Benefits of a Walk-in Tub for Seniors
Elderly people and those with mobility issues need physical adjustments when it comes to their bathing requirements. As such, taking a long soak in a traditional bathtub can be problematic for them.
Slippery floors and wet feet may cause a serious accident. Besides that, getting into the bathtub can be more stressful than therapeutic.
However, we have seen in TV commercials and magazines the advantages of walk-in tubs for seniors. But are they worth the hype? What are the real benefits of a walk-in tub for the elderly?
- Improves Musculoskeletal Conditions
Studies suggest that water therapy can improve musculoskeletal problems like back pain and arthritis. Hence, walk-in tubs will provide the utmost relief that the body needs. Warm baths in walk-in tubs will also reduce inflammation and loosen stiff joints.
The best thing about walk-in tubs is that it offers great features like a hydromassage system. With this feature, you can target the affected area in the body – may it be back pain, bottom of your feet, or legs. This massage system stimulates soreness and reduces muscle and joint pain.
- Improves Cardiovascular Health
Walk-in tubs are great for a senior’s cardiovascular health. Once immersed in the tub, blood circulation improves, and the blood goes back to the heart easily. When the heart pumps faster because of the pressure that walk-in tubs provide, blood pressure is also reduced.
Hence, having a regular ritual in walk-in tubs for seniors will improve their overall health. The heart will pump more blood, and the blood vessels will dilate better. After all, a stronger heart prevents hypertension, arrhythmia, and other heart problems.
- Reduces Blood Sugar
Seniors who are diagnosed with diabetes will benefit a lot from walk-in tubs. A recent study suggests that a warm bath can help burn shock proteins and calories. As a result, blood sugar levels will improve, and blood sugar spikes will be reduced.
Besides dietary control, medication, and regular exercise, people with diabetes should consider walk-in tubs to help their condition.
- Best Shower Alternative
Walk-in tubs do not only provide a relaxing bath. It also makes the lives of seniors and their caregivers easy. Seniors and other people with limited mobility can use walk-in tubs as a sit-down shower.
Manufacturers have included a faucet set with an extendable showerhead. Users can hang this feature on a rod so bathers can either take a bath in a sitting or standing position. They can easily do whatever is convenient for them.
- Reduces the Risk of Accidents
Because of limited mobility, seniors are prone to accidents such as slips or falls. These accidents in the bathroom are a concern of the growing population of adults. For this reason, while the boomer generation keeps growing in size, expect the rise of accident costs.
- Improves Hygiene
Hygiene is important, especially that the world is facing a pandemic related to the COVID-19 virus. As taking a bath becomes difficult for seniors, maintaining good personal hygiene is quite hard, too.
Walk-in tubs, however, will help the elderlies manage their hygiene. It is equipped with a bidet to help clean themselves, especially in bodily areas that are difficult to reach.
- Alleviates Depression
Research conducted by the University of Freiburg in Germany concluded that a warm bath helps alleviate depression more than physical exercises. While it’s not an alternative to exercise, it’s no doubt that a hot bath in a walk-in tub is helpful for one’s mental health treatment.
More than that, as taking a bath becomes a dreaded chore for seniors, a walk-in tub will motivate them to take a bath regularly. It’s because of the relaxing and cozy vibe they get with walk-in tubs.
To better maximize the experience, you can use the chromotherapy feature of the tub. The various lights from this component will affect the body’s energy and mood levels better.
- Improves Skin Condition
The elderlies are prone to several skin conditions due to dryness. While people with disabilities or with mobility issues may have skin ailments for experiencing immobility for a long time. Luckily, a warm bath can make their skin better.
According to the National Eczema Association, taking a bath is way better than a shower. It will relieve skin conditions due to dryness like Eczema. For added benefit, you can buy a walk-in tub with a microbubbles feature. They can exfoliate the skin and can reach your body tissues effectively.
Final Thoughts
Taking a bath is something we owe to ourselves. Luckily, this advanced generation has made it possible for our elders to experience a safe and cozy bath. With walk-in tubs, bathing is not a critical chore for the boomers’ generation anymore.
So, does investing in a walk-in tub worth the hype and investment? Well, it definitely is!
References:
https://www.reborncabinets.com/blog/the-major-health-benefits-of-soaking-in-a-tub/