Completing Your Home's Senior Walk-In Tub Setup: Four Things To Consider

Adding a senior walk-in tub to your home can be a great way to help older relatives live independently. It can also make a wonderful addition to a guest bathroom, ensuring overnight visitors of all ages can tend to personal needs while in your home. Work with your remodeling contractor to find the right tub model for your bathroom and consider the following additional options to make the space safe and welcoming.

Built-In Bench

If space allows, consider adding a built-in bench along the wall next to the bathtub. This provides a stable seat for use after getting out of the tub. Individuals with mobility issues can transition from the tub to the bench, minimizing the time needed to stand after exiting the tub. Consider a slat seat design to prevent moisture from building up as you or your guest towels off after a bath. This bench should be positioned so it is only a step or two away from the walk-in tub for easy access.

Multiple Grab Bars

One mistake some people make when creating an accessible bathroom is only adding one grab bar to the bathtub area. Depending on the angle of entry and exit, a single bar might not be close enough to access when using the tub. Work with your contractor to install angled bars on both ends of the tub area. A long bar that runs the length of the tub can be great for moving around while bathing. You may also want to add extra bars along the walls leading to the tub to make getting into the bath easier as well.

Shower Curtain Rod

Even if the bath doesn't have a shower, adding a curtain rod can be a smart choice for your senior walk-in tub. Adding a curtain provides extra privacy, and it also keeps the tub out of sight when not in use. This rod should be reinforced when installed into the ceiling or the wall to help prevent it from falling if too much force is applied. Shower curtains are sometimes a better option than sliding shower doors, as these doors reduce the amount of space available for gaining entry into the tub area.

Nonslip Bathroom Flooring

A final safety precaution for your senior walk-in tub might include nonslip flooring. The gripped surface can help prevent slips and falls, even when the floor is wet or damp. Your remodeling contractor can replace all the tile in the bathroom for this project, but you can also choose to add just a strip of the flooring in front of the tub. A contrasting color and design can add a unique look to the room if you decide to go with just a partial floor replacement. You can find nonslip flooring in a wide array of colors and styles to complement your existing decor.

To get started with a senior walk-in tub setup, reach out to a local remodeling contractor.