6 Tips to Safely Use Your Walk-In Tub
When considering how to make your bathroom safer as you age-in-place, a walk-in tub can be the perfect solution if you or another person in your household have mobility challenges that can make getting in and out of a traditional bathtub potentially dangerous.
While a walk-in tub can lower risks to your well-being while enjoying a relaxing soak, it is important to exercise caution and be careful. Keep reading to learn six tips to safely use your walk-in tub!
1. Prepare Your Bathing Area
The first thing you should do before you take a bath in your walk-in tub is to make sure you have a clear pathway to the tub. You should remove any obstacles or tripping hazards, including any rugs, bathmats, or other items that can easily bunch up when walked on.
You should also be sure that your bathroom floor is dry, with no small puddles of water near the tub. Installing grab bars near the tub can provide additional support when entering and exiting.
2. Check Water Temperature
Once you are in the tub and running water for a bath, continually check the water temperature to avoid scalding or discomfort to delicate skin. You can do this with just your hand or with a special bath thermometer.
When you connect the tub to a water source, you should set the water heater to always run at a safe but comfortable temperature. Another smart way to avoid water from being dangerously hot is to install anti-scald bath fixtures which automatically control the temperature of bathwater.
3. Use Non-Slip Mats or Strips
Inside the tub, use non-slip mats or adhesive strips to provide traction and prevent slipping. These should be securely attached to the floor and seat within the walk-in tub.
Choosing a walk-in tub with built-in grab bars is another way to prevent accidents while bathing. These sturdy grab bars provide reassuring security and are made with special materials that are resistant to rusting.
The professionals at Portland Accessibility Remodelers recently completed a project in Portland, Maine, where they installed walk-in tubs. Since completion, these additions have helped the homeowners be able to bathe safely and comfortably in their homes.
4. Follow the Manufacturer’s Operating Instructions
Before taking your first bath in your new walk-in tub, be sure to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety guidelines. You should have a full understanding of how to work the door latch and the drain, as well as the location of safety features like grab bars and handrails.
Having a full understanding of how to safely use your walk-in tub can make for a much more relaxing bathing experience. It can also give you the confidence to continue to bathe independently!
5. Enter and Exit Carefully
Many of the accidents that occur in the bathroom happen when people are entering and exiting a bathtub. While a walk-in tubs lowers your risk, you should still take care when entering and exiting the tub.
For maximum stability, you should open the tub door slowly and hold onto the tub’s handrails or grab bars for support. When exiting, be sure to fully drain the water before opening the tub’s door, and always have someone nearby who can offer assistance should you need it.
6. Keep Communication Accessible
If you are using your walk-in tub alone, it’s a good idea to have a communication device, such as a cell phone in a waterproof case or a medical alert device, close at hand in the event of an emergency.
A long soak in a warm bath is not just relaxing; it can also provide relief for aching muscles and comfort to stiff joints. By following these safety tips while using your walk-in tub, you can bathe with reassuring peace of mind as you age-in-place in Maine!
Are you interested in learning how to update your home with a walk-in tub? Contact the professionals at Portland Accessibility Remodelers today!