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Freestanding tubs have become popular recently because of their sleek design. While they can make a bathroom look modern and elegant, they’re not always the best choice from a practical standpoint. So, are freestanding tubs safe for seniors?
Freestanding tubs aren’t safe for seniors in most cases. You need to have a high level of mobility to climb into them, which most seniors don’t have. As a result, elderly people may slip and injure themselves when trying to climb into a freestanding tub.
If you’re looking to buy a new tub for your elderly loved one, it’s good to know why you should avoid a freestanding tub. Read this article to learn the main reasons and learn what the best tub for seniors is.
Here’s Why Freestanding Tubs Aren’t Safe for Seniors
There are a few reasons why you should avoid freestanding tubs for seniors. Below, I’ll discuss them all in detail.
You Need To Climb Into Them
First and foremost, freestanding tubs can be challenging to get in and out of because you need to climb over them. They don’t come with doors to allow people to walk in and out easily, so they can be dangerous.
A survey was carried out, and all 12 participants (all of whom are style advisors) stated that freestanding tubs don’t work well due to their lack of safety. So, this is another indication that you should avoid installing one for your elderly loved one.
Think about it: if a senior is in a freestanding tub, their feet will be wet. So, when they try to get out of the tub, they’ll need to be flexible enough to climb over while trying not to slip at the same time; this situation could quickly end in disaster. To avoid injuries, you should consider other options (which I’ll discuss later in the article).
They Don’t Contain Seats
Freestanding tubs also lack seats. Since seniors are more likely to have back problems and general body aches, they should be able to sit comfortably in their tub. Lower back pain is the most common health issue in elderly adults, making the need for a seat all the more important.
If there is no seat, your elderly loved one will have to lie at the bottom of the tub, which may not be comfortable for their back or other body parts. It can also be dangerous because it increases the risk of drowning if they have limited mobility (mainly if the freestanding tub is deep).
Other bathtub options contain seats specifically designed for seniors, so it’s worth considering some of them instead of a freestanding tub.
They Don’t Have Steps
Freestanding bathtubs don’t come with steps to assist people, making it even harder to get in and out of them. The average height of a freestanding tub is between 15 and 20 inches (38 and 51 centimeters), which may not seem too high for a young adult with good mobility.
But for a senior with limited mobility, it can be a challenging height to climb without some assistance. You could buy a step separately, but if it’s not attached to the bathtub, it could move around while in use. It’s best to choose a tub with a built-in step so it remains fully secure and in place.
They Are Difficult To Clean
Because of their height, freestanding tubs can be challenging to clean; this is particularly true if the person cleaning has smaller arms because it’s harder to reach the bottom of the tub.
Some people may have to climb into the tub to reach certain parts while cleaning, which isn’t ideal for an older person. Of course, this won’t be an issue if you or someone else does the cleaning for them. But if your elderly loved one cleans their home themselves, this is a critical point to consider.
Their Main Selling Point Is Their Appearance
The main attraction of freestanding tubs is their appearance. Many people like them because they make a bathroom look unique and elegant. However, people rarely choose them because they’re ergonomically friendly. And if you’re looking for a tub for a senior, you’ll undoubtedly want the tub to be ergonomically friendly.
Although appearance and style are essential to many people when designing a new bathroom, it’s also important to consider safety and comfort. There are plenty of sleek and modern bathtubs to choose from that are safer than freestanding tubs. So you don’t have to sacrifice the design of the bathroom if you don’t select a freestanding bathroom.
What Are the Safest Tubs for Seniors?
The safest tubs for seniors are walk-in tubs because they won’t have to climb over anything to get in and out. Walk-in tubs come with doors that you can easily open and close, and many also come with steps and seats. They’re designed to be safe places for older people to bathe and relax.
Since no climbing is involved, there is a reduced chance of slipping. Additionally, walk-in tubs are easier to clean because you can go through the door without bending over the tub.
Here are some of the pros of a walk-in tub for seniors:
- Ease of access. Because of the door, walk-in tubs are easy to get in and out of; this dramatically reduces the risk of injury and is a highly convenient way to enter a bathtub.
- Walk-in tubs are deeper than most other tubs. Since walk-in tubs have doors, the tubs can be tall. There’s no need to worry about climbing over the tall tub, and it also means the water can come up more, creating a more relaxing bath time experience.
- Many walk-in tubs have built-in seats. Since walk-in tubs are made with seniors in mind, they often come with a seat for added safety and comfort. Freestanding tubs don’t come with this option.
While we’re on the topic of walk-in tubs, I recommend reading another article that addresses an important topic: grab bars for walk-in tubs. Are these bars necessary? Find out the answer by clicking on the link. Do You Need a Grab Bar in a Walk-in Shower?
Conclusion
Freestanding tubs are generally not safe for seniors because you need to climb in and out of them. While this may not be an issue for young people, it can be challenging and dangerous for seniors with limited mobility and other health issues.
Additionally, freestanding tubs generally don’t contain seats. If you’re looking for a safe bathtub for your elderly loved one, consider a walk-in tub. Seniors can easily step in and out of a walk-in tub using the fully functioning door. Plus, most of them come with built-in seats.
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