Many people are not aware of this but daily bathing really requires a certain level of physical agility. The fitness of the elderly is very often drastically reduced. Also for younger people with disabilities or after severe injuries, using a bathtub or a regular shower cabin can cause significant problems and even can lead to an injury. Therefore, when choosing a property or trying on renovation / finishing a bathroom, it is important to choose wisely and think of the future. Below we have listed the biggest pros and cons of all possibilities.
WHY IS A BATHTUB THE WORST IDEA?
- one of the most common injuries limiting the mobility of the elderly is femoral neck fractures, this is a very serious injury, which even after proper surgery and rehabilitation can prevent such seemingly simple activities as entering and leaving the bathtub
- leaving the bathtub on a wet floor creates a high risk of slipping and falling
- for wheelchair users the bathtub is a big obstacle and less mobile people may need help to get in and out
- the use of benches and platforms facilitating bathing in a bathtub does not always solve the problem for example due to weight restrictions, also such accessories are not suitable for every bathtub and take up a lot of space and are an additional element necessary to keep clean
- there are solutions such as bathtubs with doors for easy entry, but it is a costly solution, and the risk of flooding the bathroom is considerable considering the use by people with progressive mental limitations
WHY IS A CLASSIC SHOWER CUBICLE A BAD SOLUTION?
- such cabins often still have a high threshold, which requires the user to make a large step
- as in the case of a bathtub, the risk of slipping when leaving the shower tray is high
- they take up a lot of space in the bathroom, offering little space inside, this limits the bathing area and also restrict installation possibilities of additional handles and seats
- no wheelchair access
- weight restrictions
- it is not possible to safely put in the bathing chair because of legs spot pressure point that may damage the acrylic former
- difficult to keep clean - many nooks and crannies
WHY IS A LOW HEIGHT SHOWER ENCLOSURE STILL NOT AN IDEAL SOLUTION?
- a much smaller threshold than a classic shower cubicle, but still often prevents easy entry by wheelchair due to materials or design
- in acrylic versions, the spot pressure of the bathing chair may cause cracks
- a relatively expensive solution
- it is practically impossible to effectively use the curtain instead of the glass
- complete lack of threshold means easy access without having to take a step
- free entry with a wheelchair
- a lot of space inside without taking up too much space in the bathroom
- complete freedom in additional handles, folding seats
- the possibility of any positioning of the bathing chair, can be used safely
- no weight restrictions
- very easy to maintain
- the possibility of using a glass screen or curtain with equally good water tightness
- cheap and easy to install solution
- any surface finish
- a modern design that does not disturb the appearance of the bathroom
