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Aging in Place by Room - Part 35 - Bathroom Accessible Tubs

1/30/2020

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By Anna Hazard
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Introduction

One of the main concerns when it comes to a tub style bathing area is the greater chance of injury by slipping, tripping, or falling when stepping over the edge of the tub while entering or exiting it. This is a maneuver that may be nearly impossible for someone with more limited mobility as well as for seniors who tend to develop balance related issues with age.

Walk-in Tubs

One of the easiest, if somewhat costly, ways to deal with the danger of falling while entering or exiting a tub is by replacing a normal tub with a more accessible walk-in style that has a small door in its side for easier access. This is a particularly good option for those seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia that may get confused or agitated during showers but who may have mobility problems with entering a normal tub for bathing.

​However, keep in mind that walk-in tubs still have a small lip to step over (usually no more than a few inches as compared to over a foot for a normal tub) and thus will not have a completely level entrance as found in barrier free showers. People with more severe mobility issues that require constant use of wheelchairs may find a shower style bathing area more convenient.
Accessible Bath Tub Picture

Other Tub Options

Other options to walk-in tubs include tubs that have an entry point with a lower edge (suitable for those who have enough mobility to step over a lip, but safer and more comfortable without having to raise one's leg as high as normal) or a tub with a wide edge meant for sitting that will make transferring inside and outside far easier.  

​Jetted tubs tend to come with such accessibility options as interior seating and lowered lips for their entrances as well as their water pressure jets having the added benefit of soothing arthritis pains as well as many of the other types of body aches and strains that can come with age,  
Versa Bath Seat Picture

Tub Seating

If a tub does not have a walk-in, lowered entry, or seated edge, then it may require the use of an adjustable transfer bench to sit on for better stability when entering or exiting. Also keep in mind that any tub will require a bare minimum of 30" of clearance at its entrance side for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

​Otherwise, a tub should either have built-in integrated seating or should be large enough for slip-free removable seating (such as bathing benches suctioned to the bottom of the tub or temporarily attached to the sides) so that standing or rising from a seated position at the bottom of the tub would not be required
Bath Tub Faucet & Controls Picture

Tub Controls

When it comes to the tub faucet location, keep in mind that the user should not have to reach across the tub to control the water or check its temperature. This will lower the risk of the user accidentally falling or otherwise straining themselves while using the faucet and helps with accessibility for any caregivers assisting while bathing.

​For a free-standing or platform tub, the controls should be on the front side while an enclosed tub should have controls on the near wall around 33" above the finished floor.  Otherwise the faucet and controls should be placed so that they don't interfere with entering or exiting the tub. 

View the Rest of the Series

Part 1 - Introduction
Part 2 - Exterior
Part 3 - Landscaping & Gardens
Part 4 -  Patio,  Porch, & Deck
Part 5 - Garage & Carports

Part 6 - Entrances, Exits, & Thresholds
Part 7 - Exterior Steps & Ramps
Part 8 - Threshold Lighting & Windows

Part 9 - Interior Doors & Halls
Part 10 - Interior Steps & Staircases
Part 11 - Interior Stairlifts

Part 12 - Interior Elevators
Part 13 - Interior Lighting
Part 14 - General Interior Flooring
Part 15 - Interior Flooring Comparisons
Part 16 - HVAC & Energy Efficiency

Part 17 - Power, Communications, & Other Interior Systems
Part 18 - Living Room
Part 19 - Kitchen Layout, HVAC, & Electrical Systems
Part 20 - Kitchen Lighting, Flooring, and Sink Faucets

Part 21 - Kitchen Countertops & Cabinets
Part 22 - 
Kitchen Refrigerators, Freezers, and Dishwashers
Part 23 - 
Kitchen Ovens, Ranges, Stovetops, and Cooktops
Part 24 - Kitchen 
Microwaves, Blenders, & Food Processors
Part 25 - 
Miscellaneous Kitchen Items
Part 26 - Dining Room Layout, Tables, & Other Furniture
Part 27 - Dining Room Flooring, Lighting, & Meal Serving Equipment
Part 28 - Bedroom Layout & Closets
Part 29 - Accessible 
Beds 
Part 30 - Bedroom Furniture, Electronics, & Other Accessories
Part 31 - Bedroom Flooring
​
Part 32 - Bedroom Lighting
Part 33 - Bathroom General Layout
Part 34 - Bathroom General Tips for Showers & Tubs
Part 35 - Bathroom Accessible Tubs
Part 36 - Bathroom Accessible Showers

Part 37 - Bathroom Accessible Toilets
Part 38 - Bathroom Sinks & Vanities

Part 39 - Bathroom Cabinets & Shelving
Part 40 - Bathroom Grab Bars
Part 41 - Bathroom Flooring
Part 42 - Bathroom Lighting
Part 43 - Bathroom Ableware - Toilet Aids & General Accessibility
Part 44 - Bathroom Ableware - Shower, Bathing, & Grooming Aids
Part 45 - Laundry Room Location, Layout, & Spacing
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