology, the seat is heated, and the tub fills and empties quickly, lessening the amount of time you have to sit and wait to take your bath or to get out of the tub. The door should open inward, to save space in a small bathroom, and should have a low threshold.

What Else Is Important

In order to get the full benefits of using a bathtub and shower combo, you want to get the best unit possible. Most are made from acrylic with a gel coating for years of reliability. The manufacturer should provide proof that the design has undergone rigorous testing and comes with a lifetime warranty. Make sure the dealer can offer a professional installation to get your unit installed properly and should guarantee the installation. The bathtub will once again become an oasis rather than a hazard. These are a few things to consider when selecting a shower bathtub combo.