Walk-in Showers are No Accident

by Kevin Smith Author

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.