Handicapped Bath Accessories, Mouseover for details, click for more info 

A hot bath can be one of the simple pleasures in life, particularly for those with chronic pain or musculoskeletal conditions. A wheelchair access bathroom with a walk-in bathtub are particularly suited for elderly individuals and those with physical challenges or limited mobility. Handicap walk-in bath tubs allow the people you love to bathe independently and with dignity. Sustaining independent habits can help elderly people maintain self-esteem, which has been shown to be a key element in maintaining overall health. A walk in tub provides easy access for those who can’t easily climb into a conventional tub.

The anxieties that come with age or the onset of a physically challenging medical condition are many, and the addition of a walk-in bathtub can help elderly and handicapped people feel more secure about themselves and the daily habit of bathing. In addition, this type of tub prevents family members or personal care from straining their backs helping someone into a regular tub.

There are many approaches to addressing bathing needs, from a basic shower stool to installing handrails in an existing shower, to installing a full handicap shower.

The first question which needs to be addressed is that of how much mobility does the user have?  Can they stand independently?

Handicap bathroom design includes the following features. The sides of a walk-in tub are contoured to provide arm support and facilitate balance while sitting upright in the tub. Handicap bathroom shower units should have a nonslip surface on the floor and seat, and handheld shower spray.

Other features can include a whirlpool to help with circulatory problems, arthritis, and sore muscles, an adjustable scald-prevention guard which allows the user to set to a maximum water temperature setting to prevent accidental burning. The temperature control knobs are usually much easier to manipulate than those in a conventional shower or tub, with less guesswork involved in arriving at a comfortable temperature.

With a walk in bathtub, the user doesn’t have to step over the lip of the tub.  All they have to do is open the lid, and close the door (which typically fastens). The walk in doors have a watertight seal.  In one noteworthy advantage over conventional bathtubs, walk in bathtubs typically can be filled up to chest height.

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