Every year, over 200,000 accidents occur in bathrooms, making up over 70 percent of all household accidents. The combination of water, small spaces and smooth surfaces makes taking a bath or showering a risky proposition. And with over 20,000 fatalities each year here in America caused as a direct result from falling, it’s always important to put safety first when you are remodeling your bathroom.
Bathtubs are one of the most dangerous fixtures because of their design.
You have to keep your balance as you climb over the high walls of the tub. You have to use the sides to lower yourself into a tub full of water. Then under wet and slippery conditions, you must raise yourself back out, and step back over the sides, sometimes onto a slippery wet floor.
Add in additional complications if you are trying this with a disability, are elderly living with mobility issues, or even handling a small slippery child. That’s why when you are considering a bathroom remodel, you may want to consider options when installing a new bathtub. There are many options today that can assist you and bring back the fun and enjoyment of taking a bath.
Some tubs are now coming built with a ledge or transfer bench built right into the side.
To get in the bath, you simply sit on this ledge, and swing your legs into the tub. From a sitting position, you can use rails to lower yourself into the tub. Tubs should also include a reasonable amount of hand guards strategically located in order to provide stability when using the area.
Still have trouble with sitting and twisting? You may consider a walk-in tub. A walk-in bathtub allows a more straightforward way to enter the bathing area. An accessible bathtub uses a door in the tub wall to allow you to walk in. When the door closes, it seals the opening so you can fill up the tub. It is designed to not allow water to be put into the tub unless it is sealed. It also means you’ll be safely seated in the tub before you fill it.
Other design choices include non-slip surfaces, and tubs with soft foam surfaces. These tubs are covered with special polyurethane foam that makes it soft to the touch, and gentler if you do happen to fall. The flexible surface also reduces slippage, and makes it easier for you to clean.
